A comment made by an alum to his former UNCG professor, Dr. Ryan Reynolds, got the latter thinking how he might put instruments in the hands of more young, eager students. He delivered on that goal with his most recent winter concert.
This latest issue shares personal impact stories of the momentous Light the Way campaign, shines a spotlight on alumni leading the arts scene, and displays Spartans’ museum work in time for America 250.
Susan Safran ’77 received an honorary doctor of science degree for her exceptional guidance in advanced learning in health care, emergency training, and higher education. Randall Kaplan received an honorary doctor of laws degree for his visionary leadership, public service, and philanthropy, establishing a transformative impact across North Carolina.
UNCG graduated 2,813 students on May 7–8 to the Class of 2026, each with their own story that brought them here. And every one of them will leave with something lasting and transformative, their degrees like passports for entry into big places and bright futures.
Two Spartans share a special connection ahead of Spring 2026 Commencement. Shameeka M. Wilson ’18, ’20 MEd established an endowment before graduating. This week, the endowment recipient Irani Molina-Olmedo, will graduate from the School of Education.
Harriet Shain Evenson ’53 built her legacy around a simple charge: make more teachers. Her lifelong commitment to public education — shared with her husband, Jerome — culminated in the largest gift in UNCG history, which will transform the School of Education beyond her expectations.
The excitement can be felt across UNCG as it gets ready to honor the nearly 3,000 Spartans who will graduate this spring. Each of their stories speaks to their perseverance and passion for modeling leadership and service wherever they go. To help with traffic and parking around First Horizon Coliseum, UNCG will provide free shuttles from campus.
Some of Greensboro’s most iconic artwork — Nathanael Greene, the February One sit-in leaders, and UNCG’s own iconic Minerva — sprang from the mind of alum James Barnhill ’82 MFA. He’s also mentored thousands of students and displayed his sculptures across the nation. An exhibition of 30 works by Barnhill will open to the public on May 8 at Greensboro’s Continental Club Gallery.
After graduating, Dr. Kaira Wagoner ’11, ’15, PhD., stayed on at UNCG and is now director of the Plant & Pollinator Center. She’s a leader in honeybee protection across Greensboro, spreading her knowledge through the Bee Campus and through local classrooms and parks.
Growing Connections for Pediatric Achievements has provided therapy to children for 75 years. A team of UNCG alumnae and interns are at the helm, delivering on their skills in speech-language pathology, nonprofit management, and marketing.
