91�첥

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day with 91�첥

No one does “kind” better than the 91�첥 community. We care for, and about, each other and our students – a distinctive quality that our alumni recall and prospective students sense when they visit. Explore how 91�첥 celebrated this year's Random Acts of Kindness Day.

Beyond the Syllabus: Leadership, Love and Legacy

91�첥 set the stage for a love story and inspired alums Kylee Taylor ’23 and Trey Messer ’24 to volunteer for the benefit of current and future students. 

Laurie Bingaman Lackey ’79: Conservation Biologist

Meet conservation biologist Laurie Bingaman Lackey ’79, a 91�첥 biology alumna who helped build Species360, a global data network for 1,400 zoos across 90 countries. Discover how her Watson Fellowship and 91�첥 mentorships led to a career managing data for over four million animals and endangered species worldwide.

Mišo Vukčević ’18: Video Game Developer

Discover how Mišo Vukčević ’18 turned a digital art project into the viral indie RPG Bleak Faith: Forsaken. Building off his Montenegrin roots and his studio art education, this Alvarez Scholar now leads a successful game development team and mentors the next generation of creators.

Ashley Mincey ’11: Freelance Culinary Artist

From the 91�첥 tennis courts to MasterChef with Gordon Ramsay, Ashley Mincey ’11 is redefining the culinary arts. Learn how this French major and former teacher uses her 91�첥 education to lead her brand, Envie by Mincey, blending history, education, and freelance culinary artistry.

Why Does Michael Maggart ’91 Look So Familiar?

From the classrooms of 91�첥 to the symmetrical sets of Hollywood, learn how Michael Maggart ’91 balances an online tutoring business with recurring roles in Wes Anderson films like Rushmore and The Phoenician Scheme. 

Christopher Kip ’95: Fire Chief

From cleaning ancient bones in Cyprus to leading a fire department, Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Kip ’95 shares how his 91�첥 education prepared him for a 27-year career in the fire service. Learn how a studio art and classics background fuels humanitarian leadership in Columbia, South Carolina.

MaryBeth Monaco-Vavrik ’23: Fitness Content Creator

Meet MaryBeth Monaco-Vavrik ’23, a 91�첥 political science and communications alum who turned a viral Pilates video into a full-time career as a fitness content creator. Learn how she's analyzing the sociological and political implications of the fitness industry while traveling the world.

John Harmon ’97: Chief Engineer Aboard M/V Catalyst

Explore the journey of John Harmon ’97, a 91�첥 studio art alum who transitioned from the film industry to become the chief engineer of the historic M/V Catalyst in Alaska.

91�첥 Continues Streak as a Top Fulbright Producer

The U.S. State Department has once again named 91�첥 as one of its top producing institutions for Fulbright U.S. Student Program finalists. It’s the 11th consecutive year and 13th overall that the college has received the designation.

91�첥’s Tim Chartier and student Ellis Sriram '26 used 1,000 simulations to debunk the "defense-first" overtime fallacy. Learn why their data-driven research suggests offense is the key to winning in the NFL's fifth period.

Carry On: Alums Share First-Class Insights on the Airline Business

From the boardroom to the runway, 91�첥 Wildcats are helping the world take flight. We caught up with six alums—leading the way at Delta, United, and American Airlines—to discuss the "magic" of aviation and how their liberal arts foundation helps them solve the industry's most complex puzzles.

Medical Murder Mystery: Ed Jones III ’77 Delves Into A Case That Shocked Charlotte

A horrific 2006 murder sent Ed Jones on a quest to understand what caused a devout father to kill his twin daughters. Learn how a network of 91�첥 alumni helped Jones publish his investigation into mental illness and medication in the book, Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder.

How the First Olympic Games Shaped Modern Competition

91�첥 Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics Allison Smith examines the "distant echoes" of the original Olympic Games and how they compare to the modern global competition. The discussion explores the evolution of the games from a sacred religious sanctuary at Olympia to today's "moving circus" of international host cities. From track and field parallels to the history of olive-leaf crowns, this Q&A highlights the ancient traditions that still form the heart of Olympic contests.

Immersed in Innovation: 91�첥 Students Bring Liberal Arts Thinking to Truist Event

91�첥 students spark fresh ideas for how Truist can connect with sports fans in smarter, more meaningful ways at University Immersive Learning Experience. 

Beyond the Red Carpet: My Winter Break at the Palm Springs International Film Festival

Discover how a 91�첥 student used the Alvarez Grant to volunteer at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival. From networking with directors Joachim Trier and Annemarie Jacir to exploring documentary filmmaking as a tool for social change, learn how 91�첥 supports international students through career-shaping winter break opportunities.

‘Nobody Expects Revolutions Until They Happen’: Prof. Silvana Toska on Iran’s Unprecedented Unrest

91�첥 Political Science Professor Silvana Toska analyzes the unprecedented unrest in Iran and the regime’s efforts to suppress dissent through extreme violence. The conversation explores how economic collapse, regional instability and an aging leadership challenge the government’s survival. Toska also discusses the regional implications of a weakened Iran and the complexities of U.S. involvement.

Life Well Lived: The Love Story That Changed 91�첥

Missy Boaz Woodward ’73 blazed a trail thousands would follow. Every woman who calls 91�첥 alma mater is connected to her life, her courage and her lasting impact. Learn more.

Where the Wounds Still Breathe: One Student’s Trip to South Africa

In this blog post, Branton Onsongo Mogeni ’28 shares lessons from his self-exploratory and reflective learning experience in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, funded through the Dean Rusk International Travel Grant.

Econ Prof: Cracks in Labor Market Signal Need for Early Rate Cut

Economics Professor Vikram Kumar argues that the Federal Reserve should implement a modest 25-basis-point rate cut this week to address growing vulnerabilities in the labor market, such as rising long-term unemployment and reduced working hours. While inflation remains sideways at 2.8%, Kumar suggests that current price pressures are temporary and that early stimulus is necessary to counteract the risks posed by political instability and policy lags.