Participants in the newest cohort emphasized the program’s immediate relevance to their everyday work.

Andrea Davis L’12 said the experience helped her clearly identify how AI fits into multiple areas of her life.

“I had such a great time in this course — it really allowed me to pinpoint how I can use AI in my job and in my personal life, and it helped grow my confidence in handling AI,” Davis said.

The certificate focuses on experiential learning, guiding participants through hands-on exercises with AI tools, prompt development and workflow design. Rather than centering on technical complexity, the program emphasizes strategy, ethics and clarity of use.

Elizabeth Worrilow Maher ’17 said the course reshaped how she approaches her daily work.

“It genuinely shifted how I think about my day-to-day work,” Maher said. “What stood out most wasn’t just the tools, but the mindset — using AI to enhance how you think, not replace it.”

Maher noted that key takeaways included the importance of strong inputs and strategy, the impact of small workflow improvements over time and the advantage gained through learning how to ask better questions.

Instructor Rebecca Macy said the growth she observed in the cohort reflected a shift in how participants approached AI.

“The strength of this program is that it does not treat AI as a one-time tool demonstration,” she said. “Participants build from foundational understanding and ethics into prompt engineering, workflow design and a personalized capstone project they can connect directly to their professional or personal lives.”

By the end of the program, she added, participants gain clarity as well as confidence.

“The thirst for learning about the newest AI tools and best practices for practical, professional usage continues to grow,” said instructor Scott Oakes. “Hands-on, cohort-driven learning is a uniquely ������Ƶ experience — one where students draw not only on our expertise, but on the lived experiences of their fellow learners.”

For many participants, that collaborative environment reinforces both learning and confidence.

“This is a great class to learn and expand your knowledge,” said Neal Saunders G’17. “You won’t believe what you can do.”

As the AI Certificate for Professionals continues to grow, the second cohort reflects the program’s evolution from a new offering into an established learning experience with lasting professional impact. The certificate reinforces ������Ƶ’s commitment to lifelong learning and workforce relevance.

The certificate is offered through , part of the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Eric Sklut P’14, an entrepreneur and longtime community leader in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Amy Muntner P’24, a retail and strategy executive based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, will bring extensive experience in business, innovation and civic engagement to the university’s governing body.

The ������Ƶ Board of Trustees has ultimate fiduciary responsibility for the institution, providing oversight of its mission, strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

Sklut is the founder of Perfection Automotive, a Charlotte-based company known for producing custom trim components for high-end vehicles. His development of the BumperPlugs product line grew from an entrepreneurial solution to a gap in the luxury automotive market and has since become a widely used product among car enthusiasts.

In addition to his business success, Sklut has demonstrated decades of philanthropic leadership across the Charlotte region. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including and the , and has led major fundraising campaigns supporting community initiatives.

His efforts have helped generate more than $70 million for charitable organizations, including a recent campaign exceeding $23 million for a regional hunger relief initiative.

Sklut previously served on ������Ƶ’s Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2023 and has maintained a deep and sustained commitment to the university. He and his wife, Lori, have been transformative supporters of Jewish life and Jewish Studies at ������Ƶ, including naming the Sklut Hillel Center and establishing endowed faculty and scholarship support.

Their son, Mason, is a 2014 graduate of ������Ƶ.

Muntner brings a global perspective shaped by a career in consulting, consumer products and retail strategy. She began her career with Andersen Consulting before joining , where she advised major international corporations. Her additional leadership positions have included Executive roles with Toys “R” Us and , where she led brand and business strategy initiatives.

Her work has spanned multiple international markets, including Asia and Europe, and has focused on strategic growth, partnerships and product development. At Sesame Workshop, she played a key role in cross-functional efforts to expand the organization’s reach and impact through new character development and brand initiatives, including the introduction of the popular

Muntner’s connection to ������Ƶ grew through her daughter Lucy’s enrollment as a member of the Class of 2024. She and her husband, Kevin, are members of the university’s 1889 Society and have supported scholarships, Hillel and university priorities through philanthropic giving.

Their broader civic engagement includes support for international relief organizations, and education and community well-being in Scotland, Hong Kong and the United States.

About ������Ƶ

������Ƶ is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.

At ������Ƶ, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences with emphasis on global experiences and career development. More than 80 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. ������Ƶ is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

������Ƶ’s academic divisions include ������Ƶ College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Law, with programs in Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Chandlers remain impressed by ������Ƶ’s commitment to sound strategic planning and doing what’s best for students. It’s what inspired the couple’s gift to Slattery Center, the university’s new hub for health and wellness that will integrate academics, wellness, campus recreation and fitness programs to ensure students gain the skills they need to succeed on campus and throughout their lives.

Scheduled to open later this year, Slattery Center is located within ������Ƶ’s Innovation Quad, home to the university’s engineering and other STEM programs. The center is part of the university’s broader HealthEU initiative to serve students, faculty and staff.

“It adds value and is beneficial when you can provide a place where students can go to be in community, exercise, receive counseling and focus on their well-being,” said Bob Chandler, former executive vice president of Chandler Concrete Co. “This facility shows that the university is aware of the challenges students face and how to help them in all aspects of their health.”

The HealthEU initiative focuses on six dimensions of health and wellness: community, emotional, purpose, financial, physical and social. The three-story Slattery Center will feature new classrooms, student-faculty research spaces, multiple floors for wellness and fitness activities, and the Mark and Kim Tyson Counseling Center, which will provide individual and group therapy, as well as workshops and outreach programs.

Through coursework, as well as workshops and training programs focused on health and wellness, Slattery Center will impact all students as they progress through their education and learn essential skills and practices related to wellness and well-being. The center is a key priority of the Boldly ������Ƶ strategic plan that will guide the university to 2030.

The couple’s gift will also endow the Chandler Family Global Experience Fund, strengthening ������Ƶ’s commitment to provide each of the university’s 17 varsity teams with a global experience every four years.

“Global experiences are a cornerstone of an ������Ƶ education, and thanks to Bob and Amy Chandler, our student-athletes will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the world while sharing their sport across cultures,” said Jennifer Strawley, director of athletics. “Bob and Amy are truly special people who value the holistic development of our student-athletes and their generosity will be felt for generations. I am deeply grateful for their many years of dedication to this university and for the profound difference they make in the lives of our student-athletes.”

“Our family has been sports fans for as long as I can remember. We love the energy and excitement athletics brings to campus and the opportunities it provides to students,” Bob Chandler said.

“������Ƶ is a national leader in global study, and we are thrilled to help provide this experience for student-athletes,” he added. “It’s essential that students have the opportunity to witness other cultures and encounter the differences and similarities of the people there. It provides tremendous growth for a person and a deeper understanding of the world.”

The Chandler family is among ������Ƶ’s most generous and devoted donors, helping to shape one of the finest learning environments in the nation through their gifts to Belk Library, Rhodes Stadium, Ernest A. Koury, Sr. Business Center, Gerald L. Francis Center, Alumni Field House, Richard W. Sankey Hall, Schar Center, The Inn at ������Ƶ and Innovation Quad.

Bob Chandler’s parents, Tom and Lynn Chandler, also endowed the Chandler Family Professional Sales Center in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. Tom Chandler was the chairman and former CEO of Chandler Concrete, which he founded in 1973, and he served on ������Ƶ’s Board of Trustees for more than two decades before being elected Life Trustee in 2021. In 2023, Tom Chandler received the ������Ƶ Medallion, the university’s highest honor.

“������Ƶ’s trajectory shows remarkable advancement,” Bob Chandler said. “������Ƶ has a vision of what’s to come and how to keep the university moving forward. It is a vibrant and thriving university that is gratifying for the students, faculty and community.”

The university’s influence extends far beyond the campus.

“The impact that ������Ƶ has on Alamance County and the region is significant, and we feel it’s important for our family to support the university,” Bob said. “It’s a community that we are proud to be part of.”

“I was in this place of, ‘Oh my God, what am I going to do?'” she said.

She remembers a moment of doubt during her final year when Professor Emeritus Rich Landesberg provided the “tough love” she needed to move forward.

“He kept saying, ‘Just pick. You’re going to be fine. No matter what, you’re going to land on your feet.’ I really needed that at the time,” Polk said.

That foundation was built primarily within the School of Communications, where Polk, a broadcast communications major, found a safe space to test her leadership skills. She points to a producing class taught by Assistant Professor Ray Johnson as a key turning point where the details of the profession finally clicked. Johnson tasked her with being the executive producer for the class, a role that involved managing her peers and overseeing a project from concept to delivery.

“It was so much work, but I loved it,” she said. “You just realize how many people are leaning on you.”

She credits Johnson’s ability to “put on a show” in the classroom as a major inspiration for her own leadership style, teaching her that engagement and enthusiasm are just as important as technical skills.

“He was so good at his job… I think about him often,” she said.

Upon graduation, Polk’s preparation was put to the test when she was accepted into the prestigious NBC Page Program in New York City. Moving from the college environment of ������Ƶ to the fast-paced world of NBC required a quick adjustment. She rotated through high-stakes assignments, including “The Today Show,” the US Open, and Syfy publicity, a journey that required her to adapt to a more rigorous schedule, one that demanded the fundamental discipline of the network.

“I used to be a very late person,” she admitted. “But I got it out of my system because of the Page Program. ������Ƶ prepared me for the presence, how to present yourself well and dress the part, but the Page Program taught me the discipline.”

Her trajectory eventually led her to Los Angeles and the Hallmark Channel for 12 years, where she rose to the position of vice president of development and programming. In this role, she oversaw the production of up to 30 projects annually, yet she never lost sight of the “human-centric” focus she cultivated at ������Ƶ. Polk made it a priority to increase diversity and inclusion within the network’s programming, working to amplify diverse voices to ensure that Hallmark’s signature films reflected a broader range of the human experience. She describes herself as a kindness-first connector, a philosophy that has allowed her to attract top-tier talent and build lasting relationships with writers and agents across the industry.

Now, as she leads Simply Believe Creative, Polk is focused on catalyzing original romantic comedies and holiday films for the modern streaming market. Even from her home in California, she remains deeply connected to the campus where her journey began. She notes with a smile that she still sees familiar faces in the ������Ƶ news, including former classmates who have returned to the university in leadership roles.

Her advice to the next generation of Phoenix is a reflection of her own resilient path.

“Go after the things that scare you and push right through the fear to do them anyway,” she said.

“Take on as many projects as you can, but do them to the absolute best of your ability. Stay curious… the yeses always come,” she said.

Do you know an alum who has an interesting story to tell? Please feel free to share your feedback or those stories online:

“The tour guide explained that from the first day of freshman year, you can have hands-on experience,” Im recalled. “Many other schools I toured said that the first couple of years were mainly theory-based classes and less hands-on experience. I find a lot of value in having access to the resources all four years.”

That promise of hands-on experience was kept. Within her first week as a freshman, Im was already behind a Sony 4K camera through ������Ƶ’s Fresh TV program. Now a junior majoring in cinema and television arts with minors in leadership studies and psychology, she recalled, “The CTA program was the biggest reason I loved ������Ƶ.”

Im grew up in South Korea, where her father still lives, before moving to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her mother and siblings for high school. She said that her transition from high school to ������Ƶ was comfortable, and that compared to her previous experience, she had more opportunities for interaction with her peers.

“When I came to ������Ƶ, I had more of a chance to share my culture and interact with people who have different backgrounds,” she recalled. “It made my perspective change in general. I learned more about how other people from different cultures think and see the world.”

Much of her growth in her freshman year happened in her International Living-Learning Community residence hall. She remembered connecting with the people living in her residence hall who spoke different languages and carried distinct cultural perspectives that they shared freely — sometimes in unconventional ways.

“We taught each other how to swear in our languages,” Im laughed. “That was one of my core memories, and still, I hear my friends cursing in Korean once in a while. I think it’s very funny; the freshman dorm experience was so much fun.”

Her energy to share and inspire carried forward. Im is very involved on campus through being an Orientation Leader, Residence Assistant, a Leadership Fellow and a member of Women’s Club Rugby.

She recalled two examples that solidified what it meant to her to be a positive mentor at ������Ƶ. Feeling proud of the work she is involved with, Im shared the personal meaning behind her drive to improve ������Ƶ’s campus.

“When I get respect, I feel that I am doing well,” she said. During Fellows Weekend, a student walked up to her, “He said, ‘I don’t think you remember me, but you gave me a tour two years ago, and that tour made me excited to come to ������Ƶ.’”

Not long after, in her sophomore summer, she was recognized for being an engaging leader again by a former orientation student who had become an RA, just like her. He sought her out to thank her for being an engaging leader. For Im, the pattern was clear.

“I’m happy that I’m doing well in mentorship and getting appreciated in many different ways, but also I’m proud that my mentees are doing well on campus. And that brings me joy in many different ways,” she added.

In the classroom and production studio, Im has been equally determined to succeed. She is currently the producer for ������Ƶ After Hours, the student-run late-night talk show under ������Ƶ Student Television. As a freshman, she earned the program’s Rookie of the Year award, recognition she said she hadn’t seen coming.

“I did not know that the upperclassmen were appreciating my help until I got that award, and that’s when I realized they think I’m doing my job well,” she said.

Im also received the highest academic achievement award from CREDE, the university’s Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, though she is quick to express what achievement means to her. “Getting a good grade is important, but what I do and what I learn is more important than just getting a grade.”

This semester, her focus is on an advanced documentary class where her group is producing a live-broadcast game show, complete with original graphics. Her group plans to produce a live broadcast of the game show when it is being filmed, and the final cut will be a highlight reel of the show’s best moments. “I’m so excited for that,” she added.

Even though Im received awards and worked well with her mentees, she was conflicted between staying at ������Ƶ, and carrying the financial weight of tuition, or leaving.

“I was considering dropping out of college or transferring, even though I value and appreciate the education I get at ������Ƶ, because financial troubles are inevitable,” she expressed.

Through her Reverend Dr. William J. Andes ’35 Endowed Scholarship changed that. The scholarship was not just supportive financially, but also supported what her values as a student meant to the ������Ƶ community. To her, it felt like someone had seen what she was doing and decided it mattered. It proved to her that her talents are worth investing in.

With the scholarship, Im was able to expand her reach beyond ������Ƶ’s campus and enroll in the Study USA New York City program.

“If I were not enrolled with ������Ƶ, and supported through a scholarship, I would not have had the experience to meet alumni and connect with people based on our interests in New York City,” said Im.

Im is now one year from finishing her degree and acknowledged how close she came to never reaching this point.

“Thank you so much. I cannot explain how much of an impact they made on my life and my family’s lives,” Im said of her scholarship donors.” The fact that I can tell my family that I received money as recognition of my skills is a huge help. I have the opportunity to make this campus a better space, and the fact that I have that privilege –I’m so thankful for that. Sincerely, the scholarship changed my life, and now I can contribute to the community.”

Among the honorees were reporters, entrepreneurs, researchers and more, whose journeys reflect the values that define the ������Ƶ experience.

Morgan Bodenarain ’18 – Policy Director and Counsel, Congressional Black Caucus | Washington, D.C.

As policy director and counsel for the Congressional Black Caucus in the 119th United States Congress, Morgan Bodenarain leads policy development and advocacy efforts on behalf of its 61 members, previously holding the same role in the 118th Congress. Bodenarain’s work has earned national recognition, and she has been honored with the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Award and the National Bar Association’s Nation’s Best Advocates Award.

At ������Ƶ, Bodenarain was active in the Student Government Association, Phi Alpha Delta professional pre-law fraternity, the North Carolina State Legislature and much more. After graduation, she received her juris doctorate from The George Washington University, where she served as president of the Black Law Students Association and deputy vice president of student affairs in the Student Bar Association.

In her remarks, Bodenarain shared that her four years at ������Ƶ contributed heavily to who she is as a person, noting, “������Ƶ is truly unlike any other place. Thank you, ������Ƶ, for recognizing my success.”

Colby Marvin Bracy ’16 – Director of Human Resources & Philanthropy, The Nonantum Resort, and Owner, Hello Humans Consulting | Portland, Maine

Colby Marvin Bracy led the efforts to transform her family’s historic hospitality business, The Nonantum Resort, into a certified Recovery Family Workplace. Having joined the resort in 2018, Marvin Bracy is now the director of human resources and philanthropy, holding operational responsibilities and championing initiatives to hire individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration.

In addition to her role at The Nonantum, Marvin Bracy is the founder of Hello Humans Consulting, a firm that helps organizations develop thoughtful human resources strategies and people-centered workplaces. She remains active in her local community with the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce and chairs its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Her honors include the Rising Star Award from the local Chamber of Commerce, the Innovator of the Year award from New England Inns & Resorts and the North Star Award from the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Marvin Bracy shared that ������Ƶ’s sense of “bELONing” was something that stuck with her since her first year. “As a student here, I always wanted to belong and help others feel like they had a place they belonged.” She explained that as she moved into a career in HR, “that desire only became more pronounced,” and she wants Nonantum’s employees “to have a sense of belonging at work, especially those who may have never had that feeling before.”

Michaela Fogarty ’19 – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist, Upstream USA | Verona, New Jersey

Michaela Fogarty supports the research and program evaluation efforts that inform national reproductive health initiatives through her role as Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist at Upstream USA.

After graduation, Fogarty began her career with Planned Parenthood Federation of America as a data analysis and visualization specialist, later earning her Master of Health Science degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Forging a research-driven trajectory at ������Ƶ and beyond, Fogarty’s work has progressed from undergraduate research presentations at the Eastern Economics Conference and Undergraduate Research Forum, to authorship of several academic publications, including research on youth vaping behaviors published in the Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology. Before her current role at Upstream USA, she worked as a data manager in the Division of Global Women’s Health at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Fogarty chronologized the milestones of her ������Ƶ experience from joining many clubs to changing her major. By her senior year, she noted that she knew how to use her business skills to make the world a little bit better, but wasn’t sure how.

“With the support of the people I met at ������Ƶ, and my parents,” she said, “I figured it out.”

Michael Goldstein ’17 – Vice President, Guggenheim Partners | New York, New York

In 2015, Michael Goldstein transferred to ������Ƶ, graduating with degrees in accounting and finance in 2017. In 2021, he was inspired to give back and established the Goldstein Family Transfer Engagement Scholarship, providing financial assistance to transfer students entering the Love School of Business just as he did.

A certified public accountant turned vice president, Goldstein’s work at Guggenheim Partners in New York focuses on medical device and health care technology transactions, and he has helped support advisory engagements totaling more than $5 billion.

Goldstein doesn’t shy away from education and philanthropy. Beyond serving on the Love School of Business Advisory Board and hosting ������Ƶ business fellows in New York, Goldstein has been recognized as the top U.S. fundraiser for the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, which brings together Palestinian, Arab and Jewish students to collaborate on environmental research and conflict resolution.

For Goldstein, his remarks were filled with deep gratitude, sharing, “This award would not be possible without the mentorship I’ve had along the way.”

Gary Grumbach ’16 – Legal Affairs Reporter, NBC News | Washington, D.C.

Gary Grumbach has held various positions throughout the NBC Newsroom. From desk assistant to researcher, and later campaign embed, Grumbach is now the legal affairs reporter covering the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts across broadcast and digital platforms.

Grumbach’s ������Ƶ experience included leading ������Ƶ Local News as director and ELN Radio as executive producer. He was also president of the Society of Professional Journalists. Having reported on various presidential campaigns and trials, Grumbach’s work has earned national recognition, three NBC GEM Awards and team honors for coverage of national elections and major federal court proceedings. In November 2025, he was featured in President Book’s podcast series, “������Ƶ Beyond the Bricks.”

Grumbach shared that ������Ƶ taught him teamwork. Connecting the skill to his current career and mentorship, he emphasized, “You don’t get far without teamwork. Fellow ������Ƶ graduates at NBC are always cheering each other on.”

Emmanuel Morgan ’19 – Sports and Culture Reporter, The New York Times | Los Angeles, California

Emmanuel Morgan has delivered stories as a trusted reporter since high school, where his work was featured in outlets such as ESPN’s “The Undefeated” and The Charlotte Observer. At ������Ƶ, Morgan joined The Pendulum as a first-year reporter before rising to editor-in-chief and later serving as executive director of ������Ƶ News Network. He also represented ������Ƶ in the prestigious Carnegie-Knight News21 fellowship, where he collaborated on the national reporting project “Hate in America.”

Since graduation, Morgan has reported for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Los Angeles Times, now covering sports and culture for The New York Times. Morgan’s coverage of multiple Super Bowls and the 2024 Olympics in Paris, as well as his interviews with leading athletes and cultural figures has been featured in national coverage, and in 2023, he received the National Association of Black Journalists’ Salute to Excellence Award for his feature on identity and expression among NFL players.

Morgan thanked the ������Ƶ School of Communications staff and faculty for always having an open-door policy and for being there for him. Thanks to their “tough love,” Morgan said he felt prepared for his role today, and can “take constructive feedback well and apply it.”

Daniela Pereyra ’16 – Real Estate Broker, Dalton Wade Real Estate Group, and Founder, Dare to Jump | Charlotte, North Carolina

Daniela Pereyra is making homeownership accessible one client at a time. As a real estate broker licensed in North Carolina and Delaware, Pereyra currently works with Dalton Wade Real Estate Group, where she represents home buyers and sellers and supports clients through residential transactions and relocations nationwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she assisted military families with relocations and was recognized early in her career as a top-performing agent.

Pereyra is also the founder of Date to Jump, a professional development platform offering workshops and coaching focused on productivity, resilience and overcoming self-sabotage in business. Through this venture, she leads seminars for individuals and groups and has presented programming for students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals. Her leadership also extends to managing a Charlotte community group, where she not only offers guidance on HOA affairs and home values, but also brings the group together for social outings.

Pereyra emphasized ������Ƶ’s “lifelong impact” on her, sharing that “it’s stories like mine that prove that ������Ƶ is above standard.” She feels grateful that ������Ƶ entrusts her to represent the award.

Jensen Roll ’16 – President, Roll Construction, and founder, The Alamance Mill | Graham, North Carolina

What started as an independent major in social entrepreneurship has culminated in a custom homebuilding and remodeling company, Roll Construction, based in Graham, North Carolina. Since launching the company in 2018 with his wife, Mtende Roll, Jensen Roll has built a residential and commercial real estate portfolio of more than 20 properties with Roll Construction earning various accolades.

An entrepreneur by nature, Roll delved into undergraduate research on micro house design, the sociology of social enterprise and solutions to hunger, leading to the founding of Helping Other People Eat (H.O.P.E.), a nonprofit initiative that partnered with local restaurants to combat food insecurity. Today, Roll’s community spirit has led to the founding of The Alamance Mill, a collaborative co-working space that supports local startups and small businesses. He also currently serves as secretary of the Board of Directors for the Alamance-Caswell Home Builders Association.

������Ƶ’s impact contributes to Roll’s everyday work, as he stated, “������Ƶ taught me how to build not just homes, but character and community.” He reflected on striving to continue to represent the spirit of the institution.

Nikki Sanz ’18 – Founder & CEO, GIGGS | Nashville, Tennessee

After working with major artists and organizations including Eric Church, Weezer, and Live Nation, and contributing to high-profile events such as the Super Bowl and CMA Awards, Nikki Sanz founded GIGGS, a professional career platform designed specifically for the live events and touring industry. The platform connects freelancers, touring professionals and production teams through a centralized marketplace and has grown to include 40,000 vetted professionals and 2,000 companies across multiple continents.

To start the venture, Sanz raised an impressive $1.2 million from 35 investors and landed a deal with Netflix’s co-founder Marc Randolph during an episode of Entrepreneur’s “Elevator Pitch.” In 2025, she was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the music category.

Sanz is grateful for ������Ƶ’s experiential learning, stating, “It’s no wonder ������Ƶ grads go on to make a difference in the world!” She looks forward to seeing what all the honorees accomplish in the next 10 years.

Christian Seitz ’16 – Postdoctoral researcher for epidemic vaccine development, University of Chicago | San Diego, California

As a recipient of ������Ƶ’s Lumen Prize, Christian Seitz conducted advanced computational chemistry research resulting in a first-author publication. Following graduation, Seitz continued to pursue research and was awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship while earning his Ph.D. in biochemistry and biophysics from the University of California San Diego.

His doctoral research produced multiple first-author publications and contributed to understanding infectious diseases and molecular biology, a subject he continues to study as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago working on vaccine development and pandemic preparedness.

Today, Seitz’s work focuses on applying artificial intelligence and computational modeling to better understand viruses and accelerate the design of vaccines for emerging infectious diseases. He is a trusted collaborator with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and has received research funding from Argonne National Laboratory.

In his remarks, Seitz asked the audience to reflect on “What would happen if you encouraged someone to pursue a talent?”, encouraging all of them to do so. “Maybe in 10 years they’ll be up on this stage,” he said.

After recognizing the shared themes of “gratitude, love, and the people who have made a difference in your life” in the honorees’ remarks, President Connie Ledoux Book congratulated the alumni.

“We can’t wait to see what you do in the next 10 years, and we are so proud of where you got your start,” Book said.

As Sofia Galazzi ’19 first navigated her university opportunities, she was looking for a place where she wouldn’t just be a number. Coming from the vibrant city of Piacenza, where she spent the first two years of her dual-degree program at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, the oaks of North Carolina offered exactly the cozy environment she needed.

“I was looking for a place where I could feel welcomed,” she said. “I loved the fact that ������Ƶ was smaller. I thought the engagement with the students and the professors would be higher. I really wanted to be taken care of during the time I was going to spend there.”

That personal attention quickly translated into a professional advantage. While European universities often focus heavily on traditional exams and theory, Galazzi found that ������Ƶ’s college culture was obsessed with the world of work. She spent her days doing weekly assignments, leading group projects, and standing up in front of her peers to deliver presentations; aspects she said shaped her personality as much as her resume.

“The university really prepares you,” she said. “Doing those presentations and working with other people gave me the confidence to stand up and speak in front of others. In Europe, it’s mostly just you and the book. At ������Ƶ, it’s about the people.”

After graduating in 2019, Galazzi’s path took her into the high-fashion world of Milan. She spent nearly four years working in merchandising and data analysis for luxury giants Gucci and Zegna, where she managed KPIs and sales planning. But even as she navigated the private sector, she felt a pull toward public service. She eventually made the pivot to Brussels, joining the European Commission through its prestigious “Blue Book” traineeship program before rising to her current role as a Budget Officer.

Today, Galazzi works within the Directorate-General for Budget (DG BUDG). Her daily life involves defining and implementing the annual EU budget, a role that requires her to work across different languages, cultures and legal systems.

“The European Commission is a very international environment,” Galazzi said. “Coming from a dual degree, where I was already used to moving countries and adapting to new environments, it was much easier for me to step into this role. ������Ƶ’s global community prepared me to work with people from all over the world.”

Despite the high-stakes nature of her work in Brussels, Galazzi remains a major advocate for the ������Ƶ network. She is particularly passionate about encouraging current students to look beyond the U.S. and Italy for opportunities. She notes that the European Commission offers a massive traineeship program twice a year. While it’s mostly for EU citizens, there are spots specifically reserved for non-EU nationals, including Americans.

“I don’t think Americans know very well how the European Union works, and Europeans don’t always know how the U.S. works,” she said. “If someone has ambitions in the public sector or political affairs, this is such a good opportunity to bridge that gap.”

When reflecting on why ������Ƶ alumni seem to thrive in these high-pressure global roles, Galazzi points back to that initial cozy feeling. She believes that because ������Ƶ makes students feel like they belong, they leave campus with the confidence to take on big responsibilities early.

Her advice for the next generation of Phoenix, especially those currently navigating the Dual Degree program, is to lean into the discomfort of being in a new place.

“Get to know the people and the culture as much as you can,” she said. “Don’t just stick with people from your own country. If I could go back to my 18-year-old self, I’d tell her: don’t be afraid. Everything will work out if you stay curious.”

The initiative was one of several activities throughout the year to commemorate 15 years of engagement and community connection. Susan Patton, a LIFE@������Ƶ member, said the idea of having a food drive started in the fall semester, but the group decided the springtime would be a great time to support the local community. Many food pantries have challenges after the major gift-giving holidays in the winter are over, but the need is abundant year-round.

The group gathered 1,192 food items and an additional $1,880 in donations to support SAFE Alamance Food Pantry. While the original goal was to donate 1,500 food items, the financial contributions from members far surpassed this goal and offered even further support to families in need than had been imagined.

“Discovering the numerous ways that SAFE, Inc. assists families across our county only made me appreciate more that LIFE@������Ƶ was able to contribute toward this worthwhile program,” said LIFE@������Ƶ member Billy Rintz.

“What a wonderful way to celebrate 15 years of educational nourishment through LIFE@������Ƶ by supporting true food insufficiency in Alamance County through a canned goods drive for SAFE. It was wonderful to get to deliver three carloads of food in person!” said Susan Klopman, LIFE@������Ƶ member and vice president emerita.

In the past year, SAFE has served 8,000 families between 3 distribution sites across Alamance County. To learn more about LIFE@������Ƶ, please view their website. To learn more about SAFE or make a donation, please visit their

Whether someone is picking up a paddle for the first time or already brings a competitive edge, the courts have become a hub for community, stress relief and healthy activity.

LIFE@������Ƶ’s mission is to provide lifelong learning for adults 50 years and older through an educational community that offers enriching experiences through unique programs and ongoing engagement with ������Ƶ.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring you full circle with activities, education, new friends, and new opportunities such as travel,” said Mary Anne Butler, who has attended LIFE@������Ƶ for about three years.

Butler, who is an avid pickleball player, has been a member of LIFE@������Ƶ for around 3 years. She says LIFE@������Ƶ has helped her stay active within the ������Ƶ community, and that pickleball “brought friends together.” These same friends, she says, go out to eat together and play pickleball almost every day.

This pickleball group averages about 14 players each week. Some of the members branch out beyond physical involvement and delve into everything else the community has to offer, such as special guest lectures at ������Ƶ.

If you, your family members, or friends are looking for more information about LIFE@������Ƶ, you can contact Kathryn Bennett, director of LIFE@������Ƶ, at kbennett9@elon.edu or 336-278-7431.

After ������Ƶ first-year Nikki Guevara was recognized for performing life-saving CPR on fellow student Lucy Sharp in September, program director Kathryn Bennett realized the importance of emergency preparedness. In a program that serves older individuals, the risk of medical emergencies such as falls or heart attacks is significant. Bennett decided that the student workers needed to be trained in CPR and first aid to help LIFE@������Ƶ members if an emergency ever occurred.

Student workers Andrew Glas, Izzy Bennett, Natalie Gazjuk, Jeliannie Vidal and Terrence Pittman gathered in the spring at Johnston Hall to receive an Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Red Cross training from Zach Gentz, assistant director of campus recreation for facilities and aquatics. The students practiced how to perform CPR, how to help someone who is choking, and how to provide first aid in a variety of medical emergencies, like head injuries or diabetic attacks. Gentz emphasized the importance of students continuing to educate themselves and practice these skills after the training.

“If somebody needs help, I know exactly what steps to follow,” said Vidal. “It makes me feel great that LIFE@������Ƶ wants to create a safe space for its members.”

As a program that serves seniors, Bennett understands the special needs of their members and strives to create a welcoming, engaging and safe environment to enrich this lifelong learning community.