“I remember visiting UNC Greensboro as a high school student and standing on Spring Garden Street when I said to my mom, ‘This is where I want to go to school.’”

It was moments like this that would pave the way for success for UNCG grads who were recently named Distinguished Alumni by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. They reflect on how they found their way to UNCG, all the opportunities that opened up to them, the faculty who inspired them to reach new heights.

Kimberly Councill ’95, ’97 MM

“My experiences prepared me to demand the most from my musical self, and I have maintained that standard of excellence for every preservice teacher who I have ever taught.”

Read Councill’s story here.

Calandra Hackney ’00

“The School of Theatre is a family. As you spend a lot of time together over four years, you watch and help each other grow and mature. It’s a special bond that is created in the theatre community. It’s like nowhere else.”

Read Hackney’s story here.

Talani Torres ’06 MFA

“It was total immersion in learning. Every day was a physical, intellectual, and creative adventure. The classrooms and studios felt like magical spaces. The dance faculty were renowned scholars, practitioners, and educators, yet they worked with me as if we were equals. There was no hierarchy—just mutual respect and the belief that I was capable of anything. They saw no limits in me, and I believed them.

Read Torres’ story here.

Stephanie J. Woods ’13, ’15 MFA

“Even though I initially didn’t consider pursuing a degree in art, the beautiful architecture of the Gatewood Building kept calling to me. Eventually, I discovered my passion for sculpture, which led me to finish my degree at UNCG and to continue on to graduate school. That experience profoundly changed my life.”

Read Woods’ story here.

Stories by Terri Relos, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Photography by David Lee Row, University Communications