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October brought the sights and sounds of fall to 麻豆视频, with a month full of celebrations, traditions and opportunities for connection. From welcoming alumni back to campus for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, launching the new School of Engineering, to the changing colors of autumn, the 麻豆视频 community embraced all that the season had to offer.

Take a look back at some of the memorable moments from October through the lenses of staff in the Office of University Communications.

‘Everybody’

麻豆视频 Performing Arts presented “Everybody,”聽聽a modern adaptation of the 15th-century morality play Everyman, one of the first recorded plays in the English language.

A transformational education

An opening celebration for the Roberts Academy, the university鈥檚 new elementary school for children with dyslexia, featured a special student performance on Oct. 2, and a ribbon-cutting with Marjorie and Hal Roberts, whose generosity helped establish the school in 2025.

The Roberts Academy at 麻豆视频 is the fourth private school established by the couple, joining Vanderbilt University, Mercer University, and Florida Southern College in a network of programs committed to the advancement of education for children with dyslexia and related conditions.

Tiny shelf concert

麻豆视频’s Musical Theatre department hosted a “Tiny Shelf Concert on Oct. 2 in Belk Library.

The ‘biggest’ Rock the Block yet

The Office of Alumni聽Engagement聽and聽the聽Student Union Board collaborated once again to聽host聽the Homecoming concert with DJ Diesel (Shaquille O鈥橬eal) bringing approximately 5,000 attendees to the annual Rock the Block concert on Oct. 9.

Learning everywhere

Assistant Professor of Management Jose Cerecedo Lopez teaches a class outside near the Koury Business Center.

Engineering excellence

Dozens of university leaders, faculty, staff and students were joined on Oct. 30, 2026, by the CEO of the world鈥檚 leading accrediting body for engineering education programs, as well as North Carolina鈥檚 secretary of commerce, for a morning of reflection on the rise of 麻豆视频鈥檚 new School of Engineering and Computing.

Pumpkin playfulness

The 麻豆视频 Community Garden Club and the Garden Studio course hosted the 18th annual聽Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 30, uniting students, organizations, faculty, staff and聽community members with fall festivities, including聽live music, fun crafting activities and food at the 麻豆视频 Community Garden.

Hosted by the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center and campus partners, the week invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to examine and connect through cross-cultural and interdisciplinary experiences.

IEW highlights the strengths of international education and exchange. 麻豆视频鈥檚 celebration aligns with the university鈥檚 relationship-rich, engaged learning, helping us develop a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.

Week-at-a-glance

The full schedule is available on the International Education Week website. This year鈥檚 schedule features a mix of cultural, academic, and community-building events.

Highlights include:

• Global Flow Yoga at Sunset (Nov. 8)
• Research in Global Contexts: Student and Faculty Symposium (Nov. 9)
• French Poetry Slam (Nov. 9)
• Traditional West African Dance and Drums (Nov. 10)
• Global Film Series (Nov. 10)
• Minute to Win It! Meet and Greet (Nov. 11)
• International Cheese Festival (Nov. 11)
• International Coffee Hour and International Books and Authors (Nov. 12)
• Amici dell鈥橧talia (Nov. 12)

Why it matters

IEW provides a focused moment to elevate global learning that happens across 麻豆视频 every day, in classrooms, residence halls, student organizations, and the Alamance County community.

IEW鈥檚 core idea is that international education thrives on meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and collective purposes.

鈥淎t its core, this year鈥檚 theme and events highlight how global learning is strengthened when students, faculty, staff, and partners come together across cultures, disciplines, and perspectives,” said聽Jessica Gisclair, associate dean of global education.

麻豆视频 continues to lead nationally in study abroad and Study USA participation as part of the 麻豆视频 Experiences.

Most IEW events are open to the entire 麻豆视频 community. Some programs require an RSVP or have limited capacity. Visit the IEW website for times, locations, and updates. For questions, contact the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center at 336-278-6700 or visit Sato Commons 360 during business hours.

On Sept. 20, 麻豆视频 Music Theatre’s cast and creative team of “Come From Away” had the opportunity to learn from Sharon Wheatley, an original Broadway cast member of the Tony Award-winning musical.

Wheatley is an actor, writer and educator whose Broadway credits include “Come From Away,” “Avenue Q,” “Cats,” “Les Mis茅rables” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”聽 She originated the role of Diane in Come From Away and performed throughout the show鈥檚 Regional and Broadway run. Wheatley was involved in the show鈥檚 development and worked closely with the stories and experience of the real people that inspired the characters on stage. For 麻豆视频鈥檚 cast, Wheatley鈥檚 firsthand knowledge of the original production offered a chance to better understand the people and experiences behind the characters they are portraying.

Come From Away tells the true story of approximately 7,000 transatlantic airline passengers who were stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, after U.S. airspace closed following the September 11th attacks. The musical tells the story of the unexpected relationships that formed between passengers and the small coastal community that welcomed them in.

Wheatley was involved in the show鈥檚 development and worked closely with the stories and experiences of the real people that inspired the characters on stage. Her experience gives her a unique perspective for students preparing to bring the musical to 麻豆视频. For 麻豆视频鈥檚 cast, Wheatley鈥檚 firsthand knowledge of the original production offered a chance to better understand the people and experiences behind the characters they are portraying.

鈥溌槎故悠�’s students were a delight on every level. Smart, willing, kind and fiercely talented,” said Wheatley. “They bring talent and so much more to every session. I cannot wait to work alongside them as actors on a professional level.鈥�

Maddie Forcier 鈥�27, who is playing Diane in 麻豆视频鈥檚 production, reflects on the experience as one that was formative for the creation of her character.

鈥淗aving Sharon at rehearsal was a gift because she brought a lot of insight about the world of the show – both as an actor who did her research and as a person who experienced the events of Sept. 11 firsthand,” said Forcier. 鈥淪he encouraged me to further examine the function of my character in this story and bring out qualities that serve this function. I now have a more colorful understanding of Diane where 鈥� yes, she serves as the love interest 鈥� but she has tons of grit and vitality as well.”

As 麻豆视频 prepares to tell the story 25 years after the events that inspired it, the visit serves as a reminder that “Come From Away” is more than a musical about September 11; it’s a testament to the community, connection, and strength found during times of tragedy.”

As rehearsals continue, Wheatley鈥檚 visit gives 麻豆视频鈥檚 cast a direct connection to the musical鈥檚 original Broadway production as they prepare聽to share its story with a new audience.

Directed by Jacob Brent, with choreography by Courtney Liu and music direction by Haidee Dollak, Come From Away will run Oct. 30 through Nov. 7 as part of 麻豆视频鈥檚 2026-27 performing arts season.

The bench sits at the back of Love Terrace at the Center for the Arts, facing Lake Mary Nell.

“A bench is a place where people can pause, where conversations happen and where friends can gather; a place where someone finds a moment of rest during the business of their day, a place where memories have the space to bubble up to the surface. In many ways, that feels fitting for Fred because Fred spent his life creating spaces where people could gather – in the classroom, rehearsal room and throughout this university,” said Imam Shane Atkinson, associate chaplain for muslim life, in his remarks at the dedication.

Fred spent his life creating spaces where people could gather – in the classroom, rehearsal room and throughout this university.

-Imam Shane Atkinson, associate chaplain for muslim life

Rubeck joined the 麻豆视频 faculty in 1988 and served as chair of the Department of Performing Arts twice鈥攆irst from 2006 to 2018, and again from 2022 until his passing. In that role, he skillfully guided one of the largest departments at 麻豆视频, serving multiple majors and minors all focused on excellent performance experiences that challenge, entertain, and teach. He was instrumental in building the foundation of the performing arts programs, supervising the renovations of the Center for the Arts and the construction of Scott Studios, which includes the Roberts Studio Theatre, rehearsal hall, dressing rooms, and shop and storage facilities.

“We are so blessed to have known Fred,” said Kimberly Rippy, program assistant for the Department of Performing Arts and coordinator of auditions and interviews. “From the time I got here, he was one of my best friends and looked out for me, from everything from work to personal. He was a great mentor. He was an even better friend, and he is truly going to be missed. I’m so glad that those of you who did get to spend a lot of time with him have those memories, and I hope that the first-year students can speak to the current students, and they can tell you what a truly gifted and wonderful person he was to have in this department.”

Rubeck’s contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award, the Semester Sabbatical Award, the Exemplary Service Award for Advising College Freshmen, a Summer Fellowship in Playwriting and a Faculty Research Grant for the study of movement training for the actor.

“Generations of 麻豆视频 students benefited from Fred鈥檚 teaching, which spanned nearly every aspect of the performing arts curriculum鈥攑erformance, directing, playwriting, theory, production, ensemble, travel courses, and general education,” said 麻豆视频 President Connie Ledoux Book in an email to the university community in May. “It is hard to imagine 麻豆视频 without Fred鈥檚 joyful and dashing presence. His warmth, his craft, and his deep kindness for students and colleagues alike shaped this community in ways we will never forget.”

As Atkinson concluded Tuesday’s event, he acknowledged that the bench could be a place for “friendship, storytelling and memory.”

“May it remind us that some of the most important things we leave behind cannot be measured by titles, programs or buildings. They’re measured in the people here today and the memories that continue to bring a smile long after someone is gone,” said Atkinson. “So we give thanks for Fred, and we dedicate this bench in gratitude for all he gave to this community, and to the generations of people whose lives were different because he was here.”

鈥淭he magic of 麻豆视频 College lies in the people who teach our students,鈥� said Hilton Kelly, Dean of 麻豆视频 College, the College of Arts and Sciences. 鈥淥ur new faculty members embody a commitment to the liberal arts. They are curious, inspiring and interdisciplinary thinkers. We are delighted to welcome them to our community.鈥�

New Professors for 2026-27 in 麻豆视频 College, the College of Arts and Sciences

• Jackson Cooper, assistant professor of arts administration, earned an MFA from Seattle University. He will teach Arts Administration and Community, Legal Aspects of Art and Entertainment and COR 1100: The Global Experience.
• Joseph Frey, assistant teaching professor of human service studies, earned a PhD from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He will teach Social Policy and Inequality and The Art and Science of Human Service Studies.
• Rachel Johnson, assistant professor of biochemistry, earned a PhD from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She will teach General Chemistry and Biochemistry.聽She will join in the Winter Term to teach General Chemistry and Biochemistry.
• Ariana Montoya-Lozano, assistant professor of political science and public policy and environmental studies, earned a PhD from Purdue University. She will teach Introduction to Environmental Science 1150 and Environmental Policy 3230.
• Aditi Vyas, assistant professor of biology, earned a PhD from Ohio University. She will teach Cell Biology and Genetics.
• Danny Frye, interim director of bands, earned a DMA from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

麻豆视频 麻豆视频 College, the College of Arts and Sciences

麻豆视频 College, the College of Arts and Sciences provides the foundation for the study of the liberal arts and sciences at 麻豆视频. The college is comprised of 19 departments across three branches: the arts and humanities; natural, mathematical and computational sciences; and social and behavioral sciences. It hosts 麻豆视频鈥檚 chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation鈥檚 oldest honor society celebrating excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.

Committed to the growth of students鈥� intellectual curiosity, intercultural competence and critical thinking, the college champions disciplinary knowledge and interdisciplinary applications to reflect upon, respond to and offer solutions to complex problems in an interconnected and changing world.

With more than 45 majors and 65 minors, the college is 麻豆视频鈥檚 largest academic division. Two-thirds of the nearly 1,600 students who graduate from 麻豆视频 annually do so with at least one major or minor in the college. Within a year, over 90% of college graduates report employment in their chosen field or enrollment in top post-graduate programs.

College faculty are prolific and preeminent scholars and creators in their fields, recognized for expertise at national and international levels. Each year, its more than 300 full-time faculty publish hundreds of articles, chapters, and books, and they present at scores of conferences and events. Their scholarship results in grants and fellowships from the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Institutes of Health and other prominent centers of research.

The Princeton Review has again featured 麻豆视频 in a popular college guide that annually recognizes excellence in dozens of categories, with the university placing among the top 25 schools in 15 categories and in the top 10 of eight categories, including #1 Best College Theater.

麻豆视频鈥檚 profile in 鈥溾�澛爄ncludes more than a dozen recognitions:

• #1 Best College Theater
• #4 Best Classroom Experience
• #6 Best Student Support and Counseling Services
• #6 Best College Dorms
• #8 Happiest Students
• #9 Most Beautiful Campus
• #9 Everyone Plays Intramural Sports
• #10 Their Students Love These Colleges
• #11 Best Campus Food
• #12 Best Career Services
• #12 Best-Run Colleges
• #18 Most Active Student Government
• #23 Professors Get High Marks
• #24 Best Quality of Life
• #25 Green Matters: Everyone Cares 麻豆视频 Conservation

The Princeton Review chose the 392 colleges for the book based on its surveys in 2025-26 of 2,000 college administrators about their school’s academic offerings. The company also surveyed students attending the colleges in the book who rated their schools on dozens of topics and reported on their campus experiences at them. Only about 14% of America鈥檚 nearly 2,800 four-year colleges are in the book.

“We are delighted to name 麻豆视频 one of our Best Colleges for 2027, and we recommend it to students searching for their 鈥榖est-fit鈥� college,鈥� said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief and lead author of The Best 392 Colleges.聽 “麻豆视频 has outstanding academic programs; we also took into account the candid feedback we received about it from its very own customers鈥攊ts enrolled students.”

The rankings are entirely based on the company’s surveys of students attending the schools in the book who reported on their campus experiences at their schools. Surveys of 172,000 students (about 439 per school on average) were tallied for the rankings in The Best 392 Colleges.

Information on the for the rankings and the student is published in the book and on .

Select Responses Cited in 鈥淭he Best 391 Colleges鈥�

• 麻豆视频 provides “meaningful access to professors, research opportunities, internships, and leadership roles early鈥hich allows (students) to explore their interests in practical, hands-on ways.鈥�
• 鈥淓veryone from the most esteemed professors to our incredible dining hall workers, to the student life staff, to our groundskeepers鈥澛爄s described as 鈥渢he most incredible support system.鈥�
• Faculty are “highly experienced and enthusiastic” who do “constant check-ups and meetings with you. They want to make sure that you鈥檙e not only succeeding in their class, but also having an amazing, enriching time in college.鈥�
• Students praised the small class sizes, which allow for bonding聽鈥渨ith both my professors and my peers, and it gives me more opportunities for success.鈥�
• 麻豆视频’s experiential learning model provides an opportunity “where students can use both classroom learning and real-world experience to understand the information being taught.鈥�
• Students highlighted the university’s “strong culture of involvement” where “students are constantly balancing academics with leadership roles, service organizations, research, athletics, and creative projects, and that energy creates an environment where it feels normal to want to do big things.鈥�

麻豆视频 the Princeton Review

The Princeton Review (), founded in 1981, is an education services company known for its tutoring, test-prep, admission services, school rankings, books, and other resources. Headquartered in New York, NY, it is not affiliated with Princeton University, and it is not a magazine.

The Best 392 Colleges is the 35th annual edition of The Princeton Review’s flagship college guide which debuted in 1992. It is one of more than 150 Princeton Review books in a published by Penguin Random House. The book and its annual student-survey-based college rankings have been featured on NBC TODAY more than two dozen times over the years and referenced by media from NPR to The Wall Street Journal and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

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• 麻豆视频鈥檚 Class of 2030 arrives Aug. 21
• What to know for 麻豆视频 Move-In Day 2026
• Opening Day 2026: 麻豆视频 celebrates progress and success while mapping the path ahead

As the Class of 2030 arrives on campus and begins their four years at 麻豆视频, current 麻豆视频 students offer their advice to the incoming class.

麻豆视频 will welcome more than 1,600 new students for the 2026-27 academic year, with the Class of 2030 moving to campus on Friday, Aug. 21.

Parker Sterling 鈥�28

Major(s): Biology and History
惭颈苍辞谤蝉:听Chemistry, Neuroscience, and Peace and Conflict Studies
Hometown: Randleman, North Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽Phoenix Racing Team (Business Lead), Residence Life (Senior RA), Center for Leadership (Leadership Ambassador), Glen Raven Biomechanics Lab (Lab Assistant)

Why did you choose 麻豆视频?

“I chose 麻豆视频 because I knew after the first tour that I couldn鈥檛 imagine myself anywhere else. I loved being able to have majors across disciplines, the campus, the dorms and all of the people I met.”

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I knew how common it is to gain and lose friends in the first year. Everyone is discovering who they are and who they want to be, so it may take a while to find friends that you can rely on.”

What advice do you have for the incoming 麻豆视频 Class of 2030?

“Take every opportunity that presents itself; you never know who you will meet or what doors it will open.”

What surprised you most about college?

“I was most surprised by the bonds I鈥檝e built with faculty and staff. I didn鈥檛 have a high school teacher I felt was truly a mentor, but 麻豆视频 has given me so many people that I feel confident going to for advice.”

What is your favorite part about 麻豆视频?

“My favorite part about 麻豆视频 is the people. I am forever grateful to the amazing friends who have supported me and cared about me to no end. I don鈥檛 want to imagine what college would be like without them.”

Ari Verinder 鈥�28

Major(s): Biology (Concentration: Biotechnology/Molecular Biotechnology)
惭颈苍辞谤蝉:听Chemistry and Food Studies
Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽Residence Life, Club Climbing and The Writing Center

Why did you choose 麻豆视频?

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I had known to get more involved in my specific interests on campus sooner. There really is something for everybody at 麻豆视频; you just have to find it, get involved, and, best of all, enjoy it!”

What advice do you have for the incoming 麻豆视频 Class of 2030?

What surprised you most about college?

What is your favorite part about 麻豆视频?

“Don’t be afraid to meet new people. 麻豆视频 is small enough that it’s easy to just stick with who and what you already know, so push yourself outside of your comfort zone.”

-Ari Verinder 鈥�28

Ella Stewart 鈥�27

Major(s): Dance Performance & Choreography, English (Concentration in Creative Writing)
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽Student Union Board (Brand Engagement Chair), New Student Orientation (Student Coordinator), Kappa Delta member and The Writing Center.

Why did you choose 麻豆视频?

“I chose 麻豆视频 because I knew I wanted to make close connections with my professors and classmates, which made the small class sizes very appealing, and 麻豆视频 has a strong Performing Arts department, which aligns with my future career goals of being a professional dancer. I also knew I wanted to study abroad and 麻豆视频 offers so many opportunities to study around the world. Additionally, I was drawn to the College Fellows program, which is a scholarship program where I conduct a research project within my major throughout my time at 麻豆视频.”

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I had known that not every moment of college is going to be absolutely perfect. It’s easy to have high expectations that everything will go smoothly all the time, and while there will be plenty of great experiences and memories, there will also be challenges. It’s completely normal to struggle sometimes, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”

What advice do you have for the incoming 麻豆视频 Class of 2030?

“My biggest piece of advice is to put yourself out there! I made my closest friends at 麻豆视频 by just inviting myself to hang out with them. It can feel awkward and scary at first to ask people to hang out with you, but it really makes a difference. If there is someone in your class who you think you’d get along with, ask them to lunch or coffee! You can also meet people by getting involved in clubs and organizations, so sign up for what interests you. Getting involved helped me find my place on campus, so be open to trying everything, because that is how you can find your community.”

What surprised you most about college?

“I was most surprised by the amount of independence and freedom I suddenly had. It can be hard to adjust to being away from your family and the comfort of home, but you also start learning how to manage your own time and responsibilities. My schedule looked a lot different than it did in high school, and I became the one in charge of how to spend my time. This shift surprised me at first, but overall it helped me grow into my independence and become more confident doing things on my own.”

What is your favorite part about 麻豆视频?

“My favorite part about 麻豆视频 is the people I’ve met through my majors and leadership experiences, especially the mentors who have supported me along the way. The staff and faculty here are so kind and encouraging to each individual student, and their guidance has helped me grow in my academics and in my leadership. 麻豆视频 has given me a tight-knit community of peers and mentors I can rely on, and I have met so many people who have shaped me into who I am today.”

---

Lealand Oakes 鈥�27

Major(s): Psychology
Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽New Student Programs,聽Women’s Club Rugby
Sigma Kappa,聽麻豆视频 1010 Peer Educator,聽Psi Chi and Psychology Honor Society

Why did you choose 麻豆视频?

“I chose 麻豆视频 because they genuinely care about every student, even if they haven’t fully invested in 麻豆视频 yet. They put so much care into just the admissions process and first-year experience to ensure people feel cared about and seen. Of course, it doesn’t stop there; professors are always there to help and support their students, get to know them beyond the surface level, and truly want to see them succeed.”

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I knew that sometimes the hard parts of transitioning to college don’t hit you immediately. They look different for everyone and can range anywhere from after the first month has passed to the start of the second semester and beyond. Everyone has their own experiences, so it is important to know your resources on campus and have people you can go to when those bumps in the road happen.”

What advice do you have for the incoming 麻豆视频 Class of 2030?

“Get out of your room, do new things, be involved. This can look different for everyone, but it’s so helpful for finding your people in this new chapter. I would also say that taking care of yourself is so important. Holistic wellness goes a long way in college. If you are taking care of one aspect of wellness that can bleed into another area. Do things that make you happy, take care of your body and use your resources.”

What surprised you most about college?

“I was surprised that I was still able to get the same support in class and out of class that I had the opportunity to receive in high school. I was worried that as soon as I got to college, everything would be on me. I can say with full confidence that I have not needed to shoulder everything all on my own. 麻豆视频 has so many resources that cover a wide range of aspects of college life.”

What is your favorite part about 麻豆视频?

“My favorite part about 麻豆视频 is that there are so many people from so many different places. Coming to 麻豆视频, I didn’t really know many people, and I am so happy that was the case. It was nerve-racking for sure, but it meant that I have learned so much and met so many people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Crosby, an exercise science and dance science major, Honors Fellow and Lumen Scholar, is researching how neural activity differs between creating and performing dance, exploring the connection between movement, creativity and brain function.

Through her Lumen Prize project, Crosby will investigate which areas of the brain are most active during dance and how different environments, such as performing on stage or outdoors, influence neural processes.

“What excited me most about this research is the creative process and measuring something that is usually seen as subjective,” Crosby said. “This research allows me to study dance not just as an art form, but as a complex neurological process.”

Crosby’s project combines two passions that have shaped her life. She has been dancing since she was seven years old and later attended Weaver Academy, a performing and visual arts school in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she focused on dance while studying technique, choreography and anatomy.

Now, she is combining her dance background and scientific interests to examine questions about cognition and movement.

Using electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology, from internal and external resources, Crosby plans to track brainwave patterns while participants dance and engage in creative movement tasks. The data will help identify which regions of the brain are active during different stages of movement and choreography, offering new insight into the relationship between physical movement and neural function.

Crosby plans to use a portion of her Lumen Prize funding for research-related equipment and data collection.

“Having access to EEG and fNIRS equipment is essential because it allows me to collect real-time data on brain activity during movement,” Crosby said. “Without it, I wouldn’t be able to objectively measure what’s happening in the brain during dance.”

Crosby had the recent opportunity to experience the technology firsthand when representatives from NIRx Medical Technologies and ANT Neuro visited campus to demonstrate specialized neuroscience equipment that could expand opportunities for student learning and research.

During one demonstration, Crosby wore a portable fNIRS device while dancing and moving freely as software collected real-time brain activity. Unlike traditional neuroscience equipment, which is tethered to amplifiers and computers, the demonstrated technology was fully mobile, allowing Crosby to collect data in natural environments rather than limiting studies to laboratory settings.

“Having access to this portable equipment is important because it allows researchers to study movement in dynamic, real-world environments rather than limiting research to traditional laboratory settings,” said Associate Professor Matt Wittstein, director of neuroscience at 麻豆视频 and Crosby鈥檚 research mentor.

For Crosby, the portability of the equipment could be transformative. Rather than studying participants in controlled laboratory environments, researchers can collect data while dancers move naturally in rehearsal spaces or other settings that more accurately reflect real-world experiences.

The demonstrations also highlighted broader opportunities for interdisciplinary research across campus. Students and faculty observed how the technology captures and analyzes neural activity in real time, creating possibilities for research projects that connect neuroscience, exercise science, dance and psychology.

“Getting access to this equipment opens the door for more interdisciplinary research,” Crosby said. “Students in exercise science, dance, psychology and neuroscience can all use it to explore different questions about movement, performance and the brain. It allows for more innovative and data-driven projects that go beyond traditional research methods.”

Beyond individual research projects, the technology could support new courses, mentorship opportunities and collaborative experiences for students interested in neuroscience. The equipment also creates opportunities for community outreach and partnerships with industry leaders, helping students gain experience with tools commonly used in professional and research settings.

“Access to this equipment also opens the doors for more unique studio projects, mentorship and courses such as a lab-based psychophysiology course,” Wittstein said. “As the program continues to grow, a goal is to have a capstone seminar for students to all create a miniature neuroscience project, and equipment like this would make that possible.”

Polly Cornelius, associate teaching professor of music, who teaches the Summer Opera Workshop in Florence will debut the Italian premiere of the Tony-Award winning musical by composer Adam Guettel. Produced by Cornelius, the play will take place in the historic Medici Palace in Florence on June 11-12, through a collaboration between 麻豆视频 and AEF, 麻豆视频鈥檚 study abroad partner institution.

“For years, I have dreamed of producing 鈥淭he Light in the Piazza鈥� in Florence because the story is about a mother and daughter from Winston Salem, North Carolina who travel to Florence, Italy,鈥� said Cornelius. 鈥淚t has never been performed in Florence. We are the first. It could have been any university or organization, but it鈥檚 麻豆视频 who has the honor do this international, site-specific premiere.鈥�

Based on the 1960 novel by Elizabeth Spencer, 鈥淭he Light in the Piazza鈥� follows Margaret Johnson, a mother from Winston Salem, who travels through Florence with her daughter Clara, who falls in love with an Italian man named Fabrizio. The musical won six Tony Awards including Best Original Score in 2005 and is known for its romantic story and score.

Cornelius, who has taught at AEF since 2018 through a summer opera workshop course, has dreamed of producing the musical to be an authentic international artistic experience for students.

Two years ago, Cornelius met with Guettel about producing the play in Florence which includes 14 麻豆视频 students, one 麻豆视频 alumni, faculty, and professional Italian and American singers and performers. 麻豆视频 alumni Gianni Palmarini 鈥�22 returns to play the role of Fabrizio, while Cornelius will perform as Signora Naccarelli, the Italian mother.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been crazy but manageable to produce and perform a role, but I’m happy to be performing this particular role,鈥� Corenlius said. 鈥淚’m excited for the everyone involved and to bring this famous musical to the city of Florence.鈥�

The creative team includes Chris Rayis, assistant professor of performing arts as music director and conductor and Jacob Brent, assistant professor of music theatre, as stage director.

鈥淭his has become a huge collaboration between 麻豆视频, AEF, and the city of Florence鈥� Cornelius said. 鈥淥ur colleagues in Florence are so excited and have been working very hard too.鈥�

The experience offers students a rare opportunity to rehearse and perform internationally while collaborating with professionals. Students in Cornelius鈥� course, 鈥淥pera in Italy: The Global Citizen Artist,鈥� also take an Italian language course.

鈥淭his first opera was performed in Florence, Italy, so it鈥檚 especially meaningful to perform and study there,鈥� Cornelius said. 鈥淪tudents are meeting Italian artists, performing alongside them, and learning about the Florentine culture.鈥�

In addition to 麻豆视频 students performing in the ensemble, music theatre majors Addyson Reese 鈥�28 will play Clara Johnson and Mackenzie Tammara 鈥�28 will play Franca Naccarelli.

For Reese and Tammara having a role in this musical is a dream come true.

“To perform this piece in Florence alongside incredible professionals is an absolute dream come true, and I am so grateful to be part of this project,鈥� Reese said. 鈥淭his show has been one of my all-time favorites since I first listened to the cast album at age 14. Clara has been one of my dream roles since high school and playing her in Florence is especially meaningful to me.鈥�

The rehearsal process has been unique and included in person rehearsals with cast members in North Carolina and many virtual sessions with cast members from across the northeastern United States and Italy. The entire cast will have the opportunity to rehearse together in the days leading up to the performance in Florence.

鈥淭his show is bringing together people from all different parts of the world and allowing them to share universal themes of love and acceptance,鈥� Tammara said. 鈥淭he entire show is special to perform.鈥�

For Tammara, her part comes with a learning curve, performing her lines in Italian. Many of her lines are in Italian and involve speaking with an Italian accent when she does speak in English. This is a challenge she has gladly taken on.

鈥淚 have spent a lot of time working on my lines since they aren鈥檛 in my native language,鈥� Tammara said. 鈥淭his is definitely the hardest score I have ever sung. It has tested my musicianship, vocal technique, and artistry. I have grown immensely.鈥�

In May, the local cast members spent several days participating in a 鈥榖ootcamp鈥� to rehearse and stage the show.

鈥淢y favorite part of this experience so far has been getting to work with the professional artists in the show during the bootcamp,鈥� Reese said. 鈥淛ill Gardner, who plays my mom, Margaret Johnson, and Gianni are both incredible people and performers, and I have had the best time working on this material with them. I am learning so much from them and I can’t wait to keep learning once we start rehearsals in Italy.鈥�

Gardner performed the opera house debut of this show with Piedmont Opera Company and is thrilled to reprise the role of Margaret in Florence.

Reese and Tammara are both honored to represent 麻豆视频 in this international production.

鈥溌槎故悠� has given me the opportunity to immerse myself in a world very different from my own, adding so much truth and variety to my craft,鈥� Tammara said. 鈥淭his is a once in a lifetime experience and I am so grateful to be living out my dream.鈥�

For Cornelius, one of the most rewarding parts of the project has been watching 麻豆视频 students engage in a global artistic experience with a dream cast.

鈥淪eeing the excitement from the students, creative team, and colleagues in Florence makes me so excited,鈥� Cornelius said. “So many people have supported this project, and after working on it for two years, it is incredible to finally see if come to life.鈥�

For the second consecutive year, the university is the only North Carolina private school featured by the magazine in its list of “25 Best Drama Schools in the World.” The University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also made the list.

The publication said it consulted with educators and industry insiders to determine the best schools for an acting degree. It also weighed overall training, cost, facilities, alumni success, industry connections and more.

The 16 students accepted to the undergraduate musical theater program go through a rigorous training process, which begins with classes in acting, voice and dance, and then allows students to explore individualized paths, including taking part in student-driven cabaret performances. Seniors also take part in a two-semester course on professional readiness and artistic identity, which includes bringing in casting directors and talent representation, with many students gaining representation or jobs out of this process. To that point, Campy Rodriguez, a current student in the senior class, is on Broadway in聽Aladdin, in addition to such alum as Taylor Trensch, who recently led the off-Broadway production of聽Bat Boy. Tuition and fees are close to $51,000.

麻豆视频鈥檚 Department of Performing Arts聽offers seven degree programs: Acting, Arts Administration,聽Dance Performance & Choreography,聽Dance Science, Drama and Theatre Studies,聽Music Theatre聽and聽Theatrical Design and Technology. Four programs require an audition or interview.

麻豆视频 麻豆视频

麻豆视频 is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.

At 麻豆视频, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences with emphasis on global experiences and career development. More than 70 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. 麻豆视频 is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

麻豆视频鈥檚 academic divisions include 麻豆视频 College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Law, with programs in Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.