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聽Michael Swartz 鈥�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 乱伦视频 College.

During the event, three individuals with strong ties to the university were awarded the 乱伦视频 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.聽For seventeen years, Rouse has taught 乱伦视频’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 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 鈥� the markers that show where 乱伦视频 has been and the guideposts that will help the university navigate what comes next. The theme was inspired by a visit this summer to 乱伦视频 students participating in the Summer Opera Workshop at the Accademia Europea di Firenze. The students came together for a historic production of 鈥淭he Light in the Piazza鈥� 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.

鈥淭here is something powerful in this mapmaking assignment, and it left me wondering about our collective 乱伦视频 map,鈥� Book said. 鈥淗ow would we each draw it?鈥�

At the center of that map, Book said, is 乱伦视频鈥檚 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鈥檚 nursing program.

Mapping new territory (together)

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the first students of the聽Roberts Academy at 乱伦视频聽will arrive at the school’s temporary home in Trollinger House. The school will be the聽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 鈥渨ill change lives from day one.鈥�

Among the most significant new territory is 乱伦视频鈥檚 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.

鈥淥ur two institutions will be stronger together, will better serve students together, and will have a brighter future together,鈥� Book said. 鈥淎nd now, we are working to build that vision together, to grow opportunity to advance learning 鈥� together.鈥�

Mapping a new look

Athletics Director Jennifer Strawley was also invited to the stage to announce a for the university鈥檚 athletics program, which had what Book called a 鈥渇ormidable year,鈥� with seven 乱伦视频 teams, the most in the university鈥檚 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 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 history.

鈥淚 understand change can be daunting. Shifting national headwinds are challenging higher education,鈥� Book said. 鈥淔ortunately for us, 乱伦视频 has never succeeded by standing still. We鈥檝e joined together, developed new strategies and guided by our mission 鈥� built the number one institution for engaged learning and student success.鈥�

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

鈥淚t is not simply education; it is a journey of human transformation,鈥� Book said. 鈥淭hank you for the everyday commitment, kindness and integrity that are our enduring guideposts.鈥�

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, heard from former mentors, friends and colleagues before being bestowed the honor by 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book.

Jim Donathan

Jim Donathan arrived to 乱伦视频 in 1994 as associate director of academic advising and director of academic support, drawn specifically to work with mentor Lela Faye Rich. He carried the largest advising load in his department, taught 乱伦视频 101 (now 乱伦视频 1010), and was known for his sustained support of students on academic probation and for mentoring students well beyond the classroom.

Rich, who served 乱伦视频 for 29 years and received the 乱伦视频 Medallion in 2008, read Donathan鈥檚 citation for the award.

鈥淛im Donathan is the only one on this stage that has two medallions. I just happen to be wearing one of them,鈥� Rich said. 鈥淚n the advising center, I was the loudmouth. I was a loud-mouthed advocate for students. Jim was the listener. The heart, the soul of academic advising. Without his total commitment to students’ success, to our academic advising staff, to mastering all those intricacies of creating an online degree audit. I would never have received this medallion.鈥�

Donathan advised 乱伦视频’s chapter of Kappa Alpha Order for 25 years and received the university’s Ward Family Excellence in Mentoring Award in 2012. His mentorship of one 乱伦视频 family led to the establishment of the聽Donathan-McAllister Endowed Scholarship in his honor. He retired in 2020, having shaped the academic support and mentoring experience for generations of 乱伦视频 students.

鈥淚 recently came across this quote from one of my favorite novelists, Pat Conroy: 鈥業 had read like a man on fire my whole life, because the genius of English teachers touched me with the dazzling beauty of language,’鈥� said Donathan when accepting the honor. 鈥溌衣资悠� does that for students. It touches them with the dazzling beauty of language. That might be the language of literature or biology, or political science, or art history, or so many other disciplines. Students can carry that language into their lives and into their future.鈥�

Mary Thornton

Mary Thornton is the founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group, the dining partner that has served 乱伦视频 since the company’s founding. She spent years in leadership roles at Aramark, including vice president of compliance beginning in 2007, before proposing in 2016 the creation of a culinary group built around healthy, sustainable food and transparency about where food comes from.

Harvest Table launched in 2018 as an independent division of Aramark, with 乱伦视频 among its earliest partner institutions alongside Wake Forest and the University of Rochester. Under her leadership, Harvest Table has emphasized locally sourced ingredients, chef-driven menus tailored to each campus, and deeper engagement with student communities.

鈥淗ighly respected for her work ethic, expertise, relentless commitment to excellence, Mary has demonstrated a deep understanding of 乱伦视频’s mission and the critical role dining plays in building community and contributing to a welcoming campus environment,鈥� said Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer.

Most recently, Harvest Table Culinary Group made a gift supporting 乱伦视频’s Slattery Center, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to student health and wellness. Her partnership has helped shape the dining experience for generations of 乱伦视频 students.

鈥淚 accept this medallion with humility and deep appreciation and as a reminder to continue serving others, leading with purpose and striving to make a positive difference,鈥� said Thornton, upon accepting the award. 鈥淭hank you very much for this incredible honor. It means more to me than words can express.鈥�

Don Grady

Don聽Grady聽served 乱伦视频 for 35 years. He arrived in 1985, before 乱伦视频 had a formal communications department, and taught broadcast courses and senior capstone classes throughout his career. He chaired the communications department from 1987鈥�1993 and again from 2004鈥�2009, became associate dean in 2010, and helped guide creation of the nation’s first undergraduate major in media analytics. He was twice elected to the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications and received the Broadcast Education Association’s Distinguished Education Service Award in 2022.

Gerald Gibson, the university鈥檚 first full-time communications professor and Grady鈥檚 undergraduate roommate at NC State University, read Grady鈥檚 citation.

鈥淒r. Grady distinguished himself as an outstanding teacher, mentor, and advisor, by teaching broadcasting, senior research capstone, … and study abroad courses, supervising as many as 50 internships a year,鈥� said Gibson. 鈥淢entoring students through research, internships, and professional employment, leading study abroad programs in Great Britain and Europe, and becoming much loved by students who sought him out for guidance, encouragement, and wise counsel, even long after graduation.”

Grady鈥檚 administrative leadership and personal investment in students and faculty helped build 乱伦视频’s School of Communications into a nationally recognized program. He retired in 2020, leaving a legacy colleagues describe as foundational to the school’s success.

鈥淪o many of our graduates (are) doing great work in media markets all over the country. 鈥㏕hey鈥檙e the reason we do this work,鈥� Grady said. 鈥淭oward the end of my time, it was my privilege to regularly teach the senior theory and research capstone course that gave students the opportunity to dig into why communication professionals do what they do, and how what they do ripples through the lives of individuals and society.”

Below is a selection of events open to the entire 乱伦视频 community; more can be found on the official Planning Week website below.

Monday, Aug. 17

Opening Day
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center; Events start at 8:30 a.m.

Planning Week 2026 kicks off with Opening Day on Aug. 17, first with a community-wide reception in Alumni Gym followed by the presentation of 乱伦视频 Medallions to Jim Donathan, Don Grady and Mary Thornton. Katy Rouse, professor of economics, will also be named the Trustee Chair for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Following these recognitions, President Connie Ledoux Book will delivery her annual Opening Day address.

Since 2011, the 乱伦视频 community has collected school supply items for the children in Alamance County. Donations can be made at the Opening Day breakfast or at campus drop-off locations through Thursday, Aug. 20. Details on donation sites and needed items will be emailed to faculty and staff. This initiative is co-sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students, Staff Advisory Council, and Kernodle Center for Civic Life.

Breakout Sessions

Following the president鈥檚 address from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. a variety of breakout sessions will be available for all members of the 乱伦视频 community, including:

• Recommendations from the SOAR Strategic Planning Committee
• Building the Innovation Hub: 乱伦视频 as a Regional Center for Creativity
• Preparing Together for Student Success
• Thriving Together: The Sport Collaborative and the Opportunity in Club Sports
• Summer at 乱伦视频
• Changing the Trajectory 鈥� Roberts Academy and the Roberts Center for Dyslexia and Engaged Learning
• HealthEU, the Slattery Center, and Our Research Coalitions
• Mentoring in Meaningful Relationships Implementation Gallary Walk and Next Steps
• Wise Moves During Higher Education Pressures
• School of Engineering and Computing

All members of the 乱伦视频 community are then invited to a picnic on the Lakeside Patio at noon. Members of 乱伦视频鈥檚 schools and colleges will meet from 12:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Student Employment Essentials
Moseley 215; 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The goal of the workshop is to provide staff and faculty with an understanding of student employment policies and processes, to include recruiting, job posting, screening candidates, work agreements, payroll, orientation, onboarding, evaluations and termination. Please contact Kameryn Taylor at聽ktaylor54@elon.edu聽for any questions about this workshop.

Championing First-Generation Student Success
Koenigsberger Learning Center Room 127; 2 to 3 p.m.

This session will provide participants with an understanding of the first-generation community on campus and how 乱伦视频 approached first-generation student success. Participants will identify ways they can incorporate ways to support first-generation college students in their classes and extracurricular opportunities.

Merger and Integration Q&A
LaRose Student Commons 200; 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Merger and Integration Q&A
Turner Theatre 101; 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Embedding Inclusive Excellence in Our Work
Belk Pavilion 208; 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Inclusive excellence remains a strategy for creating an academic community reflective of well-being and a sense of belonging. In striving for greater levels of student success and employee vitality, initiatives across the university demonstrate partnerships and efforts to infuse inclusive excellence principles in daily work. This session is an opportunity to gain an update on what is happening to foster respect for human differences and to share ideas for ideas for how faculty and staff might make inclusive excellence embedded rather than additive in teaching, mentoring, and service.

Vivvi Childcare and Early Learning Information Session
Sankey Hall 206; 2 to 3 p.m.

Learn more about the Acorn Academy, 乱伦视频鈥檚 partnership with Vivvi to provide employer-sponsored child care on campus.

乱伦视频 Campus and Community Resource Fair
Sato Commons Great Hall in the Global Neighborhood,聽3 to 4:30 p.m.

Open to all faculty, staff, and student leaders who may already be back on campus, this event is meant to be an interactive tabling fair to highlight what everyone needs to know to provide resources to students. Explore more than 50 departments/tables – whether you have been here for more than a decade or are brand new to 乱伦视频, come learn about resources for students and faculty/staff, take a moment to reconnect with offices on campus, or learn about opportunities for collaboration and partnerships! Refreshments and Raffle.

Thursday, Aug. 20

Working with Accommodations & Accessibility: A Partnership for Access
Sankey 106; 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

This session will highlight how the Office of Academic Accommodations & Accessibility, the Office of Compliance, the Disabilities Advisory Committee, and faculty partners collaborate to support access at 乱伦视频. Presenters will share updates from the past year, including themes from campus listening sessions, revised faculty/staff resources, accessibility and accommodations data, and practical guidance for supporting students and colleagues.

College Coffee 鈥� Employee Resources Groups
Phi Beta Kappa Commons (Rain Location: Koury Concourse); 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

乱伦视频鈥檚 weekly tradition of community gathering begins with this year鈥檚 first College Coffee. Come (re)learn about the ERGs on campus and pick up some Phoenix swag to show your school spirit! College Coffee continues throughout the year on Tuesday mornings from 9:40 a.m to 10:20 a.m.

• Advocates for Diversity and Accessibility
• Amazing Admins
• API (Asian and Pacific Islander)
• Black
• Carpool Connections
• Catholic
• Christian
• 乱伦视频 Alumni
• Employees with Children
• Jewish
• Latinx/Hispanic
• LGBTQIA+
• Social Media
• Staff Advisory Council
• Supervisors of Student Employees
• Sustainability
• Veterans
• Women鈥檚 Forum
• Young Professionals

Friday, Aug. 21

Move-In Day

Students officially return to campus on Friday, Aug. 21. More information about Move-In Day and New Student Orientation can be found online.

Saturday, Aug. 23

New Student Convocation
Under the Oaks (Rain Location: Schar Center); 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

New Student Convocation marks the official opening of the academic year and welcomes the Class of 2029 and transfer students.

University Directory Photos

All 乱伦视频 faculty and staff members are encouraged to have their photo included in the university鈥檚 online directory. Please make plans to have a new or updated photograph taken. If you are new to 乱伦视频, if your photo is missing from the campus directory, or if your photo is more than three years old, please have a new photo taken by the Office of University Communications. No appointment is necessary, simply just drop in during a session that suits you. The portraits are taken from chest up on a gray backdrop in a photo studio.

The photo studio is now located in the southwest corner of Alumni Gym, close to West Haggard Avenue. Please enter through the external doors in the southwest corner of Alumni Gym, noted by a red star on this map.

Tuesday, August 18: 2 to 4 p.m.

Thursday, August 20: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book聽recently spoke with Capital Analytics Association’s聽, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolving landscape of higher education, 乱伦视频鈥檚 strategic priorities and the role colleges play in preparing graduates for a rapidly changing workforce.

During the conversation, Book discussed the importance of experiential learning and 乱伦视频鈥檚 commitment to preparing students with the knowledge, adaptability and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in careers that continue to evolve alongside advances in technology. She reflected on the university’s expanded law and healthcare offerings in Charlotte, as well as the planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte.

“One major priority is for the merger with Queens University to be successful,” Book said. “Another is the continued rollout of our new and expanded graduate programs. However, our core student is an undergraduate student, and we want to make sure that we continue to evolve the 乱伦视频 experience so we have a compelling differentiator as a university to attract them.”

Book also addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence in higher education, emphasizing that institutions have a responsibility to help students use emerging technologies ethically and effectively. She highlighted 乱伦视频鈥檚 efforts to lead national conversations around AI while reinforcing the enduring value of human connection, critical thinking and experiential education.

“I am proud of the success we have when students arrive. They graduate in four years and have great employment afterward,” said Book. “Over the next few years, we want to continue building on that, expanding our reach in key markets like Charlotte, deepening our impact in North Carolina鈥檚 communities, and staying true to the mission that has guided 乱伦视频鈥檚 growth.”

Matt Belanger 鈥�05 begins most weekdays when much of the Twin Cities is still asleep.

His alarm sounds at 2 a.m. By 4:30, he is on the air at KSTP-TV, anchoring three hours of live morning news for viewers across Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The schedule requires discipline, but for Belanger, the responsibility is also a privilege. In the latest episode of 鈥溌衣资悠� Beyond the Bricks,鈥� he tells President Connie Ledoux Book that thousands of people rely on his newsroom to explain what happened overnight, prepare them for the weather and commute ahead, and provide the information they need to begin their day.

鈥淲e set people up for success every morning,鈥� Belanger said. 鈥淭hat commitment to serving the public is really what it鈥檚 all about.鈥�

Belanger鈥檚 commitment to journalism began at 乱伦视频, where the promise of hands-on learning helped convince him that he had found the right university. He knew he learned best through experience and was drawn to the opportunity to work with cameras and begin developing his skills from the start of college.

As a student, Belanger worked across both television and print journalism through ESTV and The Pendulum. That crossover experience taught him that a strong story begins with the same essential facts, even when it is adapted for television, print, web or social media.

鈥淚 just thought a good story was a good story,鈥� Belanger said. 鈥淚t turns out that鈥檚 actually true.鈥�

乱伦视频 also provided the supportive environment and direct feedback he needed to grow. Belanger remains connected with former faculty members, including Professor Tom Nelson, and credits those relationships with giving students a foundation that extends well beyond graduation.

After 乱伦视频, Nelson encouraged Belanger to begin his career at KELOLAND Media Group in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. At the smaller-market station, Belanger reported, filmed stories, worked on the assignment desk and produced weekend newscasts. The ability to experience nearly every role in the newsroom gave him what he describes as a strong foundation for his television career.

That foundation later supported his investigative work in Pennsylvania.

While waiting for an interview on the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Belanger and a photographer noticed paper clips and folded pieces of paper wedged into lawmakers鈥� electronic voting buttons. The discovery led to months of reporting on 鈥済host voting,鈥� a practice through which some lawmakers could appear in the official record as present and participating even when they had not traveled to Harrisburg. Because attendance records could be tied to taxpayer-funded travel reimbursements, the reporting raised broader questions about accountability and public trust.

Belanger compared investigative journalism to building a legal case: reporters must gather enough evidence and research to feel confident in what they present to the public. That deeper work, he said, distinguishes investigative journalism from the basic updates audiences can find throughout the day on their phones.

Today, Belanger continues to bring that same sense of responsibility to his work in the Twin Cities, where he has reported through some of the region鈥檚 most difficult and consequential moments. He said the work requires journalists to remain authentic, approach painful stories with care and never lose sight of the people whose lives are affected by the news.

Near the end of the conversation, Belanger recalled another lesson from 乱伦视频鈥攁nd from President Book, who taught him as a communications professor.

鈥淵ou have to do the work in life,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou have to put in the time. You have to do the research. You鈥檝e got to do the work in order to succeed.鈥�

For Belanger, that work now begins at 2 a.m., helping ensure his community is informed and prepared when a new day begins.

Learn more about “乱伦视频 Beyond the Bricks” online.

Three 乱伦视频 Los Angeles area alumnae attended the world premiere of their grant-funded films at the sold-out inaugural 乱伦视频 Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Festival at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California.

Julie Boyd 鈥�15, Bex Evans 鈥�16 and Mirai 鈥�07 were recipients of $3,000 each through the 2025-26 乱伦视频 Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Grant Competition last fall.

Grant recipients were selected through a review and ranking process by a selection committee comprised of industry leaders, including several 乱伦视频 alumni. The selection committee was co-chaired by Jordan Roman 鈥�15.

To view photos from the festival, .

Production of the three short films 鈥� Boyd鈥檚 鈥淭he Life and Times of,鈥� Evans鈥檚 鈥淪hadow Dusk鈥� and Mirai鈥檚 鈥�#StopAsianKate鈥� 鈥� took place in the spring and included opportunities for spring 2026 乱伦视频 Los Angeles students to participate in and observe the production process.

In addition to the screenings of the three films, the festival included a panel discussion with 乱伦视频 alumni Lindsey Emerson, vice president of streaming, global strategy & operations at Paramount Skydance and Alex Stevenson, account lead at Creative Artists Agency. They each offered perspective and advice to both current students and alumni about creating job opportunities and career growth in a shifting industry landscape.

A meet-and–connect reception on one of the studio鈥檚 back lot streets followed the festival screening program.

Unique alumni engagement opportunities for 乱伦视频 Los Angeles students are at the core of the 乱伦视频 Los Angeles experience. Based in the heart of historic Hollywood, applications are now being accepted for students to participate in the spring 2027 and National Campus Programs Los Angeles experience that also features specific LA-focused academic courses, site-based internships and community service.

The 鈥淣ever Be at a Loss for Words鈥� workshop idea was created through a partnership between 乱伦视频 and The Groundlings, an industry improv training leader in Los Angeles. The workshop was led by actor, improv performer and The Groundlings improv coach Andres Parada. Parada has spent many years teaching actors critical communication skills that prepare them for anything that comes up in an audition, in a live performance or on a film set. Actors Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph and Lisa Kudrow are among the many well-known alumni of The Groundlings.

Now, 乱伦视频 LA students have learned how to apply those techniques to benefit them along both their career and personal journeys ahead.

乱伦视频 Los Angeles, offered by 乱伦视频鈥檚聽听补苍诲听National Campus Programs, offers spring and summer immersive experiences for students that feature academic courses taught by instructors who are working professionals in their fields and on-site experiential learning at internship sites across the city. The 乱伦视频 LA experience also includes alumni engagement, community service and unique professional development opportunities.

Based in historic Hollywood, applications are now being accepted for the spring 2027 semester.

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• The Month in Photos: March 2026

While campus is quieter during the summer months, June still brought plenty of activity to 乱伦视频. From the sounds of the annual community concert and picnic to the energy of summer camps and campus events, there was no shortage of memorable moments.

Take a look back at some of the month鈥檚 highlights through the eyes of the staff in University Communications.

Engineering success

A former president of the聽Milwaukee School of Engineering听补苍诲听longtime leader in engineering and technology education has been named the inaugural dean of 乱伦视频鈥檚聽new聽School of Engineering and Computing.

Dr.聽John聽Walz joins 乱伦视频 after nearly a decade聽helming聽a private university recognized for its emphasis on experiential learning, strong industry partnerships and workforce preparation.

AI Play

乱伦视频 hosted its inaugural AI Play summer camp in June for rising middle school students with an interest in the world of artificial intelligence. Thirteen students participated, learning about artificial intelligence while improving their AI literacy.

Summer Concert & Picnic

乱伦视频 faculty, staff, students and friends came together at the Martin Alumni Center for the annual Summer Concert & Picnic on June 25.

Emancipation Celebration

This summer, 乱伦视频 faculty and staff were invited to engage in meaningful dialogue, reflection and community-building through the Inclusive Excellence Summer Development Series 鈥淎merican Anniversaries: 250 Years, Over 160 Reasons to Heal.鈥�

The series connected two significant milestones in American history 鈥� the nation鈥檚 250th anniversary and the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth 鈥� through opportunities to explore the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equality and justice.

Together@乱伦视频鈥檚 Emancipation Celebration invited community members to enjoy a Juneteenth exhibit, music, sweet treats and games while celebrating freedom, resilience and community.

Los Angeles has been serving as one of the key U.S. locations for the FIFA World Cup 2026; Skladan鈥檚 work responsibilities have brought her to LA for the duration of the games this summer.

Students and alumni guests had the opportunity to learn about her impressive career in sports so far and her journeyposition to her current . 鈥淚t is wonderful to be back at 乱伦视频 LA鈥檚 home base at The Preserve, in the same space where my classes were held and from where I began the journey to launch my post-graduation professional career,鈥� Skladan told the gathered group.

Each semester, 乱伦视频 Los Angeles brings together alumni and students for conversations that benefit emerging young professionals in a wide variety of career fields. The program offers an exciting, immersive and robust spring semester and summer program experience in the heart of historic Hollywood through 乱伦视频鈥檚聽听补苍诲 National Campus Programs. Applications are now being accepted for the spring 2027 semester.

From production, post-production, content creation, producing, writing, directing and performing, the panel offered a wide range of information to students of diverse majors who are in Los Angeles this summer for a unique core capstone course, experiential learning, alumni engagement and community service.

Zaman, who works at the post-production house Picture Shop, shared the excitement of being in the middle of the artistry of post-production. Among Picture Shop鈥檚 most recent projects was providing color correction work on Steven Spielberg鈥檚 current film 鈥淒isclosure Day.鈥� She is also a first-time site supervisor, mentoring summer student Hammond Sherouse at a first-time 乱伦视频 Los Angeles Picture Shop internship.

Campisano, who served as a selection committee member for the first 乱伦视频 Los Angeles Alumni Short Film Grant Competition last fall, spoke about the wide range of professional creative opportunities that await students who return to Los Angeles after graduation. Campisano is an award-winning filmmaker who often turns to the 乱伦视频 Los Angeles alumni community when staffing and casting projects.

Kestlinger is a Physical Production Manager for television and feature films at SK Global Entertainment. Seawright, an actor, model, and entertainment and brand marketing specialist, currently performs at Disneyland Resort.

乱伦视频 Los Angeles offers an exciting, immersive spring semester and summer program experience in the heart of historic Hollywood through 乱伦视频鈥檚 and National Campus Programs. Applications are now being accepted for the spring 2027 semester.