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鈥檚 past, present and future as the country prepares to commemorate its semiquincentennial.

鈥淎s the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Americans have complex and diverse feelings about America 250,鈥� said Jason Husser, director of the 乱伦视频 Poll and a professor of political science and public policy. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�

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 鈥渇air鈥� or 鈥減oor.鈥�

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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 乱伦视频 Poll survey is +/- 3.95%.

Poll Methodology

Access the poll topline and methodology at:聽www.elon.edu/elonpoll. The survey was developed by the 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频 Poll

Established in 2000, the 乱伦视频 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鈥� opinions and attitudes. The poll is fully funded by 乱伦视频 and operates as the neutral, non-biased information resource.

The 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频 Poll鈥檚 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.

Academic honors for the 2026 sall semester are now online, with students and parents invited to download customized news releases to send to hometown newspapers.

The President’s List is composed of students with no grade below an A-minus in a minimum of 12 semester hours. The Dean’s List is composed of students with no grade below a B-minus and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in a minimum of 12 semester hours.

The 乱伦视频 News Bureau encourages students and families to submit the announcement to local newspapers. Some newspapers welcome photos to accompany the announcement.

All questions about the criteria for the President’s List and Dean’s List and an individual student’s qualifications for the honors should be directed to the Office of the Registrar at (336) 278-6677 during normal business hours. There is often a delay in the reporting of grades for some students studying abroad, and the lists will be updated once all grades are received.

If you find a factual error or a misspelled name in your release, please contact Eric Townsend in the Office of University Communications at etownsend4@elon.edu.

Members of the Class of 2026 and their parents can now聽download customized news releases for distribution to hometown media outlets that publish information on academic achievements. News releases can also easily be shared through social media platforms Facebook and LinkedIn.

The university encourages submissions to local newspapers, which often announce college graduations in their community sections.

President鈥檚 List and Dean鈥檚 List honorees also have聽news releases聽available for download.

Students and parents may contact Eric Townsend in the Office of University Communications at聽etownsend4@elon.edu聽if corrections to the news release need to be made before sending to local media.

Eric Sklut P鈥�14, an entrepreneur and longtime community leader in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Amy Muntner P鈥�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鈥檚 governing body.

The 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 乱伦视频, including naming the Sklut Hillel Center and establishing endowed faculty and scholarship support.

Their son, Mason, is a 2014 graduate of 乱伦视频.

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 鈥淩鈥� 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鈥檚 reach and impact through new character development and brand initiatives, including the introduction of the popular

Muntner鈥檚 connection to 乱伦视频 grew through her daughter Lucy鈥檚 enrollment as a member of the Class of 2024. She and her husband, Kevin, are members of the university鈥檚 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 乱伦视频

乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频, 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. 乱伦视频 is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

乱伦视频鈥檚 academic divisions include 乱伦视频 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.

For the second consecutive year, the university is the only North Carolina private school featured by the magazine in its list of “25 Best Drama Schools in the World.” The University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also made the list.

The publication said it consulted with educators and industry insiders to determine the best schools for an acting degree. It also weighed overall training, cost, facilities, alumni success, industry connections and more.

The 16 students accepted to the undergraduate musical theater program go through a rigorous training process, which begins with classes in acting, voice and dance, and then allows students to explore individualized paths, including taking part in student-driven cabaret performances. Seniors also take part in a two-semester course on professional readiness and artistic identity, which includes bringing in casting directors and talent representation, with many students gaining representation or jobs out of this process. To that point, Campy Rodriguez, a current student in the senior class, is on Broadway in聽Aladdin, in addition to such alum as Taylor Trensch, who recently led the off-Broadway production of聽Bat Boy. Tuition and fees are close to $51,000.

乱伦视频鈥檚 Department of Performing Arts聽offers seven degree programs: Acting, Arts Administration,聽Dance Performance & Choreography,聽Dance Science, Drama and Theatre Studies,聽Music Theatre聽and聽Theatrical Design and Technology. Four programs require an audition or interview.

About 乱伦视频

乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频, 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 70 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. 乱伦视频 is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

乱伦视频鈥檚 academic divisions include 乱伦视频 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.

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 乱伦视频 assumes operational oversight of Queens.

As the approval process continues, 乱伦视频 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.

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

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 乱伦视频鈥檚 growing presence in Charlotte, including the expansion of 乱伦视频 Law and future graduate programs. Queens鈥� 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鈥檚 future. Athletics programs at 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频 employment at the end of June and continue in similar roles. Queens employees who transition will move to 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频 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.

鈥淭he promise of this merger is not only that two institutions will come together,鈥� Stein said. 鈥淚t is that, together, we can create something stronger 鈥� an institution with deeper resources, broader opportunities and an enduring commitment to the students and communities we serve.鈥�

Beginning this fall, Queens will align its undergraduate academic calendar with 乱伦视频’s undergraduate calendar. The most notable change will be the reintroduction of Winter Term at Queens, a short, intensive session in January that allows students to focus on a single course or study abroad experience.

鈥淛-Term gave Queens students something rare 鈥� three weeks each January alongside our closest friends to discover who we were through service, career exploration, and international travel,鈥� said Queens alumna Staci McBride 鈥�92. 鈥淲e forged lifelong memories while living our motto, 鈥楴ot to be served, but to serve.鈥� I am thrilled that this transformative tradition will now be part of the student experience again, and I can鈥檛 wait to see the lasting bonds and impact it will have on their lives.鈥�

A highlight for many students is the intentional opportunity to study abroad in January. Both institutions have thriving study abroad programs, from 乱伦视频鈥檚 nationally ranked participation rate to .

鈥淛-Term gives students the opportunity to engage deeply in a single course, often in a global context, and to complement their learning in ways that are not possible during a traditional semester,鈥� said Nick Gozik, dean of global education at 乱伦视频. 鈥淓xpanding this approach to Queens creates a meaningful opportunity as the two institutions come together.鈥�

For LMA Alexander, executive director of the Pulliam Center for International Education at Queens, this new term brings fresh possibilities for JBIP. 鈥淭he John Belk International Program is a cornerstone of the Queens undergraduate experience,鈥� she said. 鈥淨ueens has a long tradition of dynamic, multi-disciplinary faculty-led programs, and the addition of J-term will create new opportunities for innovative programming in collaboration with our 乱伦视频 colleagues.鈥�

In another integration move designed to expand opportunity for students, the two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize a priority-admission pathway for Queens undergraduates to 乱伦视频鈥檚 School of Law. Both teams are actively working to share more details with students in the coming weeks.

J-Term gives students the opportunity to engage deeply in a single course, often in a global context, and to complement their learning in ways that are not possible during a traditional semester. Expanding this approach to Queens creates a meaningful opportunity as the two institutions come together.

– Nick Gozik, dean of global education at 乱伦视频

Evidenced through the service and experiential learning emphasized on both campuses, Queens and 乱伦视频 share a commitment to civic engagement. This core belief will come to life through the Deliberative Citizenship Network (DCN), which recently invited both schools to join its inaugural cohort.

鈥淭he DCN highlights some norms or expectations that surround effective dialogues,鈥� said Naeemah Clark, associate provost for academic inclusive excellence at 乱伦视频. 鈥淎ctive listening, empathic and ethical discourse, and evidence-based argumentation are essential elements that are at the heart of a liberal arts education.”

Margaret Commins, chair of the political science, international studies and sociology department, shared, 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about the opportunity to work with a national cohort to learn best practices for integrating deliberation into the curriculum and co-curriculum, and for working with our 乱伦视频 colleagues to develop creative campus and cross-campus programming in this area.鈥�

The DCN program will bring together two faculty members, one staff member, and 10 students from each participating school. The program will teach best practices and innovative ideas that can be woven into and beyond the classroom. 鈥淪tudents who can demonstrate these skills will be better learners and leaders in their post-graduation lives,鈥� Clark added.

The 乱伦视频 team will be led by Dillan Bono-Lunn, assistant professor of political science and public policy and faculty fellow for civic engagement; Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life; and Andrew Moffa, assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life.

The DCN participants won鈥檛 be the only ones working together this summer. With an expected June vote on the merger by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, many administrative departments at Queens are preparing to integrate effective July 1, 2026, officially becoming employees of 乱伦视频.

The first phase of integration brings new employee benefits 鈥� along with understandable questions from staff. To help ease the transition, Jeff Stein and Pamela Davies, co-chairs of the integration team, are holding coffee chats 鈥� open hours where any Queens employee can sign up to learn more about the process and ask their questions. The plan is to extend these coffee chats to 乱伦视频 employees as well.

鈥淢ergers are hard work,鈥� Stein said. 鈥淵et it’s been exciting to see how collaborations across Queens and 乱伦视频 have already produced new opportunities and pathways for students 鈥� an early signal of what becomes possible when we work together to build what students need next.鈥�

Visiting 乱伦视频 in the next academic year:

• David Brooks, bestselling author, staff writer for The Atlantic and longtime New York Times columnist – Sept. 25, 2026
• Hanif Abdurraqib, author and cultural critic (Common Reading Lecture) – Sept. 29, 2026
• Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, Medal of Honor recipient and author – Nov. 11, 2026
• Danielle Coke Balfour, artist, author and social justice advocate – Jan. 13, 2027
• Tim Tebow, Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL quarterback and philanthropist – March 9, 2027
• Heather Cox Richardson, historian and bestselling author – April 6, 2027

All programs are free to 乱伦视频 students, faculty and staff with ID. Venues will be announced closer to the dates of the programs. Tickets for the public for Fall Convocation go on sale starting in August.聽Admission: $15 via聽.

乱伦视频鈥檚 Cultural Calendar聽for Fall 2026 will be available later this year with additional speakers and a wide range of musical, theatrical, artistic and other intellectual and creative events.

About the 2026-2027 Speakers at 乱伦视频

David Brooks

Sept. 25, 2026

Fall Convocation

3:30 p.m.

A bestselling author and longtime New York Times columnist, Brooks is a leading observer of American culture, politics and civic life. He serves as a staff writer at The Atlantic, a commentator on PBS NewsHour and a senior fellow at Yale University鈥檚 Jackson School of Global Affairs. Over decades in journalism, his columns have become some of the most widely read in the nation, offering insight into political dynamics, social trends and the challenges facing modern democracy.

Brooks is the author of multiple bestselling books, including 鈥淗ow to Know a Person,鈥� 鈥淭he Second Mountain,鈥� 鈥淭he Road to Character鈥� and 鈥淭he Social Animal,鈥� which explore moral development, human connection and the search for meaning. His work emphasizes the importance of community, empathy and the cultivation of both inner character and outward relationships as essential to a flourishing society.

Hanif Abdurraqib

Sept. 29, 2026

Common Reading Lecture

7:30 p.m.

An acclaimed essayist, poet and cultural critic, Abdurraqib is widely recognized for his lyrical and deeply personal writing that explores music, identity and the intersections of culture and lived experience. His work blends criticism with memoir, offering readers a nuanced perspective on art, belonging and the forces that shape contemporary life.

Abdurraqib is the author of several award-winning books and is known for his ability to connect cultural analysis with broader questions about race, community and memory. 鈥淭here鈥檚 Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension鈥� was selected as 乱伦视频鈥檚 Common Reading for 2026-27.

Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter

Nov. 11, 2026

Carol Ann Walker International Lectureship

11 a.m.

A United States Marine and the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, Carpenter is recognized for extraordinary heroism during his service in Afghanistan. In 2010, he sustained life-threatening injuries after throwing himself on a grenade to protect a fellow Marine, an act of valor that led to years of recovery and more than 40 surgeries.

Following his recovery, Carpenter set and achieved ambitious personal goals, including completing a college degree, running a marathon and traveling internationally. He is the author of the memoir 鈥淵ou Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For,鈥� which chronicles his journey of resilience and purpose. Today, he speaks widely about leadership, perseverance and finding meaning in adversity, encouraging others to overcome challenges and pursue lives of impact.

Danielle Coke Balfour

Jan. 13, 2027

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address

12 p.m.

An artist, entrepreneur and author, Balfour is the founder of Oh Happy Dani, an illustration-based educational platform that uses visual storytelling to make complex ideas about racial justice and advocacy accessible to broad audiences. Through her work, she has built a community of hundreds of thousands who engage with her content on social media and beyond.

Her creative approach to 鈥渁rtivism鈥� combines design, storytelling and education to inspire individuals to take meaningful action in their own communities. She is the author of 鈥淎 Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well鈥� and a companion workbook that encourages reflection and everyday advocacy. Through partnerships with major brands and speaking engagements across the country, she promotes a message of hope, empathy and sustained engagement in social change.

Tim Tebow

March 9, 2027

Baird Lecture

7 p.m.

A Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion, Tebow gained national prominence as a quarterback at the University of Florida before being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He later played professional baseball and has become a prominent sports analyst, author and motivational speaker.

Tebow is a seven-time New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, an organization that serves vulnerable populations in more than 70 countries through initiatives focused on faith, health and human dignity. Through his speaking and philanthropic efforts, Tebow encourages audiences to pursue their passions, lead with integrity and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Heather Cox Richardson

April 6, 2027

James P. Elder Lecture

6:30 p.m.

A professor of history at Boston College, Richardson is a leading scholar of American political history with expertise in the Civil War, Reconstruction and the evolution of the Republican Party. Her work examines the intersections of politics, economics and social change, helping audiences better understand the forces shaping the nation鈥檚 past and present.

She is the author of several award-winning books, including the bestselling 鈥淒emocracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America,鈥� which explores the nation鈥檚 ongoing struggle to uphold its own ideals. Richardson also writes 鈥淟etters from an American,鈥� a nightly newsletter that reaches millions of readers with analysis of current events in historical context. She hosts two video series,聽鈥淛ourney to American Democracy鈥� and聽鈥淎merican Conversations,鈥澛燽oth of which are available on YouTube and Facebook. Her聽articles and reviews have been published in the聽Washington Post, the聽New York聽Times, and聽The Guardian, among others.

The introductory meeting, to be held via Zoom on April 24, will focus on relationship-building and information sharing between the two student government associations. Conversations will include a discussion of how both associations are structured, how often they meet, and how they鈥痳epresent鈥痵tudent interests on their campuses.

Leaders鈥痺ill also鈥痚xchange perspectives on campus traditions, highlighting the events and experiences that define student life at each university. The discussion is expected to聽begin the process of聽identifying鈥痮pportunities for honoring and sharing those traditions across both communities.

The meeting聽is聽serves聽as an early step in aligning student leadership efforts.
Michael Swartz鈥��27, president of 乱伦视频鈥檚 Student Government Association, and鈥疛essica Paredes鈥��27, president of Queens University鈥檚 Student Government Association, answered questions this week in the lead-up to their first meeting.

The duo described their expectations ahead of the conversation and the role of student leadership in shaping what comes next for students on both campuses as the merger progresses.

Describe the role you envision for your Student Government Association as both universities begin to merge operations over the next several months.鈥�

Michael Swartz:鈥�I see SGA as being鈥痑n important鈥痓ridge between the decisions happening at the highest levels of the university and 乱伦视频 students. Students sometimes feel a little聽uninformed,聽and at both institutions,聽SGA can be a part of that solution, as well as sharing with administrators and faculty what students think.

Jessica Paredes:鈥�The role I envision for Queens University’s Student Government Association is to reflect our motto of “Not to be served, but to serve.”鈥疘 want to help lay the foundation of service so that when we progress in our relationship with 乱伦视频, it goes beyond our campuses into our cities.

Can you share some of the ideas鈥痽ou鈥檝e鈥痟eard from classmates when鈥痶hey鈥檝e鈥痶alked about the merger that鈥痚xcite鈥痽ou as a student leader?鈥�

闯别蝉蝉颈肠补:鈥�One of the things that I’ve heard from my peers that really excited me is the possibility of being able to take classes on either campus.鈥疘 think this鈥痠s an awesome idea that can allow for even more networking,鈥痗areer鈥痑nd friendship opportunities for both Queens and 乱伦视频鈥痵tudents. Another idea that is exciting is being able to cheer for 乱伦视频’s football team! Through organized field trips to 乱伦视频’s campus, Queens students can support a team they have close ties to!

Michael:鈥疶here’s鈥痑 lot of curiosity I hear from friends and peers.鈥疶hey鈥檙e鈥痶hinking about locations and spaces and potentially taking classes at a different location or pursuing their degree in a place that might make more sense, whether that be in Charlotte for 乱伦视频 students, or for Queens students in Charlotte to come to 乱伦视频.鈥疕aving options, I think, is a鈥痭ew,鈥痸aluable asset.

What opportunities for collaboration between the SGAs do you already see that you want to explore first?鈥�

Michael:鈥疘t makes sense to not plan any huge steps this first year.鈥疻e鈥檒l鈥痺ant to start a little smaller and think about how we can interact via Zoom, like鈥痺e’re鈥痙oing Friday, and really meet the people that are spearheading the change on our campuses. Going from there, hosting retreats together and getting connected in person as soon as possible is a great idea.

闯别蝉蝉颈肠补:鈥�Between Queens University’s SGA and 乱伦视频’s SGA, I foresee collaborative opportunities such as creating new traditions, whether that is taking regularly scheduled trips to each other’s institutions, hosting joint listening sessions for all students鈥痑nd inviting each other to participate in select board of trustee meetings so that they are hearing from both student populations.

What are the most important qualities or traits of your campus culture that may be important for the other SGA to understand when you work together?

惭颈肠丑补别濒:鈥�A lot of things at 乱伦视频 are聽relationship-driven.鈥疘鈥檓鈥痶hinking about our small class sizes.鈥疶hat’s鈥痯robably not鈥痷nique to 乱伦视频, but鈥痠t’s鈥痵omething that is so defining about the student experience here, having those connections. Understanding how鈥痠nvolved students are鈥痠n a lot of different things is also important. Many students鈥痙on鈥檛鈥痟ave one passion or place where they spend all their time.鈥疶hey鈥檙e鈥痠nvolved in many activities and in diverse parts of campus.

闯别蝉蝉颈肠补:鈥�Queens is unique in the connections it has with its community and throughout the鈥痗ity鈥痮f Charlotte.鈥疘 think it’s very crucial to understand that Queens is career readiness聽driven.鈥疧ur SGAs can discuss what our jobs are when it comes to connecting 乱伦视频 students to Charlotte, and Charlotte to 乱伦视频.

Define 鈥榮uccess鈥� in the context of collaboration. Where do you want your SGAs to be a year from now?鈥�

Michael:鈥疐or me, success means things feeling more normal than they do now, and this merger鈥痭ot being鈥痵omething鈥痶hat’s鈥痟appening to students, but something that鈥痶hey’re鈥痑 part of. I think that collaboration a year from now will also feel more natural.

闯别蝉蝉颈肠补:鈥�Success to me looks like being on the same鈥痯age,鈥痑nd everyone feels their ideas have been heard or even acted on! I want Queens University’s SGA to be in a space where our student body feels鈥痗onfidence鈥痑nd pride in being a part of our mission. I hope the same thing goes for 乱伦视频.

A fun question to end the interview: What might surprise your SGA counterpart to learn about you?鈥�

闯别蝉蝉颈肠补:鈥�I am鈥痑 very open鈥痓ook and have built connections with most of the people in our SGA. However, I think a surprising thing about me is that I am always learning from them. The President title bears a lot of weight, but if聽it鈥痺eren鈥檛鈥痜or the Senate showing up and giving new perspectives, my job would be鈥痺ay less鈥痜un.

惭颈肠丑补别濒:鈥�I’ve鈥痓een on the Queens campus more times than I can count because my mom went there as a鈥痵tudent鈥痑nd she currently works there in their advancement department. I spent my childhood traveling from Davidson, North Carolina, to Charlotte, hanging out around Queens and seeing it grow in its own way before I had any idea at all I was going to end up at 乱伦视频. I used to say that I鈥痙idn’t鈥痺ant to go to鈥痑 school鈥痺here my mom works.鈥疘t鈥檚鈥痜unny that, one way or another, that happened.

A generous gift from 乱伦视频 Trustee Bill Slattery and his wife Tish Slattery P鈥�24 P鈥�28 will name the university鈥檚 new center for health and wellness and also create 14 additional scholarships in the Odyssey Program to assist talented students with significant financial need.

乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book and the Board of Trustees announced the Slatterys鈥� gift at the board鈥檚 spring meeting April 10-11. Book thanked the Slattery family for their generosity and leadership in supporting a center that 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.

鈥淭he 乱伦视频 community is deeply honored to name the HealthEU Center in recognition of the Slattery family,鈥� Book said. 鈥淭his extraordinary investment from Bill and Tish Slattery will help 乱伦视频 meet its mission to transform the mind, body and spirit of every student, and prepare healthy graduates ready to share their gifts with the world.鈥�

The ability to address the health and well-being of students early in their lives inspired the Slatterys to make their gift.

鈥淢y career at the intersection of science and investment often requires decades to witness the outcomes of success,鈥� Bill Slattery said. 鈥淗ealthEU is an opportunity to intervene with our students at an early age and engage in these activities in a more structured, thoughtful way, and hopefully reduce some of their adversities in life.鈥�

鈥淚 believe social media has impacted students greatly, and institutions like 乱伦视频 that provide centers like HealthEU will be at an advantage going forward,鈥� Tish Slattery said. 鈥淗ealth and wellness encompass so much more than just the physical aspect. I鈥檓 incredibly grateful that we鈥檙e able to impact 乱伦视频 with this gift.鈥�

Slattery Center is a central component to the university鈥檚 broader HealthEU initiative that focuses on six dimensions of health and wellness: community, emotional, purpose, financial, physical and social. The three-story 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 乱伦视频 strategic plan that will guide the university to 2030. Scheduled to open in fall 2026, Slattery Center will be located within 乱伦视频鈥檚 Innovation Quad, home to the university鈥檚 engineering and other STEM programs.

The Slatterys鈥� gift will also endow the William and Tish Slattery Odyssey Program Scholarship, funding 14 new scholarships in the program that gives bright, passionate students with high financial need and/or no family history of college attendance access to 乱伦视频鈥檚 nationally recognized engaged learning programs.

These new investments bring the total number of Odyssey Program scholarships to nearly 300, more than halfway to the university鈥檚 goal of having a total of 400 Odyssey Scholarships, or 100 scholars per class, as called for in the Boldly 乱伦视频 strategic plan. Housed in 乱伦视频鈥檚 Center for Access and Success, the Odyssey Program is nationally recognized as a model for need- and merit-based initiatives, with a nearly 100% first-to-second-year student retention rate and an 87% graduation rate, well above the national average.

The Slatterys have been impressed by the educational experience 乱伦视频 delivers to students. Their daughter Madelyn graduated in 2024, and their son James is an 乱伦视频 sophomore.

鈥淚鈥檝e been very happy to see the school excel at its academic responsibility in education while equally addressing students鈥� needs as people at the social level,鈥� Bill said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a pleasant, inviting and warm place that cares for its students.鈥�

鈥淔rom the moment you step foot on 乱伦视频鈥檚 campus, you feel a great sense of community,鈥� Tish said. 鈥淭he close relationships that students have with their professors makes 乱伦视频 stand out among its peers.鈥�

Bill Slattery is a partner at Deerfield Management Company,聽Therapeutics. Prior to joining Deerfield in 2000, Slattery served as a senior healthcare analyst for 10 years at Amerindo Investment Advisors in New York, where he oversaw biotechnology investments. He has also held various positions in research, including those at National Medical Enterprises, Johnson & Johnson, and HMSS. He is the former chair of Red Door Community, which supports those impacted by cancer and their families.

Bill was elected to 乱伦视频鈥檚 Board of Trustees in 2024. Tish is a member of the Slattery聽Family Foundation and served in administration at Amerindo Investment Advisors. Recently, Tish was named chair of the Miss Hall鈥檚 School Arts Advisory Council. The couple reside in Rye, New York.