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Catherine Bagwell, the Virginia Lasater Irvin Professor of Psychology, was featured in a recent New York Times article that offered readers advice on forging deep friendships. Bagwell suggested adapting “parallel play” – a behavior usually observed in children. The simple act of doing separate hobbies or tasks with a friend can lead to conversation and new bonds.

Healing Research, Supportive Allies

When a family member suffered a traumatic brain injury, the Foil family founded a care facility with community-based programs for other TBI survivors. The �ʼһ��� alums fund a college research award to support students studying brain injuries. A separate fund supports health and wellness initiatives for �ʼһ���’s LGBTQIA+ students.

Club Sports at �ʼһ��� Level the Playing Field, or Court, for Athletes & Non-Athletes Alike

Interested in playing a competitive sport in college but not on the Division I level? Claire Kelly ’25 explains how club sports work at �ʼһ���, and how she has found community within the club tennis team.

Athlete, Entertainer, Banana Baller: Parker Nolan ’22 Joins the Firefighters Baseball Team

�ʼһ��� alum and scholar-athlete Parker Nolan gets in on what is quickly becoming a new favorite pastime for baseball fans and non-fans alike – Banana Ball. Read more.

Men’s Soccer Alums Honor Beloved Coach Charlie Slagle With Head Coaching Endowment

Coach Charlie Slagle ’74 made an indelible mark on �ʼһ��� men’s soccer. Now, an endowment created by former players in honor of Slagle will help the college attract top talent. Read more.

Professor of Biology Dave Wessner covers the COVID outbreak at the Olympics, and what makes this year different from 2020.

Free Summer Promise Program Gives Rising High-Schoolers Taste of College Life

A look inside the inaugural �ʼһ��� Summer Promise Program, a free, week-long college readiness program for rising ninth graders. Learn more. 

Seeking the Humane Path: Toshaani Goel Named 2024 Smith Scholar

Toshaani Goel ’24 chose �ʼһ��� for its extensive humanities studies offerings and believes aspiring professionals benefit from a strong liberal arts education. Goel is a 2024 �ʼһ��� Smith Scholar, which honors academic achievement, leadership, character and community service.

Caring for the Caretakers: Smith Scholar Lilly Sirover to Focus on Well-Being of Healthcare Professionals

Lilly Sirover ’24 strives to ensure that those facing stress, from elite athletes to physicians dealing with life and death decisions, get support to remain physically and mentally healthy. The former women’s track and field team distance runner is a 2024 �ʼһ��� Smith Scholar, which honors academic achievement, leadership, character and community service.

�ʼһ��� Celebrates Record-Breaking Fundraising, Remarkable Engagement, Extraordinary Impact

With support from alums, families, faculty, staff and friends, �ʼһ��� celebrated a record-breaking fundraising year. Learn more about the culture of philanthropy at �ʼһ��� and the initiatives the funds will support. 

Think Globally, Eat Locally: Changing Global Food Systems One Household at a Time

�ʼһ��� alum Ann Tutwiler, a senior fellow at Meridian Institute and incoming chair of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, offers tips on how to reduce your food’s environmental footprint. Learn more.

New Scholarship Celebrates the Life, Integrity and Selflessness of �ʼһ��� Resident Roosevelt Wilson

An anonymous donor and �ʼһ��� alum has created a scholarship to honor the life and legacy of the late Roosevelt Wilson, a resident of the Town of �ʼһ��� who was an inspiration to many. Learn more.

Fancy Feasts: �ʼһ��� Gourmet Society Offered Sophisticated Spin on Campus Cuisine

The students, faculty and staff who made up the �ʼһ��� Gourmet Society added elegance, international flair and fun to campus dining. Read more.

Around the World in 100 Photos: Student Images Offer Glimpse of Life Abroad

Nearly 80% of �ʼһ��� students participate in education abroad. The Bliss Photo Contest encourages students to share images of their international travel experiences with the world. Explore some of the photos submitted for this year's contest. 

Nosh & Nostalgia: �ʼһ���ians Share Favorite Food Memories

From favorite on-campus eateries to far-flung locales around the globe, �ʼһ��� alums, faculty, staff and students recall the foods that transport them to another place and time. Read more.

Food Chain: Alums Find Fulfillment in Edible Endeavors

From farmers and bakers to chefs, baristas and specialty food makers, �ʼһ��� alums feed their passions—and people—with their entrepreneurial endeavors. Read more.

Divine Dining: Restaurateurs Elevate Queen City’s Spirits, Communal Cuisine in Once Holy Spaces

Jeff Tonidanel ’98 and Jamie Brown ’99 took the biggest gamble of their lives and ended up creating a restaurant empire in Charlotte, with award-winners like Supperland grabbing local and national attention and attracting locals and visitors from around the world. Read more.

Women’s Soccer Scores Scholarship and Internship Support from Falconi Family

Inspired by their experiences as D1 scholar-athletes at �ʼһ���, the Falconi family has established a scholarship and internship to support the college’s women’s soccer program. 

An Eye for Art: Students Select Art for College Collection

Students in Art 348: Purchasing Art for �ʼһ��� were granted $50,000 from donors to buy art for the college.

Plate Full of Promise: Community Kitchen Contributes to Revitalized City, Launches Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Bailey Foster ’94 launched Real Good Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen, and created a community that’s elevated food options and opportunities in her Knoxville hometown. Learn more.