Sage Short ’26 MFA was named poetry editor of “The Greensboro Review” in her second year at UNCG. She’s another link in the long chain of influential writers to come out of the creative writing program over many decades.
Ernest Dollar ’93, director of museums for the City of Raleigh, believes in making history feel relevant to people’s lives. As the United States prepares for its 250th anniversary this summer, he helps bring centuries-old milestones to life for new generations.
The double alum took advantage of every opportunity at his disposal in the Bryan School of Business and Economics. He became one of the first beneficiaries of a new scholarship and, as part of the inaugural class of the highly-touted Blueprint Series, built key skills that catch the eye of prospective employers.
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.
