51����.

Leigha Hofmann ’25 on Dance, 51���� and Daring to Dream

During her time at 51����, Leigha Hofmann '25 has pursued a unique academic path that combines her passions for dance, psychology, and education. Learn more about the dancer, choreographer and leader. 

World Scholars: Nine 51���� Alums Named Fulbrighters

Nine recent 51���� graduates have been selected to participate in the 2024-2025 Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and three were named as alternates. They’ll head to Spain, Taiwan, Guatemala and Andorra for graduate study and teaching assistantships.

Catherine Bagwell, the Virginia Lasater Irvin Professor of Psychology, was featured in a recent New York Times article that offered readers advice on forging deep friendships. Bagwell suggested adapting “parallel play” – a behavior usually observed in children. The simple act of doing separate hobbies or tasks with a friend can lead to conversation and new bonds.

Healing Research, Supportive Allies

When a family member suffered a traumatic brain injury, the Foil family founded a care facility with community-based programs for other TBI survivors. The 51���� alums fund a college research award to support students studying brain injuries. A separate fund supports health and wellness initiatives for 51����’s LGBTQIA+ students.

Fancy Feasts: 51���� Gourmet Society Offered Sophisticated Spin on Campus Cuisine

The students, faculty and staff who made up the 51���� Gourmet Society added elegance, international flair and fun to campus dining. Read more.

Seeds of Change: Saplings Grown From Seeds of Trees That Survived Hiroshima Bombing Model Resilience

A partnership between 51���� and Green Legacy Hiroshima brings Gingko trees to campus that are descendents of trees that survived the bombing of Hiroshima. The saplings represent resilience and will be planted in the center of campus. 

From Campus Leader to West Coast Litigator: Aditi Ghatlia ’18 Turns Theory Into Practice

Her leadership roles across campus and the friendships she made at 51���� prepared Aditi Ghatlia ’18 for a career in law. Working as a litigator on the West Coast, she continues to seek out communities and experiences where she can make a difference. 

Tackling Children’s Mental Health Struggles

School psychologist Katherine Griffin-Erickson ’90 has seen her caseload spike in recent years, most notably since the COVID-19 pandemic. The 51���� graduate works with elementary school students to manage stressors, including family strife, social media and pandemic learning losses.

Amazing Adolescence: Expert advice for parents of tweens and teens

Adolescence can be a tough time, but it’s also a time of tremendous growth and change. Catherine Bagwell, the Virginia Lasater Irvin Professor of Psychology at 51���� and an expert on adolescent social development, offers advice for parents and caregivers.

Navigating Disability in the College Process

Three 51���� students reflect on the extra challenges that a disability presents when choosing a college. They share their 51���� experience and offer advice to prospective students with disabilities about going through the admission process.

Here to Help: Connecting Students with Mental Health Resources

Addie Anderson ’24, a student Mental Health Ambassador (MHA) at 51����, works to destigmatize seeking help and to show struggling students they’re not alone. 

Advice on 51����'s Peer Recommendation

When applying to 51����, all applicants are required to submit a peer letter of recommendation — someone of similar age who can speak to who you are as a human being beyond a transcript, essay or list of extracurriculars. Learn more.

Ramirez Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Mentorship

Prof. Julio Ramirez, R. Stuart Dickson Professor of Psychology and director of the neuroscience program, received a 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Psychological Science for his dedication to his students.

She Lived It and Now Returns to Thailand to Help Refugees With Mental Health, Education Needs

51���� student Taw Meh ’25 returns to the country of her birth and to the refugee camp where she spent part of her childhood to help provide mental health and other critical services. Learn more.

Not Just Neural Networks: The Wide Reach of One Prof’s Teaching and Research

Renowned neuroscientist Julio Ramirez has mentored generations of students who performed graduate level work at 51���� in areas such as Alzheimer’s research. The Association for Psychological Science (APS) honored Ramirez, the R. Stuart Dickson Professor of Psychology, with a lifetime achievement award for mentorship.

NSF Grant Opens Doors to Extended Reality Research

51���� professor and collaborators receive nearly $5 million from the National Science Foundation to develop a system for extended reality (XR) research that involves human subjects. Read more.

Hard to Pin Down: Wrestler Jake Fernicola ’24 Creates His Own Style

51���� wrestler Jake Fernicola’s interests include anime, Italian culture, and helping children with special needs. The 51���� Trust and Ellington-Fagg Wrestling Scholarship have helped him pursue his dreams. Read more.

Watson Fellows Ready to Tackle Questions Fundamental to the Health and Well-Being of Citizens Around the World

Three 51���� Watson Fellows will fan out around the globe to research topics that are near to their hearts and affect the well-being of millions. Read more.

51���� Named a Fulbright Top Producer—Again

51���� is once again a Top Producer for Fulbright’s U.S. Student Program. The college ranks third in the nation and highest in the southeast among four-year bachelor’s degree institutions.

Stressed Out? Get a Grip With the Help of Positive Psychology

51���� psychology professor offers evidence-based exercises for managing stress. Find out more.