University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement Rev. Kirstin Boswell opened the event with the invocation, followed by the tradition of the bell ringing by Student Government Association President Michael Swartz ’27. The bell arrived in North Carolina in 1854 on one of the first North Carolina railroad trains. It was later used at Graham College, a predecessor institution to ������Ƶ College.

During the event, three individuals with strong ties to the university were awarded the ������Ƶ Medallion, the university’s most prestigious service honor: Jim Donathan, longtime associate director of academic advising and academic support; Mary Thornton, founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group; and Don Grady, associate professor emeritus of cinema and television arts.

Katy Rouse, professor of economics in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, was named the Trustee Chair for Excellence. For seventeen years, Rouse has taught ������Ƶ’s Principles of Economics and Intermediate Microeconomics courses, along with a capstone she built herself on educational disparities in the United States, earning student evaluations among the highest in her department for more than a decade.

She has personally mentored more than 30 senior and honors theses, co-authored research with undergraduates, chaired the Love School’s curriculum committee and published her teaching scholarship in the Journal of Economic Education.

“I truly believe that being a teacher scholar mentor at ������Ƶ is one of the best careers I’m going to have,” Rouse said. “Every day we come to work, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students during one of the most pivotal points in their lives.”

Mapping the course

During her annual Opening Day address, Book reflected on ������Ƶ’s progress while looking toward a year that will include the launch of new academic initiatives, continued work surrounding artificial intelligence, the opening of the Roberts Academy and the planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte.

Book centered her remarks around the idea of a map — the markers that show where ������Ƶ has been and the guideposts that will help the university navigate what comes next. The theme was inspired by a visit this summer to ������Ƶ students participating in the Summer Opera Workshop at the Accademia Europea di Firenze. The students came together for a historic production of “The Light in the Piazza” in Florence, Italy, where the musical is set.

As part of their work, students were also tasked with creating a map of the city, something that inspired Book.

“There is something powerful in this mapmaking assignment, and it left me wondering about our collective ������Ƶ map,” Book said. “How would we each draw it?”

At the center of that map, Book said, is ������Ƶ’s mission. She highlighted several markers of progress during the past year, including the Odyssey Program surpassing 300 scholarships, record participation in undergraduate research, strong Fulbright success and new academic programs, including cybersecurity, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Charlotte PA program. She also celebrated the upcoming launch of the School of Engineering and Computing under inaugural Dean John Walz and the growth of the university’s nursing program.

Mapping new territory (together)

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the first students of the Roberts Academy at ������Ƶ will arrive at the school’s temporary home in Trollinger House. The school will be the state’s only university-based private school for children with dyslexia. Book described the academy and the Center for Dyslexia and Engaged Learning as an opportunity that “will change lives from day one.”

Among the most significant new territory is ������Ƶ’s planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte. Book noted that the institutions received accreditation approval this summer to proceed with their merger, with a single Board of Trustees now overseeing both universities. Sixteen administrative units are also becoming shared teams supporting the two campuses, while a federal review of the merger is expected to take 18 to 24 months.

Megan Isaac, professor of English, and Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Jim Piatt gave brief updates on the merger as part of the SOAR Strategic Planning Committee.

“Our two institutions will be stronger together, will better serve students together, and will have a brighter future together,” Book said. “And now, we are working to build that vision together, to grow opportunity to advance learning — together.”

Mapping a new look

Athletics Director Jennifer Strawley was also invited to the stage to announce a for the university’s athletics program, which had what Book called a “formidable year,” with seven ������Ƶ teams, the most in the university’s history, winning conference titles. A new physical mascot will be unveiled at the first College Coffee of the academic year on Aug. 25.

“The new Phoenix wears a gold sweater with a monogram ‘E,’ paying tribute to our first mascot, the Fighting Christian,” Strawley said. “The focused expression conveys the determination, confidence and purpose that defines our university community. The Phoenix continues to be fueled by the flames, symbolizing our rebuild from the ashes, and capturing the spirit and resilience of the ������Ƶ community.”

Book acknowledged that the changing higher education landscape brings challenges, from enrollment pressures and federal regulations to declining public confidence. But she reminded faculty and staff that adapting to change has long been part of ������Ƶ’s history.

“I understand change can be daunting. Shifting national headwinds are challenging higher education,” Book said. “Fortunately for us, ������Ƶ has never succeeded by standing still. We’ve joined together, developed new strategies and guided by our mission — built the number one institution for engaged learning and student success.”

She closed by returning to the journey ahead, and the role faculty and staff play in shaping the lives of ������Ƶ students.

“It is not simply education; it is a journey of human transformation,” Book said. “Thank you for the everyday commitment, kindness and integrity that are our enduring guideposts.”

As ������Ƶ prepares for the new academic year ahead, we celebrate the accomplishments and the incredible support of donors during this past fiscal year.

Learn more below about the impact that donors made in 2025-26.

Giving: How donors invested in students

������Ƶ provides an exceptional education, unique in the opportunities that are provided to students from the very beginning. Donor support helps bridge the gap between an ordinary education and unlocking the potential of all that ������Ƶ has to offer. From hands-on learning and mentorship, to ������Ƶ Experiences like study abroad and research, students can take advantage of what makes ������Ƶ special with the help of donor funding.

Donor generosity from the 2025-26 fiscal year will continue to impact students for years to come. Here are just a few of the ways in which donors invested in students this past year:

• $31.8 million raised for students
• 6,337 alumni donors
• 4,208 parent and grandparent donors
• 1,021 faculty and staff donors
• 364+ funds impacted
• 11 new planned gifts totaling $5+ Million
• ��𳦴ǰ���-�����𲹰쾱�Բ���������Ƶ Day 2026 raising $3.5 million
• Top funds supported: ������Ƶ’s Greatest Needs, ������Ƶ Student Scholarships, Academic Schools & Departments, The Phoenix Club and HealthEU

Student success: What donor gifts made possible

Thanks to donor support, ������Ƶ’s Odyssey Program reached a new milestone, welcoming the largest cohort in ������Ƶ history. You can learn more about this accomplishment on Today at ������Ƶ.

Donor generosity also led to a successful year for student-athletes. This year marked a 48% increase for annual giving to support Phoenix Athletics compared to just five years ago. Twenty student-athletes presented their research at the Spring Undergraduate Research Forum, and 93 student-athletes graduated in May 2026. All of this in addition to winning multiple CAA championship titles! 

More than 1,500 students walked across the stage to accept their diplomas during Commencement 2026. Thanks to donor support, students were able to see their dreams realized. Visit Today at ������Ƶ to read the stories of graduating seniors to see how donors helped them along the way.

Community: How we strengthened ������Ƶ together

������Ƶ’s network continues to thrive because of the engagement of alumni, families, faculty, staff and friends. Their involvement is what makes the university so special, strengthening our community and creating opportunities for future generations.

These accomplishments illustrate the tremendous impact of involvement with ������Ƶ:

Alumni

• 10,550 engaged alumni
• 186��alumni events with 3,547 attendees
• 2,427 alumni returned for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend
• 2,523 alumni served as volunteers
• 296 shared their love for ������Ƶ as Social Media Ambassadors
• 33��Women of ������Ƶ events with 368 attendees
• 811 participants in Lifelong Learning and Professional Development
• 1,523 alumni participated in 
• 67 reunion committee members

Families

• 6,881�� attendees representing 1,939 families
• 32 Summer Welcome Events with 756 attendees in 23 States
• 364 “Ready, Set, ������Ƶ!” virtual attendees
• 116��FAMbassadors
• 7 parent Webinars���ɾ��ٳ���967�����ٳٱ�Ի����

Faculty & Staff

• 42 Giving Captains
• 4 Co-Chairs for Faculty & Staff Giving
• 105 ������Ƶ Day Champions

Together, these accomplishments tell the story of an extraordinary ������Ƶ community and its enduring commitment to giving back. Thank you to our 2025–26 fiscal year donors for investing in our students and their future.

As thousands of soccer fans streamed toward San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California, draped in national flags and chanting hours before kickoff, the energy was palpable.

Swiss fans dressed as cows rang cowbells, Australian fans carried enormous inflatable kangaroos, and Jordanian supporters congregated early outside the gates, waving oversized flags and singing in unison. Together, they created the spectacle that makes the FIFA World Cup unlike any other sporting event.

For , those moments were part of her daily routine during the tournament’s opening stages.

As a ticketing operations manager for FIFA, the ������Ƶ graduate spent several months helping fans enjoy the FIFA World Cup. While much of her work happened behind the scenes, Cirby handled everything from validating each seat in the stadium and accessible seating requests to one of the tournament’s toughest challenges: helping fans who unknowingly purchased counterfeit tickets.

“The more games have been played, the more variations of fake tickets have come out,” she explained.

While resolving ticket issues is part of the job, it represents only a fraction of Cirby’s experience. For all six Bay Area matches – including Team USA’s Round of 32 win – she served as the stadium ticketing manager and welcomed more than 410,000 fans to the region she grew up in.

“It’s the World Cup,” she said. “It’s once in a lifetime to be able to be part of an event like this.”

Cirby joined FIFA in January after nearly six years with the San Francisco Giants, where she built a career in ticket operations and services with her hometown team. But the opportunity to work the World Cup was one she couldn’t pass up.

“I was just kind of looking for jobs casually, just to see what was out there, and I threw in an application – and then it worked out,” Cirby said.

Her responsibilities have stretched far beyond match days. Cirby helped hire local stadium staff, prepare cross-functional training for various departments, and ensure FIFA’s ticketing spaces were ready before fans arrived. Once matches began, she moved between entrances and ticket offices, supporting staff and assisting fans whose tickets would not scan, who needed accessible seating accommodations, or who could not locate their tickets.

The role also gave Cirby a front-row view of the tournament’s global fan culture.

“It’s mesmerizing to see these fans and the passion that they have,” Cirby said. “I don’t get to see the full fan marches, but I get to see them arrive at our entrance and go through our turnstiles, and they’re still chanting and cheering.”

Cirby’s path to FIFA began at ������Ƶ, majoring in sport management. She fondly remembers attending MLB’s Winter Meetings with her classmates, where she placed resumes in the mailboxes of organizations with job openings.

“I probably put 20 to 30 resumes in and got a couple of interviews, but that’s how I got my first job with the Atlanta Braves right out of college,” Cirby said.

That first role with the Braves eventually led to opportunities with the Giants and, ultimately, FIFA. Looking back, Cirby encourages students interested in the sport industry to cast a wide net.

“Honestly, just apply,” Cirby said. “Putting yourself out there and applying can make a real difference.”

Her World Cup assignment also demanded resolution. For nearly two months, Cirby was based at a hotel in Santa Clara with other FIFA staff because of the long hours and the proximity to the stadium. The work has been especially demanding because Cirby has been doing it with a torn ACL, an injury she sustained this spring playing in a rec league kickball game. After consulting with doctors, she decided to postpone surgery until after the tournament.

“It’s really funny to be like, ‘Not only am I working the World Cup, but I’m walking like 25,000 steps a day on a torn ACL,’” Cirby laughed.

With surgery scheduled for late August, Cirby is looking forward to a well-earned break – and where her career will take her next. But this experience has reaffirmed why she chose a career in sports.

“I grew up playing soccer through high school, and I’ve continued to be a big fan,” Cirby said. “Seeing supporters from so many different countries bring that passion to every match has been the best part of the job.”

The “������Ƶ Dance Team Send-Off” video, directed and edited by Peter Sillitto ’26 and produced in collaboration with the ������Ƶ Dance Team, received a Sports Video Group (SVG) College Sports Media Award for Outstanding In-Venue Video – Collegiate Student Championship. The award was presented May 27 in Atlanta during the 18th annual SVG College Sports Media Awards ceremony.

The honor came just weeks after the ������Ƶ Dance Team captured two national titles at the 2026 National Dance Association College National Championships, winning the Division I pom and Division I hip hop competitions. The back-to-back victories marked a historic achievement for the program, including ������Ƶ’s first national championship in the pom category.

Produced for the team’s trip to nationals, the video took a more narrative approach than previous send-off productions.

“Producing a send-off video is something we do every year, with the final piece being shown in the Schar Center and shared across social media,” said Sillitto, a cinema and television arts major. “This year, we wanted to take a more story-driven approach by focusing on the team’s journey to nationals. Our goal was to showcase not only their performances, but also the hard work, dedication and experiences that led them there.”

In addition to Sillitto, the student production team included Kristen Pearson ’27 and Meghan McGarrigle ’28 as producers; and Zack Golub ’26 and Colin Dorroh ’27 as creative producers and camera operators.

across multiple locations, capturing both cinematic visuals and authentic moments from practices, workouts and team activities.

“One of the biggest challenges was making sure we told the team’s real story, which meant being present and ready to film during genuine moments,” Sillitto said. “Capturing those authentic interactions and experiences was an important part of the creative process and helped make the final video feel more personal and meaningful.”

For Sillitto, the award reflects months of collaboration and effort from both the dancers and the production crew.

“I’m proud of the project because every year our goal is to create the best video possible, and we have a lot of creative freedom to experiment with new ideas and push ourselves creatively,” he said. “The final video represents months of hard work from both the dance team and the production crew, so we’re excited and grateful that the project has been recognized.”

Sillitto graduated from ������Ƶ in May and recently accepted a position with Booz Allen Hamilton as a videographer and social media content creator.

Sillitto and Dorroh attended the 2026 SVG College Summit in Atlanta alongside Anthony Bamford ’25, coordinating producer for ������Ƶ Sports Vision; Patrick Cunningham, director of live broadcast production for ������Ƶ Athletics; and students/recent graduates Philip Doherty ’26, Anthony Eppolito ’27 and Joey Marinello ’28.

This year marked another strong showing for ������Ƶ at the national competition – the university won its first-ever award in 2025. In addition to the winning ������Ƶ Dance Team send-off video, four other ������Ƶ productions were recognized as finalists in the Collegiate Student Championship division: “Football: ������Ƶ vs. North Carolina A&T,” “Strength Beyond the Game – Brodie Carroll,” “Win The Moment – Asher Cunningham” and “What It Takes – ������Ƶ Men’s Basketball Halftime Hype.”

The Chandlers remain impressed by ������Ƶ’s commitment to sound strategic planning and doing what’s best for students. It’s what inspired the couple’s gift to Slattery Center, the university’s new hub for health and wellness that will integrate academics, wellness, campus recreation and fitness programs to ensure students gain the skills they need to succeed on campus and throughout their lives.

Scheduled to open later this year, Slattery Center is located within ������Ƶ’s Innovation Quad, home to the university’s engineering and other STEM programs. The center is part of the university’s broader HealthEU initiative to serve students, faculty and staff.

“It adds value and is beneficial when you can provide a place where students can go to be in community, exercise, receive counseling and focus on their well-being,” said Bob Chandler, former executive vice president of Chandler Concrete Co. “This facility shows that the university is aware of the challenges students face and how to help them in all aspects of their health.”

The HealthEU initiative focuses on six dimensions of health and wellness: community, emotional, purpose, financial, physical and social. The three-story Slattery Center will feature new classrooms, student-faculty research spaces, multiple floors for wellness and fitness activities, and the Mark and Kim Tyson Counseling Center, which will provide individual and group therapy, as well as workshops and outreach programs.

Through coursework, as well as workshops and training programs focused on health and wellness, Slattery Center will impact all students as they progress through their education and learn essential skills and practices related to wellness and well-being. The center is a key priority of the Boldly ������Ƶ strategic plan that will guide the university to 2030.

The couple’s gift will also endow the Chandler Family Global Experience Fund, strengthening ������Ƶ’s commitment to provide each of the university’s 17 varsity teams with a global experience every four years.

“Global experiences are a cornerstone of an ������Ƶ education, and thanks to Bob and Amy Chandler, our student-athletes will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the world while sharing their sport across cultures,” said Jennifer Strawley, director of athletics. “Bob and Amy are truly special people who value the holistic development of our student-athletes and their generosity will be felt for generations. I am deeply grateful for their many years of dedication to this university and for the profound difference they make in the lives of our student-athletes.”

“Our family has been sports fans for as long as I can remember. We love the energy and excitement athletics brings to campus and the opportunities it provides to students,” Bob Chandler said.

“������Ƶ is a national leader in global study, and we are thrilled to help provide this experience for student-athletes,” he added. “It’s essential that students have the opportunity to witness other cultures and encounter the differences and similarities of the people there. It provides tremendous growth for a person and a deeper understanding of the world.”

The Chandler family is among ������Ƶ’s most generous and devoted donors, helping to shape one of the finest learning environments in the nation through their gifts to Belk Library, Rhodes Stadium, Ernest A. Koury, Sr. Business Center, Gerald L. Francis Center, Alumni Field House, Richard W. Sankey Hall, Schar Center, The Inn at ������Ƶ and Innovation Quad.

Bob Chandler’s parents, Tom and Lynn Chandler, also endowed the Chandler Family Professional Sales Center in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. Tom Chandler was the chairman and former CEO of Chandler Concrete, which he founded in 1973, and he served on ������Ƶ’s Board of Trustees for more than two decades before being elected Life Trustee in 2021. In 2023, Tom Chandler received the ������Ƶ Medallion, the university’s highest honor.

“������Ƶ’s trajectory shows remarkable advancement,” Bob Chandler said. “������Ƶ has a vision of what’s to come and how to keep the university moving forward. It is a vibrant and thriving university that is gratifying for the students, faculty and community.”

The university’s influence extends far beyond the campus.

“The impact that ������Ƶ has on Alamance County and the region is significant, and we feel it’s important for our family to support the university,” Bob said. “It’s a community that we are proud to be part of.”