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Through the Communications Fellows, Odyssey Program and the First Phoenix Society, Gabriela Alvarez '28 has embraced her identity as a first-generation student while pursuing opportunities that support both her academic goals and personal growth.

As a student leader, Kenneth Brown Jr. ’19 built meaningful connections with mentors who invested in his success. Today, as assistant director of first-generation student support services, he provides that same guidance to the next generation of students.

The annual Relationship Rich Expo engaged more than 40 students to reflect on their meaningful relationships and the role they play in student success.

The Center for Access and Success (CAS) launched Break Buddies, a pilot wellness initiative that pairs students with faculty and staff for Thanksgiving meals to foster connection and reduce isolation during academic breaks. The program aims to strengthen belonging and will expand with added resources and future programming.

The new funds, from the United Way of Alamance County, will allow the literacy program to expand its ESL services offered to families.

The university was recognized this month by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, in partnership with the American Council on Education, for its commitment to community and civic engagement.

Applications are now open for the next cohort of ������Ƶ Academy students, with faculty and staff invited to help expand access to the college access and success program.

Scholars in the ������Ƶ Academy engaged in a winter service project for Alamance County Allied Churches, reflecting a renewed commitment to integrating community service and well-being into ������Ƶ Academy's programming.

With the end of fall tutoring, It Takes a Village Project celebrated the semester by hosting a Book Bash for community members. With free books, crafts, and community resources, the event left families with access to materials and connections to support students learning beyond the classroom.

Manny Campos and Stephanie Hernández Rivera completed the LatinxEd Fellowship, a statewide program focused on educational access and equity. Both returned to ������Ƶ with renewed purpose shaped by the retreat and graduation experiences.