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Resident Playwright Grace Catan ’26 on Writing a Musical with the Help of her Artist Community

Grace Catan ‘26 found herself surrounded by musical theatre fans at 17�Թ���. She's now writing her own musical, with friends lending their talents to help pull it off. The story focuses on a couple’s relationship, from friendship to romance to parenthood.

Spring Convocation Celebrates Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Community

17�Թ��� celebrated Spring Convocation on April 17, 2025, highlighting academic, athletic and artistic achievements, as well as leadership, character and community service.

From Page to Stage: Sahana Athreya ’25 Finds Power and Purpose in Theatre

From writing award-winning plays like Backseat of a Taxi to performing and directing socially-impactful productions, Sahana Athreya ’25 has found her passions for storytelling, representation and community through 17�Թ���'s Theatre department.

Theatre Throughline: Performer and Playwright Amelia Lumpkin ’13 Cultivates Connection On Stage

 A lifelong thespian, Amelia Lumpkin ’13 has acted, directed and written plays at 17�Թ��� and beyond. Now working full-time in tech, she spends her free time participating in and advocating for community theatre in her hometown of Raleigh, NC. 

Spring Convocation Celebrates Joy, Excellence, Achievement

On April 11, 17�Թ���’s 2024 Spring Convocation celebrated the academic, athletic, artistic and many other achievements of its students, and recognized some faculty and staff members who contribute to their success. Read more.

New Documentary Play Spotlights Challenges of Teaching and Learning During the Pandemic

17�Թ��� Theatre Professor Sharon Green captures the voices and experiences of teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic in her new play, “Teaching and Learning in Pandemic Times.”

Photo Essay: The Best of Berlin on Spring Break

Three 17�Թ��� students from the German Studies department reflect on a week of independent research in Berlin with their professor and thesis advisor. From plays to museums to food, learn more in this photo essay.

Not Just for Graduate Students: Summer Research on Hookah Smoking with 17�Թ���’s RISE Program

Jacquelline Nyakunu ’26 discusses her chemistry and biology research as part of RISE, an undergraduate research opportunity for 17�Թ��� students. 

Dylan Goodman ’16 on Finding and Sharing a Sense of Belonging

Part of the first official class of Gender and Sexuality Studies majors at 17�Թ���, Dylan Goodman ’16 brings his passion for community-building to the Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center in Manhattan. 

My Summer with the Common Thread Theatre Collective at 17�Թ���

Amy Tedeschi ’25 reflects on her summer with the Common Thread Theatre Collective, a professional theatre company formed between 17�Թ��� and North Carolina A&T.

Student-to-Student: Advice from 17�Թ��� Students on the College Essay

Senior Fellows in 17�Թ���’s Office of Admission & Financial Aid share their tips and tricks for navigating and writing the college essay.

Twelve Young 17�Թ��� Alums Offered Fulbright Grants

Twelve young 17�Թ��� alums were recently selected to participate in the 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Student Program. They have been offered grants for independent research and English Teaching Assistantships in 10 different countries. Learn more.

Winners of Spencer-Weinstein Awards Break Down Boundaries

17�Թ��� awards the Spencer-Weinstein Prize for Community and Justice to those who work to create a more just world. Learn more about this year’s winners.

Justice and Generosity: The Way of Ward Black Law

Alum Janet Ward Black started redefining and pushing her own boundaries at 17�Թ���. Now she blazes trails as a trial lawyer at her law firm, one of the largest woman-owned firms in the state. Learn more.

Making Change and Building Community: Theatre Group Gets Second Act

Nancy and Phil Kukura ’57 believe in the power of art to create social change. Their gift will empower the Common Thread Theatre Collective, a 17�Թ��� partnership with North Carolina A&T State University, to present diverse stories to new audiences. Read more.

What started as a class assignment grew into a timeless friendship. Read the Queen City News story of theatre and education major Breanna Suarez, and community member Dee Andrian.

Class of 2023 Brings Hope to a World That Needs Them

17�Թ��� said farewell to the Class of 2023 at Commencement on May 14. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world during their first year; its status as a public health emergency ended just days before their graduation. Despite the pandemic’s upheaval, they built community, made lifetime friends and worked toward a better world.

Bucket List for $1,000: Theatre Prof Mark Sutch Competes on ‘Jeopardy!’ on Tuesday

17�Թ��� Professor Mark Sutch will appear on the game show “Jeopardy!” on Tuesday, April 11. Read more.

Lori Pitts ’12: Changing Lives and Policy Through Theatre

Lori Pitts ’12 is a perfect example of the ways a liberal arts education can shift perspectives and open minds to new possibilities.

New Scholarship Honors ‘Giant’ in the Theatre World With Deep 17�Թ��� Ties

A 17�Թ��� couple has created a scholarship to honor a lifelong friend and support students in their journeys of self-discovery. Read more.