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Articles by Sarayu Thondapu
Sunhee Frecker and Hannah Elder run for senior class president and vice president
University Sunhee Frecker and Hannah Elder, senior class president and vice president candidates, walk in the arcade of the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. Feb 5, 2026, 2:02 AM Sunhee Frecker and Hannah Elder’s journey to running for senior class president and vice president began long before college.
Platform of 'thrill': Ja'Khari Bryant and Nicholas Williams run for senior class president and vice president
University Senior class President candidate Ja’Khari Bryant and senior class Vice President candidate Nicholas Williams stand in front of the Old Well on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. Feb 5, 2026, 2:02 AM Ja’Khari Bryant and Nicholas Williams have never met a stranger. That is, according to their campaign supporter Kamryn Burton.
Students petition for Odum Village lot to be used as on-campus housing amid growing class sizes
University Senior Writer Nov 21, 2025, 6:53 PM In May, UNC announced the construction of a 700-bed residence hall where Jackson Hall currently stands, home to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The project would mark the University’s first newly constructed residence hall in nearly 20 years, Chancellor Lee Roberts said during a media availability at a Board of Trustees meeting in May. The news came in the wake of steady growth in first-year enrollment.
UNC class that traveled to Gaza last year unveils clips of documentary chronicling experience
University Nov 21, 2025, 6:53 PM U nder the lofty vaults of the Carolina Club in the George Watts Hill Alumni Center, around 240 community members gathered on Tuesday evening for an event hosted by the School of Civic Life and Leadership titled “Reviving Civil Discourse on Campus.” One key draw of the event was the first look at a 13-part documentary following students who took a controversial class at UNC in the spring semester of 2025.
Athlete to admin: Former UNC basketball player Marcus Ginyard takes on strategic leadership role
University Senior Writer Nov 3, 2025, 12:06 AM Last month, former UNC men's basketball captain Marcus Ginyard '10 was appointed director of special projects, a new role supporting both the University's Public Affairs and Finance and Operations offices. Ginyard will also work closely with the chancellor and coordinate projects with the Board of Trustees.
'It means the world:' Morehead-Cain Foundation inducts 16 sophomore selects
University Oct 24, 2025, 12:19 AM On Oct. 14, the Morehead-Cain foundation announced the addition of 16 students to the Morehead-Cain class of 2028 as part of the Sophomore Selection process. The Morehead-Cain scholarship is a UNC scholarship that “challenges emerging leaders to seize their education and positively impact the University, state, nation and world,” according to its website.
The ArtsCenter uses anonymous donation to improve programs, recover from debt
Lifestyle Senior Writer Oct 23, 2025, 11:56 PM Early last summer, an anonymous local donor gifted the ArtsCenter in Carrboro $125,000. The donor wanted them to use $25,000 for general operating funds and the other $100,000 for a match campaign. Since its creation over 50 years ago, the ArtsCenter has been a nonprofit with a mission to "educate and inspire artistic creativity and enrich people of all ages," according to their website.
Department of Asian and Middle Eastern reflects on Persian studies concentration
University Senior Writer Oct 23, 2025, 1:13 AM The Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies hosted a culture and language day on Tuesday to commemorate the introduction of a newPersian studies concentration this fall that will be housed within the Asian studies degree. The Persian studies concentration includes both language courses and coursework in Persian literature, cinema, art, history and cultural studies.
Former ambassador to the UN visits campus amid pro-Palestine protesters' criticism
University Oct 20, 2025, 8:42 PM Former ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, visited UNC on Thursday for an event ahead of UNC’s Collegiate Model United Nations conference. Several protesters interrupted the event at separate times to address her sole vote responsible for vetoing a ceasefire in Gaza in 2023. Originally, the event was meant to be a fireside chat with Thomas-Greenfield and Diplomacy Initiative Faculty Fellow Jennifer Davis.
American universities are suppressing Palestinian voices, UNC panelists say
University Senior Writer Oct 14, 2025, 2:22 AM UNC Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine hosted a panel in the Frank Porter Graham Student Union on Wednesday, bringing together scholars to discuss Palestine's depiction in academia. The panel, titled “Reflection on American Unis & Palestine,” was part of FJP's and UNC Students for Justice in Palestine's slate of events scheduled to coincide with the week of the two-year anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks in Israel.
From guerilla theater to screen printing: A history of art as a form of dissent at UNC
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue Early into the academic year, University facilities workers boarded up and subsequently removed a student-created mural depicting Palestinian resilience in the Hanes Arts Center. During this removal, the artwork was damaged beyond repair. In response, students and faculty from the Hanes Art Center hosted a screen printing event in solidarity with Palestine and the artists who created the mural.
Senior class officers work together to unite the Class of 2026
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue In February, current UNC seniors Rotimi Kukoyi and Ashley Tatem as the senior class president and vice president, respectively. United by their deep love for UNC, the two decided to run together so they could contribute to the legacy of the University while also serving their classmates in a unique position.
'Pushing against the constraints': New Campus Y co-presidents focus on the future
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue Last August, as only rising first-years, Netra Parikh and Lucia Paulsen became the co-directors of the First-Year Council at the Campus Y — a historic first.As rising sophomores, they were elected this past April to be the 2025-26 co-presidents of the Campus Y.
'A long time coming': UNC senior and artist DJ Pearl releases first extended play
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue A well-rolled joint, an orb found in an oyster and the name of UNC senior Aaron Scott's great-grandmother — all three serve as the inspiration behind his artist name, DJ Pearl. On March 29, Scott released his first extended play, titled “Minimal Effort.” Scott, who is originally from Washington, D.C., said he began experimenting with DJ software in his sophomore year of high school.
New exhibition at Peel Gallery blurs line between arts and crafts
Lifestyle Two pieces of artwork sit on display during the "Material Connection" event at the Peel Gallery on Friday, March 14, 2025. Mar 18, 2025, 5:39 PM On Friday evening, Peel Gallery in Carrboro hosted the opening reception for its March exhibition, “Material Connection” as a participating venue of the Carrboro-Chapel Hill 2nd Friday Art Walk.
This Valentine's Day, UNC couples reflect on their love stories
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue Christian Avy and Jamie Krantz-Avy, alumni of the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, met on an unlikely place: Zoom. Both were taking Media and Journalism 390: Special Skills in Mass Communication with professor Ryan Thornburg, during their final year at UNC. The class was then remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
'A way of being': Business school professor excels in sports, teaching and innovation
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue Ivonne Chirino-Klevans is a Kenan-Flagler Business School clinical associate professor of organizational behavior — but that’s just one of her many titles. Outside of Kenan-Flagler, Chirino-Klevans is an author, a NASCAR consultant, a volunteer and an international athlete, having competed for Mexico and the United States.
'This was a life': UNC community gathers for memorial to honor James Cates
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue On Nov. 20, the Southern Student Action Coalition, the UNC Black Student Movement, the Community Justice, Abolition and Anti-Racism Collective and the UNC National Association for the Advancement of Colored People held a memorial in honor of James Lewis Cates Jr. Cates, a Black Chapel Hill resident, was murdered by members of a white supremacist motorcycle gang outside of the Carolina Union on Nov. 21, 1970.
'One hug or pup at a time': Community group celebrates third anniversary
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue “Offering college students support…one hug or pup at a time.” That's the motto for Hugs and Pups Posse — Encouraging and Empowering, a group that was created to promote mental health and comfort on UNC's campus. On Tuesday, HAPPEE celebrated its third anniversary on the Quad with treats, prizes, music, bubbles and, of course, hugs and pups.
UNC System schools eliminate, realign positions after DEI system cuts
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue By Sept. 1, all 17 UNC System schools submitted their compliance reports demonstrating adherence to the Equality Within the University of North Carolina policy, a manual delineating the UNC System's "commitment to equality in education and employment." On Sept.
'Truest form of your gingerness': UNC ginger club brings together Tar Heel redheads
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue In 2023, what started as a routine trip to Lenoir Dining Hall became the start of something quite unexpected for then-junior Austin Cook and then-sophomore Chloe Winchester. The two were previously friends, but that day they came upon a group of other students outside of the dining hall and started chatting with them. The common denominator? They all had red hair.
UNC academics research shark ecology and mislabeling of shark meat in grocery stores
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Monday, July 8, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue Shark Week is an annual, week-long television event on Discovery Channel, originally premiering on July 17, 1988. Scheduled content can range from educational and informational to thrilling and entertaining, meant to debunk negative representations of sharks while still offering a fun viewing experience for audiences.
Student-run WXYC radio station focuses on genre diversity and activism
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Sunday, July 14, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue During Chapel Hill’s hot summer months, residents and tourists alike might be inclined to listen to their pre-curated algorithms by Spotify or Apple Music. While these platforms might be more familiar, WXYC 89.3 FM — the student-run and freeform radio station broadcasted from UNC's Student Union — offers unique listening experiences 24 hours a day with several student DJs, each with a diverse setlist.
Chancellor Search Advisory Committee holds special meeting on June 11
In Tuesday's special meeting, the Chancellor Search Advisory Committee discussed updates on UNC-Chapel Hill's chancellor search, including a leadership profile and processes for sourcing and recruiting candidates. Members of the search committee are working alongside Parker Executive Search, an executive firm that assists universities in high-level employment.
University Employee Forum discusses budget priorities, awards and human resources
In its general meeting Thursday morning, the UNC Employee Forum went over a finance and operations quarterly update, recent amendments to the budget passed by the UNC Board of Trustees and the final approved budget for the 2025 fiscal year and its priorities. The forum also held peer recognition awards and elections, as well as discussing HR updates and support for staff and faculty.
Freight Train Blues concert series showcases Carolina folk artists for past decade
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, June 4, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue For 10 years, the Music Maker Foundation’s Freight Train Blues concert series has introduced new audiences to the musical traditions of old, bringing communities together to bond over food and live music — the same music that shaped Carrboro, and the South, for decades.
'Visually impactful': New sculpture on Franklin Street celebrates Pride Month
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue Walking down Franklin Street, community members, students and tourists alike are bound to notice the newest art addition to 140 W. Plaza, titled Think Outside the Box. With its gray and blue central figure — its eyes wide, outlined with bold, black makeup, set against colorful swirls — this unique and eye-catching wooden structure is an ode to pride, inclusivity and connectivity.
University provides variety of food options in dining halls, on-campus restaurants
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue When choosing a dining plan, it's vital for incoming students to consider both the numerous options available to them and the caveats, like Chapel Hill's accessibility to affordable and manageable groceries.
Column: Palestinian journalists are reporting for an indifferent world
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Monday, March 25, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue "Please don't scroll if you care about Palestine." My thumb freezes over the TikTok screen, allowing for the speaker to continue. The user details the story of a family caught in the crosshairs of a bloody onslaught. I see these videos often. Some of these videos speak of families divided, unable to help one another. They speak of houses and workplaces reduced to rubble.
Column: If you know UNC for just its beauty, you don't know it well enough
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue I absolutely adore TED-Ed. It was a comfort for me during the pandemic and it made me feel like I was gaining brain cells instead of losing them.
Column: AI is coming for our jobs, can we fight it?
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue My existential crisis began like any other: a well-meaning conversation with my relatives. Nowadays, any discussion with those older than me inadvertently drifts toward my future career plans, and as always, I have the same answer: I would like to pursue law after graduating. This is always received with support and encouragement and a healthy dose of pragmatism.
Column: The Multi-faceted Glamor of Halloween
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023 Newsletters Latest print issue Halloween is a multi-day marathon for college students — there’s a reason why it's often called Halloweekend or even Halloweek. It’s an exciting excuse to pull together multiple costumes for each night spent celebrating and partying. After all, this particular occasion only comes once a year.
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