The University of Akron Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences

10/26/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Cennidie Hall, assistant to the department chairs of Psychology and Philosophy, on receiving the October Above & Beyond Award! Associate Dean Heather Walter presented the award during the BCAS Staff Fun Day event on Oct. 22.

In just two years, Cennidie has become an invaluable part of both departments, taking on expanded responsibilities with professionalism, creativity and a consistently positive attitude. From organizing programs and strengthening student engagement to solving problems and creating a welcoming environment, she makes a difference every day.

💙💛 Described by her supervisors as “the glue that holds things together,” Cennidie is a calming presence and a dedicated colleague who helps students, faculty and staff succeed.

Thank you, Cennidie, for all you do to make BCAS a great place to learn and work!

10/07/2026

BCAS Advising office has Homecoming spirit!

09/25/2026

UA lit up the night with a celebration of what makes us Zips! Thank you The University of Akron and RJ Nemer for an amazing festival 💙💛🦘

09/24/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our September Student of the Month, Sophia Abukamail!

Sophia, a graduate student in Music Voice Performance, was recognized for the talent, leadership and generosity she brings to The University of Akron’s choral community.

From serving as a section leader for UA Choirs and helping lead Choral Studies to teaching musicianship lessons and mentoring undergraduate conducting students, Sophia is committed not only to her own growth as a musician, but also to helping those around her succeed.

Her nominator, Dr. T.J. Harper, assistant professor of practice and director of Choral Studies, describes Sophia as “dependable, collaborative, and genuinely invested in the success of others.”

👏 Congratulations, Sophia! We’re proud to celebrate you!

📸 Pictured from left: TJ Harper; Sophia Abukamail; Dean Peter Pfordresher; and Todd Gaffke, director of the School of Performing Arts.

06/25/2026

06/17/2026

05/13/2026

Akron Public Schools (APS) announced on May 11, 2026, the expansion of its long-running partnership with The University of Akron (UA), naming the institution as a sister university to North High School.

05/04/2026

You’ve got this!

05/01/2026

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 BCAS Outstanding Achievement Award recipients:

Pictured, from left:
• Caleb Holyoke — Research
• Tom Quick — Online Teaching
• Todd Blackledge — Professional Service & Community Engagement
• Stacey Nofzinger — Professional Service & Community Engagement
• Bill Visco — Teaching
• Iris Luo — Early Research
• Theresa Procopio — Staff
• Jess Otto — Advancing Opportunity & Belonging

Not pictured:
• Shu Li — Early Research
• Christine Schneider — Adjunct Teaching
• Kevin Kaut — Mentor

From teaching and research to service and mentorship, these individuals represent the very best of BCAS. We’re proud to recognize their contributions and the impact they make on our students, campus and community.

04/22/2026

From mental health to microplastics, our BCAS undergraduate students tackle real-world issues. More than 100 students across 17 disciplines presented work connecting classroom learning to practical challenges at our 4th Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research & Creativity.

University of Akron students presented projects spanning 17 disciplines as part of the Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.