Sixty-eight percent of American adults say they are proud to be American, and 79% agree the United States plays a uniquely important role in world history. At the same time, 69% believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would feel more disappointment than pride about modern American democracy.

The survey of 1,000 adults in the United States, conducted April 30-May 4, 2026, explores how Americans view the nation’s past, present and future as the country prepares to commemorate its semiquincentennial.

“As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Americans have complex and diverse feelings about America 250,” said Jason Husser, director of the ������Ƶ Poll and a professor of political science and public policy. “We found several points of optimism among Americans, including pride in being American and belief that the United States has a uniquely important role to play in world history. At the same time, many Americans expressed significant concern about the health of American democracy today, and the country is split on its outlook over the next 50 years.”

More than half of Americans (52%) say the United States is unsuccessfully living up to its founding ideals, while only 30% say the nation is successfully living up to them. Nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%) rate the overall health of U.S. democracy as only “fair” or “poor.”

The survey also found widespread concern about political instability and civic division:

• 68% believe elected officials today are worse than leaders of the past
• 80% say they at least sometimes feel no political party or movement represents their views
• 70% say the country is more turbulent than average compared with other periods in U.S. history
• 64% say they have little or no confidence that U.S. political institutions will make mostly good decisions over the next 50 years
• 68% predict America will become more politically divided by 2076

Americans are also pessimistic about the country’s long-term future in several key areas. Majorities predict that by 2076 the nation will have less freedom, less economic equality, a lower standard of living, and more pollution. More Americans also believe technology will create more harm than benefit over the next 50 years.

Despite those concerns, the poll found Americans still hold strong connections to the nation’s democratic ideals and history.

When asked which event best represented American democracy at its highest ideals, respondents most frequently selected the Civil Rights Movement and World War II. Abraham Lincoln was named both the historical figure who best exemplified democratic ideals and the greatest president in U.S. history.

The survey also revealed broad bipartisan resonance for many historic presidential messages when respondents were not told who made the statements. More than three-quarters agreed with quotations from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, while large majorities also agreed with statements from John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Looking toward the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations, Americans expressed greater interest in reflection than pageantry. Nearly seven in 10 (68%) said America250 should focus more on reflecting on U.S. history and values than simply celebrating national achievements, and 71% said smaller local events would feel more authentic than large national celebrations.

The survey found Americans entering the anniversary with mixed emotions. The most common feeling was pride, cited by 38%, followed by gratitude at 17%. But 21% said they have no strong feelings, 12% described themselves as conflicted, while others reported disappointment or frustration.

The margin of error for the ������Ƶ Poll survey is +/- 3.95%.

Poll Methodology

Access the poll topline and methodology at: www.elon.edu/elonpoll. The survey was developed by the ������Ƶ Poll and fielded by the international marketing and polling firm YouGov as an online, web-based survey, self-administered with online panels. Between April 30 and March 4, 2026, YouGov interviewed 1,077 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. These respondents were then matched down to a sample of 1,000 to produce the final dataset.

The matched cases were weighted to the sampling frame using propensity scores based on age, gender, race/ethnicity, years of education, and home ownership. The margin of error for this poll (adjusted for weights) is +/-3.95%.

About the ������Ƶ Poll

Established in 2000, the ������Ƶ Poll conducts national and North Carolina surveys on issues of importance to voters and residents. Information from these polls is shared with media, citizens and public officials to facilitate informed public policy making through the better understanding of citizens’ opinions and attitudes. The poll is fully funded by ������Ƶ and operates as the neutral, non-biased information resource.

The ������Ƶ Poll is a charter member of in 2014 to educate polling firms on ways to better share how they collect and interpret their information. The ������Ƶ Poll’s voluntary participation in this initiative signifies a willingness to clearly state in its reports how questions were asked, in what order, who funded the poll and then conducted it, and a definition of the population under study, among other details.

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.

Related Articles

• ‘Este logro no es solo mío’: Honoring the communities behind graduates
• ������Ƶ graduate students encouraged to think critically, lead empathetically
• ‘Won’t you celebrate with me’: ������Ƶ honors first-generation graduates
• ‘������Ƶ will never leave you’ | Class of 2026 embrace relationships and connection during Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate
• As they leave ������Ƶ, graduating international students plant physical roots on campus

A Donning of the Kente Ceremony at ������Ƶ celebrated the African heritage, achievements and resilience of Black graduates in the university’s Class of 2026 during an evening filled with expressions of cultural tradition, reflection and joy.

Held on the eve of Commencement ceremonies, the annual event honored graduating students with handmade Kente stoles woven in Ghana, a symbol of heritage, wisdom and shared responsibility to be worn at graduation.

Family members and the wider university community gathered inside Alumni Gym on May 21, 2026, to recognize the graduates’ accomplishments and the communities that supported them throughout their college journeys.

“Tonight, we do more than congratulate our graduates,” said Randy Williams, vice president for inclusive excellence and associate professor of education. “Tonight, we bear witness to them. Tonight, we affirm them.”

The 10th annual ceremony highlighted the importance mentorship in the graduates’ success. In his remarks to graduates, Williams recognized the “village” of parents, grandparents, mentors, faculty and staff, and friends who supported the graduates throughout their university studies.

Alex Bohannon ’17, president of the ������Ƶ Black Alumni Network, encouraged graduates to remain engaged with the university and support future generations of students.

“As you look ahead, carry this charge: build community, mentor intentionally and stay engaged. ������Ƶ’s strength is its people showing up for one another, again and again,” he said. “Engagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.

“The next generation’s experience will be shaped by what you choose to do from this point forward.”

Engagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.

Alex Bohannon ’17, president of the ������Ƶ Black Alumni Network

Bohannon also highlighted the role of the ������Ƶ Black Alumni Network in mentoring students and supporting initiatives such as the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund. He noted that the ceremony’s continued growth reflects a vision established a decade ago and sustained through alumni engagement and philanthropy.

During the donning ceremony, each graduate was joined on stage by a person who played a meaningful role in their ������Ƶ experience. Supporters presented the stoles while tributes celebrating each graduate’s accomplishments and future aspirations were read aloud.

Graduates were praised for perseverance, leadership and cultural pride as families, mentors and faculty members reflected on the challenges many students overcame to earn their degrees. Presentations highlighted stories of first-generation college graduates, international students, and campus leaders who balanced academics with research, athletics and service while supporting others along the way.

Another popular feature of the evening program: A rhythmic dance of celebration performed by served to open and conclude the ceremony.

������Ƶ’s event is made possible by the Kelli E. Palmer ’98 Donning of the Kente Endowment. Funding from the endowment supports the program, including the purchase of the kente stoles.

In her own remarks to graduates, La’ Tonya Wiley ’97, ������Ƶ’s assistant director of affinity alumni engagement, described the evening as a way to not only honor accomplishments, but to honor who celebrants have become.

“You are scholars, changemakers, leaders and living examples for those who will follow behind you,” she said. “May you always remember that your excellence is not defined solely by titles or degrees, but by how you uplift others, how you remain rooted in purpose and how you continue building community wherever your path leads.”

“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:

In the midst of finals week, inside a second-floor conference room in Schar Hall overlooking the Historic Neighborhood, ������Ƶ seniors presented communications campaigns for one of the world’s most recognizable digital brands: TikTok.

The May 15 presentations marked the culmination of a semester-long partnership between students in Professor Lee Bush’s Strategic Campaigns course, TikTok and ������Ƶ alumna Julia Denick ’15, a brand partnerships manager in media and entertainment for the company. A second class taught by Bush shared its presentations remotely with Denick via Zoom a few days later.

Throughout the semester, students were challenged to think beyond TikTok’s identity as an entertainment platform and instead position it as a powerful marketing tool capable of driving discovery, engagement and purchasing decisions for brands and small businesses. For students, the project offered an opportunity to tackle the kind of real-world strategic communications challenge they may encounter after graduation.

“������Ƶ gave me so much,” said Denick, explaining her decision to partner with current students. “This felt like a small way to give some of that back. I also remember being in their shoes and how much I would have loved working on a project like this.”

A 2015 graduate of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, Denick now works with NBCUniversal and other major media partners, helping brands develop creative and data-driven campaigns on TikTok.

“I’m responsible for building strategic partnerships with NBCU and helping them drive business results on TikTok,” Denick said. “Much of that work is blending creativity and data – advising on media strategy, measurement, creative and building custom campaigns around their biggest tentpole moments.”

Bush explained that the partnership challenged students to look beyond their everyday use of the platform and consider how brands strategically connect with audiences through TikTok.

“Students are, of course, prolific users of TikTok,” Bush said. “This was a great opportunity for them to experience the platform from a different perspective – that of a business or brand manager who needs to reach their customers through the platform.”

Bush said the project reflected the experiential learning focus that defines the Strategic Campaigns course, which serves as the capstone experience for strategic communications majors.

“We are so grateful to Julia for agreeing to be the client for not just one, but two Strategic Campaigns classes and for flying in from New York to see student presentations in person,” Bush said. “What a thrilling culminating experience for our graduating strategic communications seniors.”

For Tori Tyson ’26, one of those graduating seniors, the class project highlighted both the strategic thinking and collaboration required to develop a successful campaign.

“Our assignment was to work with TikTok to create a strategic campaign that repositioned the platform as more than just an entertainment app,” Tyson said.

Tyson noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of the semester was working alongside classmates who each brought different ideas and strengths to the campaign process.

“Everyone on our team brought different strengths, perspectives and ideas to the table, which made the project more creative and well-rounded overall,” Tyson said. “Teamwork played a huge role in our campaign, especially when it came to brainstorming, problem-solving and refining our ideas into one cohesive strategy.”

She also credited Bush with encouraging students to think creatively while maintaining a professional approach to client work.

“Professor Bush created an environment that encouraged collaboration and pushed us to think more strategically and creatively throughout the semester,” Tyson said. “She gave us the confidence to take risks with our ideas while still guiding us in a professional and supportive way.”

The experience also challenged students to narrow broad research and ideas into focused, achievable strategies.

“TikTok is such a fast-moving platform with so many opportunities,” Tyson said, “so it took a lot of collaboration and problem-solving to create a campaign that was both creative and strategic.”

For Denick, the project reinforced the value of experiential learning opportunities before graduation and offered a meaningful way to give back to her alma mater.

“Group projects don’t end after college – life is one big group project,” she said. “And what better prep for post-grad than the real thing.”

This work represents an important step forward in the planned merger, which is awaiting a vote from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. That accreditation approval is the first step in a two-step federal approval process before ������Ƶ assumes operational oversight of Queens.

As the approval process continues, ������Ƶ and Queens are planning to align a number of administrative and operational functions through shared services, beginning June 30. The goal of the shared services model is to strengthen the financial and operational foundation of the future combined institution while ensuring that students continue to receive strong support throughout the transition.

“This next stage is about building the foundation for a stronger future,” said Jeff Stein, chief integration officer and executive vice president. “Leaders from both institutions are working collaboratively and deliberately, and drawing on the strengths, talents and traditions of ������Ƶ and Queens to design shared functions that serve students well and position the combined institution for long-term success.”

The shared services model will bring together teams in areas such as admissions and financial aid, advancement, career services, communications and marketing, finance, human resources, information technology, academic advising, facilities, library services, study abroad and other key administrative functions. These areas support the daily operations of both campuses and play an important role in the student experience. Leaders have emphasized that the design process is not simply about combining existing structures, but about creating stronger teams and practices that reflect the best of both institutions.

The merger also builds on ������Ƶ’s growing presence in Charlotte, including the expansion of ������Ƶ Law and future graduate programs. Queens’ deep roots in the city, distinctive undergraduate experience, Division I athletics program and legacy of civic engagement will remain important parts of the combined institution’s future. Athletics programs at ������Ƶ and Queens will continue to operate as distinct and separate Division I programs.

For employees, the transition will include direct communication, HR support and detailed information about next steps. Queens employees whose roles are part of the shared services areas will transition to ������Ƶ employment at the end of June and continue in similar roles. Queens employees who transition will move to ������Ƶ’s benefits program.

A small number of positions will not continue as part of the shared services structure. Employees in those roles are receiving direct support, including information about open positions at ������Ƶ in which they are eligible to apply and career transition resources.

The transition plan also includes onboarding, professional development and culture-building opportunities designed to help newly integrated teams build relationships and establish shared practices. Planned supports include department retreats, leadership workshops, employee resources, buddy programs and ongoing opportunities for feedback and questions.

Throughout the process, Queens will continue to have dedicated leadership guiding campus operations, helping ensure continuity for students, employees and the Charlotte community while federal approvals are pending.

For ������Ƶ and Queens, this stage of the work is both practical and forward-looking. It is about aligning systems and teams, but also about shaping a shared future grounded in student success, institutional strength and a commitment to Charlotte.

“The promise of this merger is not only that two institutions will come together,” Stein said. “It is that, together, we can create something stronger — an institution with deeper resources, broader opportunities and an enduring commitment to the students and communities we serve.”

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 gift from alumna and Trustee Kerrii Brown Anderson ’79 will name the Connie Ledoux Book Courtyard at Slattery Center, which will integrate academics, wellness, campus recreation and fitness programs to ensure students gain the skills they need to thrive on campus and throughout every stage of their lives.

Scheduled to open in fall 2026, Slattery Center is located within ������Ƶ’s Innovation Quad, home to the university’s engineering and other STEM programs.

Anderson praised Book for her commitment to Slattery Center, which is a key component of ������Ƶ’s broader HealthEU initiative.

“President Book is so committed to student success, both emotionally, physically and academically,” Anderson said. “This garden represents a serene place where students can gather and enjoy spending time together. I could not think of a better idea than to call this ‘Connie’s Courtyard.’”

The courtyard will be located on the west side of Slattery Center, facing Innovation Quad and Richard W. Sankey Hall. The space will include tables and chairs for students, faculty and staff to gather and a lush garden featuring a variety of flowering trees and shrubs.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to Kerrii Anderson for this generous and thoughtful gift and for her many years of distinguished service on the Board of Trustees,” Book said. “Kerrii’s steadfast support of key institutional priorities like HealthEU and Slattery Center has strengthened ������Ƶ’s national reputation for engaged, student-centered learning.”

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.

“HealthEU demonstrates our commitment as a university in doing what’s right and in the best interest of our students to be successful long term,” Anderson said. “To Connie’s credit, she recognizes that the total success for students includes a great foundation, both mentally, physically and academically.”

Anderson noted Book’s record of leadership at ������Ƶ, including her 16-year tenure as a faculty member and administrative leader, helping to build the university’s national reputation for excellence in engaged teaching and learning. In 2015, Book was named the first female provost and chief academic officer at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, before returning to ������Ƶ in 2018 to serve as the university’s ninth president.

“I owe Connie such a debt of gratitude for participating in the presidential search process and for the last eight years of leadership as president,” Anderson said.

Together with her husband Doug, Kerrii Anderson is among ������Ƶ’s most generous donors, making gifts to The Inn at ������Ƶ, Richard W. Sankey Hall, Ernest A. Koury, Sr. Business Center and Numen Lumen Pavilion. In 2017, Anderson made a generous gift to endow the Kerrii Brown Anderson Odyssey Scholarship to assist talented students with significant financial need. Her gift to Slattery Center will also deepen funding for her Odyssey Scholarship.

Anderson has been a member of ������Ƶ’s Board of Trustees since 2008 and previously served as board chair. She received the university’s Alumna of the Year award in 2000 and currently serves on the Women of ������Ƶ Advisory Council. Anderson has also been a devoted donor to ������Ƶ Day, the university’s largest day of giving.

The weekend marked the first alumni leadership experience for many of the participating alumni leaders, including recently onboarded members of the Young Alumni Council and ������Ƶ Alumni Board.

A central component of the agenda was an update on the ������Ƶ-Queens merger delivered by President Connie Ledoux Book. She provided insight into the process and goals, and attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback from the alumni perspective.

Attendees also heard from Brad Moore, associate vice president for facilities and chief facilities officer, who provided a detailed briefing on the Slattery Center (home of HealthEU), including its construction progress, purpose and anticipated impact on student wellness.

The weekend also offered opportunities for guided networking and collaboration among alumni leaders. Events concluded with celebrations of the ������Ƶ community, including the Distinguished Alumni Awards and Top 10 Under 10 ceremonies.