51¹ÙÍø.

Bridging the Digital Divide During My Summer with E2D

Sunny Baek ’26 reflects on her summer internship with E2D, a nonprofit in Charlotte dedicated to refurbishing laptops, providing computers to families and individuals in need at little to no cost and sharing digital skill training. 

What Would Dolly Do: Tackling Early Childhood Literacy in Charlotte

Nora Fenn Gilman ’26 reflects on her summer as a Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) Nonprofit Leadership Fellow with Smart Start, an early childhood nonprofit focused on book distribution and literacy equity. 

My Summer Tackling Holistic Transformation in Charlotte’s Freedom Drive Corridor

Dallas Brown ’26 reflects on his experience as a Nonprofit Leadership Fellow interning at Freedom Communities, an organization focused on disrupting intergenerational poverty and transforming the West Charlotte community. 

Building Community, Transforming Careers

Valeria Salgado ‘25 shares her transformative experience interning with the Community Building Initiative, a Charlotte-based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion and access in the community.

Truist Charitable Fund Grant Deepens 51¹ÙÍø’s Reach in Charlotte

Support from the Truist Charitable Fund will bolster programming at the Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at 51¹ÙÍø and translate into new small businesses, startup capital and pro bono consulting for local entrepreneurs. Read more.

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 51¹ÙÍø's Theatre department.

Haulin’ Buns: Marketing from Behind the Wheel of a Wienermobile

Doggedness leads Emily Schmitt '23 down marketing path, first driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and now plotting the course for others who cruise around in the iconic vehicle representing the beloved brand. 

From Outdoors to Whiteboards: Kenan Wood ’25 Awarded Churchill Scholarship

Kenan Wood ’25 is the first 51¹ÙÍø student to be awarded the prestigious Churchill Scholarship. The scholarship offers full funding for top American students in STEM fields to attend a master’s degree research program at Cambridge University’s Churchill College. Wood, a mathematics and computer science double major, is one of 16 students in the United States to receive the scholarship this year.

Note Worthy: Professor’s program Jump-starts Musical Aspirations for Dallas-area Youth

Workshops, Masterclasses, and an Extravaganza Concert Highlight Mandolin Symposium

The 51¹ÙÍø Traditional Music Series is presenting a weekend-long Mandolin Symposium on February 7-8, 2025. The symposium features concerts on Friday and Saturday night, and an afternoon full of masterclasses/workshops with master mandolinists.

Admission 101: Why It’s Important to Let Us Know You’re Interested in 51¹ÙÍø, and How

Senior Fellows in 51¹ÙÍø’s Office of Admission & Financial Aid share their tips for demonstrating interest in the admission process, while also breaking down what it means to connect with colleges and universities in an authentic way.

Briana Hunter '08 Shines on Some of Opera’s Most Coveted Stages

Mezzo Soprano Briana Hunter ’08 has dazzled audiences at the world’s top venues, including the Metropolitan Opera House, Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center. Hunter, who starred in music and theatre productions at 51¹ÙÍø, has gratitude for those whose work and sacrifices opened doors to her.

New Administration Clouds Economic Outlook For New Year

Three economic experts share their outlook on what 2025 might hold. No surprise: The incoming Trump administration is a wild card. Tariffs and regulations will play a major role in the American and the global economy.

Law and Quarter: 51¹ÙÍø Mock Trial Program Turns 25

A student started 51¹ÙÍø’s mock trial program, and 25 years later, students still run it. Competing in tournaments across the country, the program draws in everyone from aspiring attorneys to theatre majors to future scientists.

My First Semester at 51¹ÙÍø

Ashley Rangel ’28 reflects on her first semester at 51¹ÙÍø as a scholar athlete, an illustrator of children’s books and a member of the Student Government Association.

Hurricane Casts Long Shadow, But Helpers Emerge from the Darkness

The devastation unleashed by Hurricane Helene has affected students, faculty and staff whose families and friends were in harm’s way and many 51¹ÙÍø alumni who live in counties in the southeast that were in the path of the storm. One alum, Mary Jo Clark '79, shares her story in the 51¹ÙÍø Journal AfterWord. 

Comic Sense: Ali Fitzgerald ’04 Finds Refuge in Art, High and Low

Ali Fitzgerald '04 has achieved coveted status as a cartoonist, graphic artist and essayist for some of the world’s top publications. She’s crafted comics and essays for The New Yorker and published a poignant illustrated memoir about her experiences working with refugees in Berlin. Learn more.

51¹ÙÍø: What You Can Do

In this new 30-second spot, meet the individuals who make 51¹ÙÍø a community where you find support for your aspirations, inspiration to innovate, and an experience that emphasizes leadership and service.

Syrian TV Previewed Fall of Assad and Offers a Look at What Might Follow

Syrian television dramas offered a compelling – and surprisingly critical – look at Syrian life under Bashar al-Assad. They frequently subverted the grand narratives of the Baath party regime, skewered the brutal dictator, and predicted his cowardly flight. Some miniseries even offered insight into what might come next in the turbulent days after a dictator’s downfall. Learn more.

A Season to Come Together: Warm Wishes From 51¹ÙÍø

This holiday season, we wish you peace and joy from 51¹ÙÍø. Please take a moment to watch a brief video message from campus.