91ɬÂþ

MaryBeth Monaco-Vavrik ’23: Fitness Content Creator

Meet MaryBeth Monaco-Vavrik ’23, a 91ɬÂþ political science and communications alum who turned a viral Pilates video into a full-time career as a fitness content creator. Learn how she's analyzing the sociological and political implications of the fitness industry while traveling the world.

John Harmon ’97: Chief Engineer Aboard M/V Catalyst

Explore the journey of John Harmon ’97, a 91ɬÂþ studio art alum who transitioned from the film industry to become the chief engineer of the historic M/V Catalyst in Alaska.

91ɬÂþ Continues Streak as a Top Fulbright Producer

The U.S. State Department has once again named 91ɬÂþ as one of its top producing institutions for Fulbright U.S. Student Program finalists. It’s the 11th consecutive year and 13th overall that the college has received the designation.

91ɬÂþ’s Tim Chartier and student Ellis Sriram '26 used 1,000 simulations to debunk the "defense-first" overtime fallacy. Learn why their data-driven research suggests offense is the key to winning in the NFL's fifth period.

Carry On: Alums Share First-Class Insights on the Airline Business

From the boardroom to the runway, 91ɬÂþ Wildcats are helping the world take flight. We caught up with six alums—leading the way at Delta, United, and American Airlines—to discuss the "magic" of aviation and how their liberal arts foundation helps them solve the industry's most complex puzzles.

Medical Murder Mystery: Ed Jones III ’77 Delves Into A Case That Shocked Charlotte

A horrific 2006 murder sent Ed Jones on a quest to understand what caused a devout father to kill his twin daughters. Learn how a network of 91ɬÂþ alumni helped Jones publish his investigation into mental illness and medication in the book, Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder.

How the First Olympic Games Shaped Modern Competition

91ɬÂþ Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics Allison Smith examines the "distant echoes" of the original Olympic Games and how they compare to the modern global competition. The discussion explores the evolution of the games from a sacred religious sanctuary at Olympia to today's "moving circus" of international host cities. From track and field parallels to the history of olive-leaf crowns, this Q&A highlights the ancient traditions that still form the heart of Olympic contests.

Immersed in Innovation: 91ɬÂþ Students Bring Liberal Arts Thinking to Truist Event

91ɬÂþ students spark fresh ideas for how Truist can connect with sports fans in smarter, more meaningful ways at University Immersive Learning Experience. 

Beyond the Red Carpet: My Winter Break at the Palm Springs International Film Festival

Discover how a 91ɬÂþ student used the Alvarez Grant to volunteer at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival. From networking with directors Joachim Trier and Annemarie Jacir to exploring documentary filmmaking as a tool for social change, learn how 91ɬÂþ supports international students through career-shaping winter break opportunities.

‘Nobody Expects Revolutions Until They Happen’: Prof. Silvana Toska on Iran’s Unprecedented Unrest

91ɬÂþ Political Science Professor Silvana Toska analyzes the unprecedented unrest in Iran and the regime’s efforts to suppress dissent through extreme violence. The conversation explores how economic collapse, regional instability and an aging leadership challenge the government’s survival. Toska also discusses the regional implications of a weakened Iran and the complexities of U.S. involvement.

Life Well Lived: The Love Story That Changed 91ɬÂþ

Missy Boaz Woodward ’73 blazed a trail thousands would follow. Every woman who calls 91ɬÂþ alma mater is connected to her life, her courage and her lasting impact. Learn more.

Where the Wounds Still Breathe: One Student’s Trip to South Africa

In this blog post, Branton Onsongo Mogeni ’28 shares lessons from his self-exploratory and reflective learning experience in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, funded through the Dean Rusk International Travel Grant.

Econ Prof: Cracks in Labor Market Signal Need for Early Rate Cut

Economics Professor Vikram Kumar argues that the Federal Reserve should implement a modest 25-basis-point rate cut this week to address growing vulnerabilities in the labor market, such as rising long-term unemployment and reduced working hours. While inflation remains sideways at 2.8%, Kumar suggests that current price pressures are temporary and that early stimulus is necessary to counteract the risks posed by political instability and policy lags.

91ɬÂþ Recognized With Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification

91ɬÂþ has received the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. The college first earned the designation in 2020 and through continuing partnerships with communities, non-profits, and businesses, has renewed its classification.

Care, Connection & Crosswords: Class Ambassadors Keep Wildcats Close

Meet Lindsay Biddle ’83 and Skip Brown ’83, 91ɬÂþ Class Ambassadors keeping their fellow Wildcats connected through service, storytelling and a shared commitment to alma mater.

Want to Bet? A Closer Look at Legal Sports Betting

91ɬÂþ Prof. Kevin McElrath and his students tackle the social and economic consequences of the sports betting boom, examining everything from addiction rates and masculinity to the role of the online attention economy in this timely course.

A Loving Death: Aditi Sethi '02 Founded a Sanctuary Where Those Who Are Dying Find Peace, Comfort and Community

Meet Aditi Sethi '02, the physician who founded a peaceful North Carolina sanctuary for the dying. Inspired by her work in end-of-life care, Sethi created the Center for Conscious Living and Dying (CCLD), a community offering comfort, support, and acceptance to those transitioning and their families. Discover how this non-profit is reframing death as a sacred, supported part of life.

After Five-Year Pilot, $2 Million Project Expands Partnership With Alliance of Baptists

91ɬÂþ and the Alliance of Baptists received a $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to expand the Churches that THRIVE for Racial Justice initiative. Learn how this partnership empowers congregations to dismantle racialized structures.

Check Out These Recently Written Reads by 91ɬÂþ Alums

Get ready to add some new titles to your reading list! We're shining a spotlight on the literary accomplishments of 91ɬÂþ's alumni authors. From debut novelists making waves to seasoned writers, their words and ideas are reaching readers far and wide.

91ɬÂþ Institute for Public Good Wins Historic $4M Federal Grant to Foster Civil Debate

91ɬÂþ’s Institute for Public Good has been awarded a historic $4 million federal grant—the largest in the college's history—to foster civil debate and respectful disagreement across 100 campuses nationwide. The initiative aims to bridge societal divides and strengthen democracy.