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UNCSA graduates reflect on training, share future plans

From concert halls and dance studios to film sets and theater stages, these six graduating students leave UNCSA with stories worth sharing. Each profile offers a glimpse into the creative growth, determination and personal experiences that shaped their artistic journeys. Dive into each story to meet the artists behind the work and see where their paths are leading next.

These are just a few of the extraordinary Fighting Pickles among the hundreds of UNCSA High School and University graduates set to be honored Saturday, May 16, 2026. Read more about each student’s unique path below.

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Karim Fatkhutdinov shapes the world around him, one design at a time

School of Filmmaking, Production Design

Filmmaking graduate Karim Fatkhutdinov has always been fascinated by the power of physical spaces. That fascination eventually led him to the production design concentration in UNCSA’s School of Filmmaking — and now, to his next chapter in Chicago, where he’ll join Agency EA’s creative team as a spatial designer. It all comes back to the same question: how do you tell a story through a physical space?

READ Karim's FULL PROFILE

Celine Lin blends fashion inspiration with theatrical storytelling

School of design and production, Wig and makeup Design

Graduating M.F.A. student Celine Lin has transformed a lifelong love of making into a bold artistic vision that blends wigs, makeup and costume design into complete character storytelling. From Taiwan to UNCSA, Lin discovered how technical training, cultural inspiration and creative freedom could shape immersive theatrical worlds from head to toe.

READ CELINE'S FULL PROFILE

Nathan Olusemire finds purpose and continued learning through music

School of Music, horn

From singing in a Nigerian church choir to performing at Carnegie Hall, UNCSA graduate Nathan Olusemire has built a musical journey shaped by perseverance, mentorship and purpose. As he continues his horn studies, he and his twin brother hope to give back by creating music education opportunities for children in Nigeria.

READ NATHAN'S FULL PROFILE

From the Triangle to the stage, Hannah Szemereta finds her voice at UNCSA

School of Drama, Acting

From community theater stages in the Triangle to conservatory training at UNCSA, graduating actor Hannah Szemereta discovered the power of versatility. Through acting, dance, singing and stunt work, she pushed beyond expectations, embraced new creative challenges and found confidence in her evolving artistry — onstage, behind the scenes and beyond.

READ HANNAH'S FULL PROFILE

Candace Vann on growth, community and creativity at UNCSA

School of Dance, COntemporary

UNCSA School of Dance graduate Candace Vann reflects on the mentors, performances and creative community that shaped her artistic voice and prepared her for a future in contemporary dance.

READ CANDACE'S FULL PROFILE

Natalie Winstead thrives during her year in the High School Drama Program

School of Drama, High School

In just nine months at the High School Drama Program, Natalie Winstead found her voice as an actor, singer and storyteller. From discovering acting through “Stranger Things” to earning YoungArts recognition and preparing for Carnegie Mellon, the #UNCSAgrad reflects on a transformative year of artistic growth, mentorship and meaningful connection.

Read Natalie's full profile

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