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2023 graduates reflect on UNCSA training, share future plans

A Pakistani filmmaker making his mark through art, a single mother whose goal of completing her graduate degree is finally realized and a scenic designer fascinated by what she calls “the design within the design” are among the hundreds of UNCSA University graduates set to be honored Saturday, May 6 at University Commencement.

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.

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Emmy Babyak

School of Design & production, SCENIC TECHNOLOGY

Originally interested in becoming a scene designer, Scenic Technology student Emmy Babyak became fascinated instead by what she calls “the design within the design,” leading her to pursue a degree in scenic technology.

In anticipation of commencement, Babyak reflects on her time at UNCSA and some of the lessons she learned along the way before moving to Santa Fe, NM to become Associate Technical Director at Meow Wolf.

READ BABYAK'S FULL PROFILE

Lauren Jackson Coplan

School of Music, piano

Nearly 30 years after her graduate school journey ended due to financial burden, pianist and 2023 graduate Lauren Coplan will check 'Master of Music' off her bucket list thanks to the support of generous donors.

Ahead of Commencement, she reflects on her beautiful, exhausting, and meaningful time as a Fighting Pickle.

READ COPLAN'S FULL PROFILE

Rohit Lila Ram

School of Filmmaking, producing

Four years ago, Rohit Lila Ram arrived at UNCSA from Karachi, Pakistan, carrying only two suitcases. On Saturday, May 6, 2023, he will graduate with a B.F.A. in Filmmaking with a concentration in Producing and a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. In addition to his diploma, Lila Ram departs from UNCSA with both a C.V. teeming with projects, positions and accolades and an enormous community of mentors, friends and colleagues.

Read lila ram's full profile

Alyssa James

School of Drama, Acting

School of Drama grad Alyssa James' childhood passion led her to UNCSA, where she spent the four years honing her creativity and craft, facing her fears and learning to believe in herself. “I never thought this is where my life would have taken me,” she says, beaming. “I’m just so endlessly grateful.”

Learn more about what she describes as a surreal experience studying and growing at UNCSA.

Read James' full profile

Ruiko Jacobs

School of Dance, Ballet

Both a high school and now a college grad, Jacobs has graced the UNCSA stage in pieces such as "Nutcracker," "Napoli" and "Serenade."

As she prepares to leave UNCSA, she reflects on the lessons she is taking with her as she plans to pursue her dream of being in a ballet company.

Read Jacobs' full profile

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