Graduate Student Appreciation Week Spotlight Wall! | UNCP William Howard Dean Graduate School by Alexis Lopiccolo

Monday, April 6 – Kickoff & Grad Shoutouts 🎓

lopiccol — 2026-03-24 13:52:29 UTC

🎉 Welcome to Graduate Student Appreciation Week! We’re celebrating YOU! Post your headshot and a short bio (2–5 sentences) here to be featured. No need to send it to me first, just post your spotlight here!

💌 Everyone who participates is automatically entered into our prize drawing.

💡 Extra: Comment one achievement you’re proud of for an additional entry!

#UNCPGradAppreciation

Your fellow colleague,

Alexis Lopiccolo Gironda

🎓 Grad Student Appreciation Week: How to Participate 🎓

lopiccol — 2026-03-24 14:06:00 UTC

📅 When: April 6–10
📍 Where: This single Grad Appreciation Board

Here’s how to join the fun:

Post each day on this board—one post per prompt is fine!
Prompts include:
- Monday, Grad Shoutout: Share your headshot & short bio
- Tuesday, Trivia Time: Answer daily UNCP trivia questions
- Study Buddy Wednesday: Post photos of your study buddies (pets or friends!)
- Thursday, Share Your Adventures: Post photo's of your most recent travels!
- Friday, Share something you’re proud of achieving in grad school
Earn entries for prizes with every post!
Get extra entries by:
- Commenting on others’ posts
- Answering trivia quickly
- Tagging friends

✨ Tip: You can post multiple times throughout the week—just keep it all on this same board.

📣 Don’t forget to use #UNCPGradAppreciation when sharing and comment your NAME & Program!

Tuesday, April 7 – Grad Trivia Challenge 🧠

lopiccol — 2026-03-24 14:17:06 UTC

Test your UNCP knowledge! 🏫 Answer today’s trivia question in the comments to be entered into the prize drawing:

❓ What year was UNCP founded, and what was its original name?

The first 10 correct answers get an extra entry! Ready, set, go!

#UNCPGradAppreciation

Wednesday, April 8 – Study Buddy Wednesday 🐾

lopiccol — 2026-03-24 15:29:56 UTC

Show off your study buddies! 📚🐶

Share a picture of yourself studying with your pet (dog, cat, bird, or any furry or feathery friend) to be entered into the prize drawing.

💡 Extra: Tag friends or comment on other photos to spread the fun!

#UNCPGradAppreciation

Thursday, April 9 – Share Your Adventures ✈️

lopiccol — 2026-03-24 15:48:09 UTC

We want to see where you’ve been! 🌍 Post a photo of a place you’ve visited recently and share a little about your experience—what you did, what you loved, or a fun fact.

A little about my trip:
My husband and I recently visited the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, with a quick stop in Vegas to get married! 💍 It was absolutely breathtaking, and I highly recommend heading out West if you haven’t yet.

💌 Everyone who participates is entered into the prize drawing!

#UNCPGradAppreciation

Friday, April 10 – Grad Celebration & Drawing 🌟

lopiccol — 2026-03-24 15:58:22 UTC

It’s Graduate Student Celebration Day! 🎉 Share one thing you’re proud of accomplishing in grad school—big or small—and be entered to win prizes!

📌 Post it in the comments, tag a friend, or share a photo/video. We’ll highlight submissions and announce drawing winners today. Let’s celebrate YOU, our amazing grads! 🏆

#UNCPGradAppreciation

2026-03-25 15:45:38 UTC

Don’t want to share your name but still want to share your UNCP story? Simply post without logging in and enter “Anonymous” in the name field.

Study Buddy

2026-03-25 17:18:49 UTC

Meet Valerie (the lighter dog), Lilly (the darker dog), and Georgi (the cutest cat in the world). Lilly and Valerie often take over my bed, leaving me studying on the floor. Georgi loves to study with me in the big dog bed.

Bio

2026-03-25 18:02:27 UTC

Hi! My name is Callee! I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student and after I graduate, I plan on pursuing licensure to help children and adolescents as a counselor, and later on, going to get a doctoral degree. When I'm not doing homework or at work, I like to be outside either walking, playing basketball, or skateboarding.

Time for fun!!!

2026-04-02 21:05:48 UTC

I had the opportunity to spend time with my family during their spring break in Legoland!

2026-04-02 21:06:23 UTC

My name is Amber Soria and I am from Elizabeth City NC. I am married to a law enforcement officer, just celebrated 10 years of marriage. I have 2 biological daughters ages 22 and 19, and 1 bonus daughter age 14. We have 3 fur babies as well. Camper, mixed breed is 13. Leo, a Shorkie is 7. And lastly Athena, our wild child 4 year old Cane Corso. I am a Financial Analyst, and have worked in the field for 10 years now. My current company is a prime contractor for the US Navy, and we provide satellite support for the US Navy ships. I love my job and take a lot of pride in being a part of the mission in support of our military. Coolest part of my job is when I see ships on the news deploying that my company has done work on, just a great feeling. I’m currently working on my MBA, and looking for a career shift into Project Management with my current employer. When I’m not working or doing school work, I enjoy traveling. My favorite trip to date was our 2023 family trip to Greece. We have plans to return in the next year or so to visit my husbands family there again. That pretty much much sums up my life. Happy to be a part of the UNCP family ❤️

#UNCPGradAppreciation

Bio

2026-04-02 21:09:25 UTC

Hey! I am Christopher Torr (the one on the left!) and I have been in education for 13 years. I will be completing my educational administrative add-on graduate program Spring of 2026.

2026-04-06 19:23:04 UTC

Hi, I'm Annie Luckey, and I am currently pursuing my master's degree in Healthcare Administration at UNCP. My goal is to earn my degree and, with my experience, one day become the chief of my own department. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my family.

2026-04-07 22:49:10 UTC

Hi! I'm Christina Weaver, a DNP student looking to graduate this December. Graduating from UNCP with my Doctorate is something that I look forward to this December and will be proud of! The picture is of my husband and me with the Northern Lights in Iceland. Yes, it was VERY cold!

Monday- Grad Shoutout

2026-04-08 12:13:37 UTC

Hey everyone my name is Stephen Smith and I’m majoring in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I currently live in Pembroke and work alongside Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) doing marketing and social media. I plan to graduate in December of 2027.

An accomplishment I am proud of is getting an internship at CAPS for Fall 2026!

#UNCPgradappreciation

Study Buddy-Wednesday

2026-04-08 12:17:00 UTC

This is my study buddy Bayleigh, she is nine years old and is a miniature dachshund.

Thursday- Share your adventures

2026-04-08 12:25:18 UTC

A place I went to (semi) recently is Ireland. I had the privilege to do a week long study abroad with some friends from college. A fun fact about Ireland is that part of Ireland to this day is still owned by the UK! Technically that means I have been to UK…..but I don’t really count it

2026-04-09 01:50:06 UTC

Hello everyone! My name is Kimberly Pelagio-Luis and will be graduating this May with my Master of Arts in Teaching for Elementary Education. I also have the pleasure of serving as your Graduate Student Organization President and Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association. After graduating from UNCP (for the second time!) I plan to pursue a doctorate degree in higher education!

Meet with a CAPS Counselor TODAY!

lopiccol — 2026-04-09 14:20:56 UTC

April 9th from 10am-1pm

Drop-in for a quick session with one of our CAPS counselor's on campus!

Meeting Link: https://uncp.webex.com/uncp/j.php?MTID=m4fb1deed1409ea946f2f0912a423c68b

Bio

acm056 — 2026-04-09 14:56:34 UTC

Hello everyone! My name is Ashanti I am a PSC student and after I graduate I plan on pursuing my clinical mental health degree with UNCP while working as a high school counselor in Cumberland County. My ultimate goal is to obtain my doctoral degree focusing on children and adolescents of impoverished communities. When I’m not studying I like to volunteer, travel and have mommy-daughter dates with my child.

srl023 — 2026-04-09 15:16:50 UTC

Hi everyone! My name is Shaunceley Lowery, and I’m a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at UNCP. I’m also beginning my play therapy certification. I currently work for a nonprofit recruiting volunteers for a restorative justice program called Teen Court, and I’m completing my practicum with the North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Center, where I support children and families impacted by violence. After graduating, I plan to continue working with children in a clinical setting, eventually getting my LCSW.

Spring Break on Isle of Palms, Charleston,SC (Adventures)

marygrooms — 2026-04-09 16:12:29 UTC

As a full time graduate student and a full time middle school teacher breaks are intentionally filled with rest and relaxation. Make time for yourself, your family and your sanity. Sometimes we disconnect physically but not mentally. This weekend was especially special because it was Easter which allowed me to ground spiritually as well. Rest, relaxation, rejuvenation & resurrection. Don't forget to Whoosah! Follow my padlet to see how I'm using it in the classroom.

My UNCP story!

2026-04-09 16:24:20 UTC

Hey everybody! I'm Sara, and I'm in my first year of the MSW program here at UNCP. I graduated with my Bachelor's in Sociology and minored in Psychology from CSUCI (in California) in 2021. I have worked in long term care as a Social Services Assistant and now in the capacity of Director since 2015. I am considering possible macro level social work with specific focuses on long term care, mental health, veterans affairs (and their intersectionality) policies. When I'm not reading or writing for school or at work, I'm spending time with my husband and our 3 kiddos outside or binge watching trilogies (LOTR is on constant repeat). I'm also an avid crocheter / yarn artist if I ever get an absolutely free moment to pick up some yarn and a hook!

Middle school science education

2026-04-16 00:06:07 UTC

All my life people said “Lou you should be a teacher, you are great with kids”. UNCP didn’t just provide me with a job, it gave me a career. I love what I do each and every day. It’s not just what I do, but who I am!