Ask a UNC Greensboros student what drew them to the College of Visual and Performing Arts. They will usually tell you about the professionalism of faculty, the high praise from students who came before them, and the partnerships with the Greensboro arts community.
Students graduating this Fall 2024 share that sentiment. They will now bring talent and opportunity to the stage and behind the scenes. Some of the newest alumni shared how their stories aligned with CVPA. They talk about their love of performing, the people at UNCG who inspired them to excel, and where they hope to go from here.
Anna Bella Clymer
From the moment Anna Clymer stepped into the School of Dance building, she felt welcome. Although she’s been dancing since she was three, she joined the dance cohort a little later than the rest. However, she says that the community helped her immediately fit right in.
Thanks to the experiences in the School of Dance and with local Greensboro groups, Clymer believes she can put her talents toward good causes. She’s thinking about becoming a physical therapist who works specifically with dancers.
Read about why she found UNCG to be such a welcoming community here.
Courtney Swank
One of the best things about being a stage manager is seeing the big picture, according to Courtney Swank. She feels well-prepared to enter the world of theatre. Many of her professors brought Broadway experience, so she knows that she can apply what she did during UNCG performances to whatever theatre she finds herself in.
Read more about her experience, and found out her favorite show at UNCG here.
“I don’t feel like it’s, ‘here’s your degree, now ’bye.’ I feel like I’ve gained so much experience and made connections that will be resources for me as I go forward. I feel prepared to do the things I need to do to look for a job.”
Courtney Swank, BFA Drama: Design and Technical Production
Yue Du
Yue Du is grateful for her mother’s encouragement to pursue her artistic dreams and a professor from her master’s studies who introduce her to UNCG’s School of Music. This international student fell in love with the piano performance doctoral program. In Greensboro, she got to supplement her undergraduate study of music in China and learn types of music she had not heard before.
Her appreciation for UNCG goes beyond the notes. When a personal tragedy struck, they made sure she got time and space to focus on her family’s needs without worrying about her future dreams.
Read about the how Yue plans to pay it forward here.
CELEBRATE OUR GRADS!
Graduates and their families are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media by tagging the University accounts and using the hashtags #UNCGGrad and #UNCGWay. Visit UNCG’s digital swag page for graduation-themed graphics, filters, and templates.
Mention @UNCG in celebratory posts on Instagram and X and @uncgreensboro on TikTok.
