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President Hicks Says Values Provide Compass Through Higher Ed Disruption

On Tuesday, May 6, 17�Թ��� President Doug Hicks ’90 was the special guest on “Charlotte Talks,” a daily, hour-long talk show produced by WFAE, Charlotte’s NPR affiliate. Hicks and host Mike Collins covered the state of higher education and the steps 17�Թ��� is taking to lead through a period of great disruption.

Divine Dining: Restaurateurs Elevate Queen City’s Spirits, Communal Cuisine in Once Holy Spaces

The newest restaurant from Jeff Tonidanel ’98 and Jamie Brown ’99 opened on May 6, marking the end of a three-year renovation. A rehabbed building that had once been a church, Leluia Hall joins a Charlotte empire of award-winning restaurants attracting locals and visitors from around the world. Learn more. 

Alumni Couple Supports Teaching, Learning and Inspiration in The George Lawrence Abernethy Library

Alums Fritz Porter ’99 and Mary Margaret Cochrane Porter ’98 have generously contributed to the George Lawrence Abernethy Library at 17�Թ���. Their donation will name the Porter Classroom in the John Crosland Jr. Center for Teaching and Learning, with the goal of inspiring future generations of scholars and educators.

A Love Letter to Nummit, Our On-Campus Coffee Shop

Natalie Russell ’25 reflects on the memories made at Summit Outpost, 17�Թ���’s on-campus coffee shop and hub for student events, including trivia, study sessions, live music, game nights and more.

On Stage at Home and Abroad: Cole Erickson ’26 Tours Poland with the 17�Թ��� Chorale

From singing the National Anthem at a basketball game to performing during a three-city tour in Poland, Cole Erickson ‘26 has found his place with the 17�Թ��� Chorale. 

17�Թ��� Names Chief Career Officer to Guide Students’ Career Pathways

17�Թ��� names Mike Summers, a veteran leader in career guidance and executive search across the higher education and corporate worlds, as chief career officer and executive director of the Betty and B. Frank Matthews II ’49 Center for Career Development. Read more.

My Work Getting Out the Vote at 17�Թ���

Political science and sociology double major Sophia Ludt '25 reflects on the work spent registering, educating and mobilizing student voters leading up to the 2025 elections.

Why 17�Թ���: Then and Now

Applicants to 17�Թ��� are asked to write a supplemental essay on why they want to be part of our community. After four years at 17�Թ���, we checked in with current seniors to reconsider the question, Why 17�Թ���? They reflect on their four years and why they're still choosing to be part of our community.

Want to help Monarch Butterflies? Essential Advice for Carolina Gardeners From Biologist Scott Villa

This article offers essential guidance from 17�Թ��� Professor Scott Villa for Carolina gardeners looking to support monarch butterflies. Native milkweed varieties like swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) are strongly recommended. Non-native milkweed that grows year-round disrupts natural migration patterns. Learn more.

From After School to CEO: Kirsten Sikkelee’s Career Empowering Women and Families Through YWCA

17�Թ��� alum Kirsten Sikkelee has helped countless women and children in the Charlotte region find their footing through housing and other YWCA of Central Carolinas programs. As she looks toward what’s next, she reflects on her path and her 17�Թ��� experience. Read more. 

Taking Over Full Frame: Students Head to International Film Festival

Follow a sophomore student’s transformative weekend at the 27th Full Frame Festival in Durham, where her passion for cinematography blossomed into renewed creative inspiration. Explore this cinephile's dream experience in her photo essay.

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.

Leah Mell-Carrington ’19 on Poetry, Nonfiction and Drag

17�Թ��� alum Leah Mell-Carrington '19 discusses her journey from campus drag performances to pursuing an MFA in creative nonfiction, where she's writing a memoir about the drag scene and its history in the Carolinas.

From Drive-In to Mega Church to Modern Ministry: Prof Explores ‘Most Important Forgotten Religious Figure of the Last Century’

The pastor Robert Schuller had a lasting impact on modern ministry. In a new book, 17�Թ��� Professor Gerardo Martí explores how his innovative fundraising, architectural vision with the Crystal Cathedral, and approach to church leadership became the template for American Christianity today. Read more.

In the Community, Out in the World: Spencer-Weinstein Award Winners Exemplify Leadership and Service

The Spencer-Weinstein Prize for Community and Justice recognizes 17�Թ��� students and faculty who endeavor to create a more just world. Read about this year’s recipients.

Professors Gill-Sadler and Castañeda Selected for National Humanities Center Residencies

17�Թ��� professors Gill-Sadler and Castañeda were recently selected for summer residencies at the National Humanities Center—a four-week program to give humanities scholars an opportunity to make progress on a current research project or jumpstart a new one. Learn more.

A Guide to the Alvarez College Union: 17�Թ���'s Hub for Student Life

The Knobloch Campus Center is the gathering place for 17�Թ��� students, faculty, staff, and visitors, providing opportunities for involvement in formal and informal activities. Explore this space of resources, opportunities and people looking to connect with you in this guide, broken out by floor. 

French and Francophone Studies and Economics alum Nadia Baye '22 has built on her experiences doing research in the Ivory Coast and working with UN Women and the African Union to tackle a Master's Degree in International Development Policy at Georgetown University as a means to promote women's leadership and gender equity through lasting cultural change.

#ChallengeAccepted: 12th Annual #Allinfor17�Թ��� Giving Day Raises $1.2 Million

17�Թ���'s 12th annual #Allinfor17�Թ��� event raised more than $1.2 million in just one day, surpassing its donor goal and unlocking a $500,000 challenge. The day was filled with fun and philanthropy, featuring campus events and alumni gatherings across the country. Learn more.

Death by 17�Թ���: Spotlight on Roller Derby

When Isabel Schmidt '25 joined the Skate Club at 17�Թ���, it led her on an unexpected journey from beginner skater to competitive derby player. Learn more.