Wake the Arts is shining a spotlight on some of our extraordinary 2026 graduates. There are so many incredible members of our arts community in the Class of 2026, and this is our attempt to highlight some of them. What makes a successful Wake Forest graduate? We think the Arts are the secret ingredient—whether a student's major was Psychology or Studio Art, Mathematics or Music, Biology or Theatre—these students make us proud and are destined for greatness. We hope you'll keep in touch as you go on to great things!
Emily Allgair
Documentary Film - MFA
Emily was a 2025 Spotlight Award winner for Wake Screens and took 2nd place in the 2026 RiverRun Student Pitch Fest. She plans to continue her work in documentary film as she heads back up North.
The arts community at Wake Forest has been one of the most diverse and supportive university communities I have ever been a part of!
Jane Bostick
Major: Business & Enterprise Management; Minor: Art History, Philosophy
After graduation, Bostick will enter the fashion buying industry. Her job will involve working with vendors, predicting what will sell and understanding shifts in consumer trends.
I’ve always been pretty creative...I made my own [concentration and] I was able to have a little more flexibility.
Alyssa Cheng
Majors: Theatre & Mathematics
Alyssa was very active on stage and behind the scenes in Jagged Little Pill (stage management), Wake World (stage management), Barn Wood and Blue Roses (costume design), Orion (costume design), Radium Girls (sound design) and Haunted Tunnels (sound design).
She directed Every Brilliant Thing and acted in Failure: A Love Story, ENOUGH: Plays to End Gun Violence, and Vagina Monologues. She also worked on annual Dance concerts as a costume designer and stage manager. She plans to pursue a career in stage management.
My experience in theatre at Wake has transformed me into a more thoughtful, confident, and fulfilled human.
Chase Clark
Majors: Communication & African-American Studies
Chase exhibited her photography in "Made a Home" at stArt Gallery and wrote for three student publications: 3 to 4 oz, Old Gold & Black, and The Magnolia. She also co-planned “The Soul Sessions: Art as Liberation” event in Hanes Art Gallery and was a regular attendee at campus arts programming and film screenings. She was the 2025 Homecoming Queen, 2026 Senior Oration winner, and the 2026 Outstanding Student Leader of the Year winner.
After graduation, Chase will be the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Intern at Tiffany & Company in their New York City office.
Being able to engage the arts at Wake Forest has kept my creative spark alive in so many ways—each experience has deepened my appreciation for the power of artistic spaces to build community, express identity, and inspire connection.
Mercer Fustes
Major: Studio Art
Mercer transitioned from a business major to a studio art major, ultimately developing a thesis exhibition of twenty oil paintings that reimagine her childhood watercolors through the lens of portraiture and the "old masters" style. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in event planning while continuing to accept commissions for her watercolor and portrait work on the side.
Oftentimes, having a major that is more creative can inspire creativity in different aspects of a job.
Caroline Helmer
Major: Art History
Caroline transferred to Wake to deepen her study of art history, participating in the New York City art buying trip and advocating for greater inclusivity within the field's historical narratives. She intends to pursue law school and relocate to New York City, where she hopes to merge her art history background with a legal career.
I heard nothing but good things about Wake Forest’s art department, and transferring here has been the best decision I could have ever made.
Anne Jones
Major: English; Minors: Biology, Cultural Heritage Preservation Studies, Art History
As the first accessibility intern at Wake Forest's Hanes Art Gallery, Anne collaborated to create an accessibility package for the exhibition “Of the Times.” She has continued and expanded this work and is co-authoring an institutional art accessibility guide. In Spring 2027, she will be the International Program Assistant at Wake Forest's Worrell House in London, and plans to apply to graduate programs in English.
At Wake Forest, we as students have the incredible privilege of being surrounded by art every day. During my undergraduate study, it has been my goal to make this fecundity of art accessible for all kinds of students, visitors, and art lovers.
Roksanna Keyvan
Major: BA in 'Environmental & Social Justice' Interdisciplinary Studies; Minor: French Studies
Roksanna was the strategic director of Wakeville 2025 and 2026. She was part of the Reece Collections Acquisition Committee ("Art Buying Trip"), and exhibited her artwork at stArt Gallery. After graduation, she's headed to the UK to pursue a Master of Philosophy degree in Global Risk and Resilience at the University of Cambridge.
What the arts at Wake taught me is this: you don’t need to belong to a single discipline to be an artist—you just need a community willing to support you, challenge you, and create with you.
Janani Krishnakumar
Majors: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Music Performance (Flute)
Janani served as Executive Director for Wakeville 2026. As a flutist, she performed in a wide range of musical ensembles at Wake Forest University, including the WFU Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Gamelan Giri Murti, Flute Choir, woodwind chamber groups, and early music ensembles through the Collegium Musicum. On April 18, Janani presented her senior flute recital, performing works across multiple genres. After graduation, she looks forward to pursuing a career in immunology and virology while continuing her musical endeavors.
The Arts bring a sense of fulfillment and enrichment to my life that little else can.
Evan Lipetz
Majors: History, Spanish; Minor: Latin American & Latino Studies
Evan was an active member of the Anthony Aston Players and a regular contributor to Wake Forest Theatre and Dance, where he worked in the Box Office for four years and served as both an actor and crew member for multiple productions. After graduation, he will attend the history doctoral program at the University of Virginia to focus his research on modern Latin American dictatorships and human rights.
I had always loved the arts growing up but I sparsely participated in it. That changed when I started working in the Theatre and Dance box office during my first year. I got to meet some amazing people and see firsthand how much creativity and effort goes into every production.
Yan Luo
Majors: Political Sciences & Economics, Minor: Studio Art
Yan has connected with the arts at Wake through classes, exhibitions, student publications, and department work. Her animation work was screened at the 2026 Wake Screens Student Work Spotlight. She also served as graphic designer for 3 to 4 oz, Wake’s student literary magazine, designing the Fall 2026 and Spring 2026 editions, "Food for Thoughts" and "Soundscape." As a work-study intern at the Visual Resources Center, Yan helped with archival work and event planning. Her artwork was selected and exhibited in the 2026 Student Work Exhibition at Hanes Gallery.
My experience with the Wake Forest Art Department taught me that belonging can begin with one small step. A drawing class, a work-study role at the Visual Resources Center, and the support of the Art Department helped me grow into someone who could not only study art, but also contribute to a creative community I now deeply value.
Katherine Maize
Major: Biology; Minor: Music
Katherine was a Presidential Scholar of Music, a member of the Chamber Choir, and participated in Songbird. You may have heard her incredible voice in the Giles Harris Competition in 2023, 2024, and 2026, as well as the Concerto Competition in 2023 and 2025. Katherine will return home to Charleston, SC to work as a veterinary assistant before pursuing veterinary school.
Whether I was singing with the orchestra, traveling on choir tour, or simply attending weekly Chamber Choir rehearsals, I was consistently surrounded by supportive and exceptionally talented people. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow within this department, and I look forward to continuing that growth beyond Wake.
Catherine Major
Majors: Economics, Music
Catherine was deeply involved in musical ensembles at Wake as part of The Spirit of the Old Gold and Black, Wake Forest Symphony Orchestra (WFUSO), the Deacon Jazz Machine, Gamelan Giri Murti, Pep Band, and The Old Gold and Brass. She also interned with the Secrest Artists Series. She will next pursue a Master of Science in Management at the Wake Forest School of Business.
Being a part of numerous ensembles throughout my time at Wake Forest has been one of the most significant parts of my college experience. The community of students and faculty has always been welcoming and supportive!
Sarah Marks
Majors: Psychology & Studio Art; Minor: Art History
Sarah participated in the Honors in Studio Art Program, worked as a gallery assistant at both stArt and Hanes galleries, and interned with the University Art Collection. Her honors exhibition, "After Image: Shadow and Dream," was on display at Hanes Gallery in April 2026. She plans on attending grad school to pursue a master in Art Therapy.
The student art show each semester is the highlight of my experience within the art department at Wake. I love the variety of the works and the opportunity to celebrate the talent and creativity of so many students at once.
Gabby Miller
Major: Health and Exercise Science; Minor: Dance
Gabby has been a member of Anthony Aston Players and the WFU Dance Company. She worked on "Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" (assistant stage manager) and "Orion" (scenic designer). She was vice president of Can't Stop The Beat! from 2024-26. She plans to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. In the meantime, she's lined up jobs in Maryland at a physical therapy clinic and at her former dance school.
The arts community has undoubtedly been a core aspect of my experience at Wake Forest. I credit my student jobs in the theatre scene shop and Community Ballet program, classes in the department, Dance Company rehearsals and performances, and AAP meetings for the cultivation of lifelong friendships that I am so grateful to be taking with me.
Blair Newsome
Major: Studio Art (Painting); Minors: Art History, Environmental Studies
Blair has been deeply involved in art on campus, working for the Department of Art as the Office Research Assistant. She was the founder and President of the Ceramics Organization and was featured in several campus art exhibitions, including a solo show at Wake Downtown and the annual Student Art Exhibitions in Hanes Art Gallery, where her work was acquired for Wake’s John P. Anderson Collection of Student Art. Her honors exhibition, Reciprocity, explored themes of sustainability and incorporated soil and living plants. She conducted sustainability research in the arts through URECA and participated in the Venice Biennale trip. Following graduation, Blair will be moving to Oahu, Hawaii.
At Wake, my art practice expanded beyond the canvas into a way of thinking about care: for materials, for the environment, and for others. Whether through sustainable pigment choices or teaching pottery classes, I’ve found that art is as much about sharing knowledge as it is about creating.
Taylor Nisbet
Major: Economics; Minors: Creative Writing & Psychology
Taylor was involved across the arts at Wake—from WFU Theatre productions, to writing for Three to Four Ounces literary magazine, and displaying her artwork in the 2026 Student Art Exhibition. Now that she's completed her Capstone in Creative Writing, Taylor will attend the Denver Publishing Institute over the summer before moving to London for a literary internship.
Wake's incredible faculty and staff really made my experience here what it was. They have supported me throughout my highs and lows and fostered in me a true passion for the literary, theatrical, and visual arts. I could not be more grateful!
James Oparinde
Majors: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Minor: Economics
James worked in the Theatre and Dance front of house for all four years at Wake. After graduating, he's headed to research the Dengue Virus with the National Institutes of Health.
I didn't expect theatre to be such a big part of my college experience, but I am extremely grateful for the hospitality, love, and people I met.
Abby Parr
Major: Theatre; Minor: Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Abby was involved in Theatre productions onstage as an actor and behind the scenes as a stage manager, refining her skills through a formative internship with the Peterborough Players. Following graduation, she'll work as a production assistant for The Greater Boston Stage Company.
It’s the collaboration that gets me excited about theater — how so many people have to come together to create this one thing that unites us all…it brings you close in a way that not a lot of things do.
Maggie Payne
Major: Theatre; Minors: Entrepreneurship & Accounting
Maggie has been Business Manager and Director of the a cappella group Minor Variation. She was played sousaphone in the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black and was part of many Theatre productions including Failure: a Love Story (Costume Designer) and Dead Man's Cell Phone (Lighting Designer) and was a student worker in the costume shop. Next semester she'll be attending NC State to pursue a Masters in Accounting, and work as an Associate Auditor at RSM. She plans to stay involved in the theatre community and dreams of creating a family theatre company.
Wake has such an excellent theatre program, where you really can try everything. The opportunities offered to me, especially as a Costume and Lighting Designer, have opened up so many doors at Wake and post graduation.
Hannah Reynolds
Majors: Critical and Creative Media, Theatre
Hannah, a Presidential Scholar in Theatre, has been a creative force onstage and behind the camera. She was involved with the Anthony Aston Players, Wake Screens, Deacon Dramatists, Laughtracks, and Wakeville. She directed a documentary about Theatre's 24-hour musical project, Legally Blonde. You'll see her on campus next year as a Wake Forest Fellow at the ZSR Library.
I had the opportunity to serve as the music director and act in “Failure: A Love Story.” I loved getting to collaborate with the actors and designers involved with the show, and have a chance to use my ukulele playing skills!
Amelia Ritter
Major: Engineering; Minor: Dance
As a member of Dance Company, Amelia performed in the annual Fall and Spring Concerts. She's planning a move abroad to attend graduate school.
The arts gave me a second home at Wake—one that challenged me, inspired me, and shaped some of my most unforgettable experiences.
Savannah Rolfe
Major: Business and Enterprise Management; Minor: Dance
Savannah performed as a member of the WFU Dance Company. She's moving to Berlin to train at B12, a renowned contemporary dance festival. Following that, Savannah will be start her professional career as a company member with Dance Kaleidoscope.
I thought that I'd ended up in the wrong place for the longest time. And then I realized that it has nothing to do with the place and everything to do with the people that you share it with.
Isabella Santos
Major: English; Minors: Creative Writing, Politics & International Affairs
Isabella was deeply embedded in the campus literary and editorial scene, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Three to Four Ounces, reading her work at The Afternoon Salons, and contributing to The Magnolia. She also worked as a Writing Tutor and served as the Editorial Coordinator for TEDx, where she secured several high-profile artist speakers from the worlds of photojournalism, music, and curation. This summer, she will be moving to New York City to attend the Columbia Publishing Course.
When I applied to Wake Forest in 2021, my "Why Wake" was always Three to Four Ounces Literary Magazine—it changed my life. I can't wait to see how the magazine continues to celebrate campus artists in the future.
Max Schellhammer
Majors: Engineering, Music
Maxwell has been a highly active musician at Wake Forest, performing with the marching band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Gamelan, and Jazz Ensembles, and even composing arrangements for the WFU Fight Song and Alma Mater. He further contributed to the arts through numerous theatrical productions and served as a carillonneur in Wait Chapel. Beyond performance, Maxwell utilized engineering for archaeology with the Lam Museum and presented his photogrammetry research at several academic conferences. He’ll work next as an Overhead Transmission Engineer in the Kiewit Corporation's Power Delivery sector in Raleigh, building high-voltage power lines connecting various communities and industries. Maxwell is keeping up with music by joining a Raleigh-based wind band to continue playing music with others, while also working on arranging and composing music for marching bands and other music ensembles.
The arts at Wake Forest is a unique place where dreams can come true across any field. For me, that was the opportunity to cross the Music and Theatre departments by music directing two different student-run musicals. One of them, the 24-Hour Production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, gave me the opportunity to share the arts with over 100 students in the cast and pit orchestra, representing every major on campus as well as two other local universities. The arts bring people of all backgrounds together, and I am proud to have been a part of that human-focused effort.
Riley Seezen
Majors: Music Performance (percussion), Physics; Minor: Engineering
Riley has been deeply involved in music ensembles as a percussionist, playing in the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and WFU Symphony Orchestra—with a memorable highlight being the Starfield orchestra concert. He’s headed next to a sound design internship.
My experience with the arts at Wake has been a dream come true. I really love how the program is so accessible to anyone that wants to be involved, letting the whole campus engage with the arts.
Ilia Usenya
Majors: Art History, Accounting
Ilia spent time at Wake as a scholar and an avid attendee of the annual student art exhibition. Ilia will continue at Wake, pursuing a Master's in Accounting.
Wake was my first exposure to liberal arts, and, throughout my art history major, I was always impressed with many of my courses forced me to rethink established narratives and look at our visual culture in a new light, I think it was transformative for my development as a person.
Lauren Veldhuizen
Major: Politics & International Affairs
Lauren “lived in Scales” as a Presidential Scholar in Music & Theatre, a four-year Chamber Choir member, a designer and actress for ten University productions, and a member of the Anthony Aston Players. After graduation, she will be working as a journalist at the National Review in DC.
Whether on the stage, in a practice room, or in the design lab, the arts at Wake gave me a place to push my own artistic boundaries by allowing my academic pursuits to inform my creative ones. It was being surrounded by not only creative and intelligent but also loving people that made the arts at Wake feel like home.
Kate Walker
Major: Biology; Minor: Neuroscience
Kate combined her academic work in biology and neuroscience with artistic leadership by serving on the leadership team for the Wakeville Arts Festival and as president of the Board Game Club. Following graduation, she plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University for dentistry, a field she chose because it allows her to merge her scientific background with her creative interests.
Caleb Walsh
Major: Health & Exercise Science; Minor: Dance
Caleb, a presidential scholar for dance, incorporated his sport into his academic career. His research focuses on adults’ perceived exertion and enjoyment while dancing and walking. Walsh hopes his research will encourage older adults to reap the social and health benefits of the activity. He's headed to Boston University for a dual program for his Doctor of Physical Therapy and PhD in Rehabilitation.
Coming into Wake Forest, I knew I wanted to do some research that had an intersection between the Dance Department and the HES Department...and I am so fortunate I found that in my honors project. As I leave Wake, I know I will continue to find new ways to dance during graduate school.
Margaret Williams
Majors: English, Politics & International Affairs
Margaret has been a member of the Anthony Aston Players, a Writing Center tutor, a stage manager, a scene shop employee, as well as acting in The Tempest and Laugh Tracks. You can see her painting in the 2026 Student Art Exhibition in Hanes Art Gallery, and read her poetry in Three to Four Ounces literary magazine. She'll work this summer at Brevard College as a stage manager and then will be the International Program Assistant at the Wake Forest Worrell House in London.
My professors encouraged me to follow my creative passions and helped me find ways to do so in the professional world.
Yue Yu
Majors: Accounting, Theatre
Yue worked on costume and backstage help for every mainstage show and dance performance she could while at Wake. For her honors project, she directed The Marriage Proposal. Yue is headed to graduate school in Hong Kong where she will apply her talent to study marketing.
My experience with the theatre and arts at Wake has shown me the power of love, collaboration, and community. What moved me most was not only the final performance but also the warmth, trust, and support behind it.