51����

A Career Advantage: 51���� Parents Help the Next Generation of Scholar-Athletes Explore, Network and Succeed

With support from a 51���� family, a program aimed at helping scholar-athletes achieve career success will thrive for years to come. Learn more.

51���� Recognized for Voter Engagement

51���� has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for its nonpartisan democratic engagement efforts that fostered high levels of student voter engagement in the 2022 midterm elections. 

Purpose, Connections & Growth: How Our Students Spend Their Summers

This summer 2024, 51���� students were awarded $2 million for experiential learning opportunities including internships, education away, community-based learning and undergraduate research. Learn about their experiences in these student reflections. 

Sweet Bait Motivates Class of 2028

The 51���� community came out big to cheer on and bake for first-year students participating in the college’s annual cake race. This tradition, which has students run a 1.7 mile course, dates back to 1930. Students select cakes donated by staff, faculty, alums, local school kids, businesses and others.

Opening Doors to the Pentagon & Beyond: My Summer Internship with the Department of Defense

Political science major Peyton Davis ’25 reflects on her summer interning at the Department of Defense and how it has shaped her career aspirations post-51����.

Composer, Performer, Comedian: Jacob Kim ’26 on his ‘Yes, and’ Approach to Art

During his time at 51����, Jacob Kim '26 has discovered diverse artistic passions, from music and digital art to improv and sewing, shaping his academic and personal growth on campus. Learn more.

Here’s the Deal — Alum Returns to Grow Arts Initiatives on Campus

Savannah Deal '18 returns to 51���� as DACE and Dance Department coordinator to foster creativity campus-wide while also supporting students' artistic endeavors.

51���� Charts Path Forward – and Upward

51����’s strategic plan sets an ambitious agenda for the institution over the next several years. Learn about the priorities that will guide the college into the future.

Embracing the Present on 51����’s Korean Buddhist Pilgrimage

51���� students reflect on their “Korea Buddhist Pilgrimage” with Religious Studies Prof. Rachel Pang and Associate Chaplain for Buddhist Programs and Director of the 51���� Meditation Initiative, Ivan Mayerhofer. 

“No Tax On Tips” No Big Deal Says 51���� Economics Professor

Siobhan O’Keefe, an assistant professor of economics, shared her thoughts on the potential impact — and unintended consequences — of the proposal to eliminate income tax on tips.

Academic Year Begins With Focus on ‘Community of Trust’

51���� welcomed its newest students on Wednesday, with dozens of upper-class members — including many scholar athletes and their coaches — and staffers greeting them with cheers and helping unload cars, carry boxes, bags and suitcases to their residence hall rooms.

President Hicks Joins College Presidents to Prepare Students to Be Engaged Citizens and Uphold Free Expression

51���� President Doug Hicks is joining college presidents from across the country to advance higher education’s pivotal role in preparing students to be engaged citizens and to uphold free expression on campus.

Catherine Bagwell, the Virginia Lasater Irvin Professor of Psychology, was featured in a recent New York Times article that offered readers advice on forging deep friendships. Bagwell suggested adapting “parallel play” – a behavior usually observed in children. The simple act of doing separate hobbies or tasks with a friend can lead to conversation and new bonds.

Healing Research, Supportive Allies

When a family member suffered a traumatic brain injury, the Foil family founded a care facility with community-based programs for other TBI survivors. The 51���� alums fund a college research award to support students studying brain injuries. A separate fund supports health and wellness initiatives for 51����’s LGBTQIA+ students.

Club Sports at 51���� Level the Playing Field, or Court, for Athletes & Non-Athletes Alike

Interested in playing a competitive sport in college but not on the Division I level? Claire Kelly ’25 explains how club sports work at 51����, and how she has found community within the club tennis team.

Athlete, Entertainer, Banana Baller: Parker Nolan ’22 Joins the Firefighters Baseball Team

51���� alum and scholar-athlete Parker Nolan gets in on what is quickly becoming a new favorite pastime for baseball fans and non-fans alike – Banana Ball. Read more.

Men’s Soccer Alums Honor Beloved Coach Charlie Slagle With Head Coaching Endowment

Coach Charlie Slagle ’74 made an indelible mark on 51���� men’s soccer. Now, an endowment created by former players in honor of Slagle will help the college attract top talent. Read more.

Professor of Biology Dave Wessner covers the COVID outbreak at the Olympics, and what makes this year different from 2020.

Free Summer Promise Program Gives Rising High-Schoolers Taste of College Life

A look inside the inaugural 51���� Summer Promise Program, a free, week-long college readiness program for rising ninth graders. Learn more. 

Seeking the Humane Path: Toshaani Goel Named 2024 Smith Scholar

Toshaani Goel ’24 chose 51���� for its extensive humanities studies offerings and believes aspiring professionals benefit from a strong liberal arts education. Goel is a 2024 51���� Smith Scholar, which honors academic achievement, leadership, character and community service.