A decorated UNCSA graduation cap. / Photo: Wayne Reich
Home > Commencement > UNCSA graduates reflect on UNCSA training, share future plans
UNCSA graduates reflect on training, share future plans
A Ukrainian filmmaker's unconventional path to the silver screen, a contemporary dancer choreographing her own success through interdisciplinary work
and two Stage Properties graduate students blending tradition and innovation are among the hundreds of UNCSA High School and University graduates set to be honored
Saturday, May 18.
These Fighting Pickles have accomplished a lot during their time at UNCSA — using
their training to sharpen their crafts and set their careers in motion. Read more about each student’s journey below.
Beyond the dance studio: How Claire Schiffer choreographs success
School of dance
Dance graduate Claire Schiffer has done it all. Through exploration and risk-taking,
she dove into dance, collaboration and leadership. Now she’s on the precipice of launching
her career and feels prepared to enter the dance industry; the future is just waiting
to be choreographed.
UNCSA M.F.A. graduates blend tradition and innovation in Stage Properties
School of design and production
During their time in the graduate Stage Properties concentration, both Henry Beard
and Becky Hicks explored how traditional methods can meet modern innovation. Beard's
focus on blacksmithing for props artisans and Hicks' on exploring conservation and
restoration techniques are rooted in real-world challenges encountered during productions.
Rising star: The inspiring journey of Drama graduate Aphrodite Armstrong
School of drama
With notable accomplishments early in her career such as a South by Southwest (SXSW)
Special Jury Recognition for Outstanding Performance award and a supporting role in
a recent film, Armstrong is poised to take the entertainment industry by storm after
graduation.
Filmmaking grad Dimitri Dikhel's unconventional path to the silver screen
School of filmmaking
When School of Filmmaking graduate student Dimitri Dikhel immigrated to Germany from
Ukraine as a child, film played a pivotal role in his life. Movies taught him how
to speak German and he fell in love with the universality of cinema. After studying
medicine and teaching, he found his path in Creative Producing at UNCSA.
Slam dunks to symphonies: Gavin Hardy’s path to musical stardom
School of music
Gavin Hardy was Clemmons Middle School’s star basketball player. But he’s always maintained
a second passion: classical music. He’s now graduating from UNCSA’s High School Music
program as one of the top emerging talents in double bass.
Our commencement site for the most up-to-date information about the High School and
University Commencement Ceremonies — including parking, tickets, ceremony location
and time information and more!
