Monday, April 19

12:30-1:15 p.m. EDT
Welcome and Keynote
Joy Johnson ’07

3:00-3:45 p.m. EDT
Panel: Lessons to Learn in Education
Margaret Borden ’15
Matthew Campbell ’05
Meredith Mason Street ’17

Discuss current research in education, teacher experiences, the needs of today’s students, classroom technology, and education innovations.

4:30-5:00 p.m. EDT
Brain Teasers for the Body
Deborah Kull ’03

During this optionally interactive session, everyday movements will challenge coordination, balance, and mental planning. This fun session is for all abilities and skill levels and easy to do in limited spaces.

5:30-6:15 p.m. EDT
Strategic Mix and Mingle
Chasta Hamilton ’07
Matt Traenkle ’21

Make new connections with members of the Park community through a structured networking session that will explore professional and personal interests.

7:00-7:45 p.m. EDT
Panel: Student Start-ups
Liam Dao ’22
Michael Evans ’21
Shannon Pinnell ’22
Ritika Shamdasani ’23
Noah Wolfe ’22
Lindsay Wrege ’21

These Park Scholars launched businesses and nonprofits as undergraduates — join current student entrepreneurs as they share challenges, advice, and inspiration.

Tuesday, April 20

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT
Discussion: Lead from the Outside
Candice Epps Jackson ’08

Discuss leadership and community engagement, inspired by Stacey Abrams’ book, Lead from the Outside.

12:30-1:15 p.m. EDT
TEDxNCState Premiere Talk:
How Can We Collectively Solve Our Toughest Policy Problems?
Alex Kim ’17

In collaboration with TEDxNCState, sPark presents TEDxNCState talks led by Park Scholars, followed by optional small group discussions.

3:00-3:45 p.m. EDT
Panel: Hot Topics in Health Care
Theresa Amerson ’01
Ricky Bloomfield ’02

Health care has been top of mind for many over the past year. This panel will discuss access, leadership, and what the future may bring in the field of medicine. 

4:30-5:15 p.m. EDT
Guided Practice: Protecting Mental Health
Drew Rothenberg ’12

Learn and practice simple, evidence-based stress-reducing techniques that improve mental and emotional health.

5:30-6:00 p.m. EDT
Park Scholar Poster Presentations

Drop-in for this casual Park Scholars poster presentation session as current students showcase travel, research, and enrichment experiences. 

7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT
TEDxNCState Premiere Talks:
You Weren’t Built to Break
Chasta Hamilton ‘07
Dream Big and Start Small: Building a Community Around Diversity and Entrepreneurship
Lindsay Wrege ‘21

In collaboration with TEDxNCState, sPark presents TEDxNCState talks led by Park Scholars, followed by optional small group discussions.

Wednesday, April 21

10:30-11:15 a.m. EDT
Roundtable Discussion: Service in 2021
Dane Emmerling ’08
Lauren Frey ’17
Tatum Kellum ’22
Nikhil Milind ’21

Join this conversation to explore creative possibilities for service in 2021.

12:30-1:15 p.m. EDT
Roundtable Discussion: Park Pillars Across Life Stages
Kimberly Bloomfield ’02
Mallory Deeter ’17
Sonya Vipul Patel-Nguyen ’09

What does it look like to live out scholarship, leadership, service, and character across various seasons of life?

3:00-3:45 p.m. EDT
Panel: Environmental Justice
Kelly Cox ’13
Shannon Dolan ’22
Jacob Rutz ’14

Hear from environmental advocates focused on protecting the planet and its natural resources.

4:00-6:15 p.m. EDT
Park Block!
Join current students during their regular Park programming:
Class of 2024: Integrity: Without it, Nothing Works
Class of 2023: Civic Engagement Initiatives (starts 5:15 p.m.)
Class of 2022: Junior Class Meeting (starts 5:15 p.m.)
Class of 2021: Senior Class Meeting (starts 5:15 p.m.)

Select a live Park Block session and experience what it’s like to be a Park Scholar in 2021.

7:00-7:45 p.m. EDT
Panel: Down Low on Being a CEO
Jennifer Biggs ’11
Ricky Bloomfield ’02
DeShawn Brown

Reflect on the challenges and rewards of serving as the CEO of an organization. 

Thursday, April 22

10:30-11:00 a.m. EDT
Coffee and Conversation with Rosalyn
Join us to celebrate Rosalyn Eagleton’s 21 years with Park Scholarships during this casual coffee chat. Drop in at any time to reconnect with Park’s longest-serving staff member.

12:30-1:15 p.m. EDT
TEDxNCState Premiere Talk:
Leaving a Legacy: The Realities of Conducting Research in Complex, Misrepresented Areas
Chris Hayes ‘16

In collaboration with TEDxNCState, sPark presents TEDxNCState talks led by Park Scholars, followed by optional small group discussions.

3:00-3:45 p.m. EDT
Panel: Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Brendan Corbett ’11
Spencer Johnson ’09
Kylie King ’08

Elevate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all spheres of daily life.

4:30-5:00 p.m. EDT
State of the Park
Eva Feucht ’02

Park Scholarships Director Eva Feucht will share reflections and updates as we celebrate 25 years of Park Scholarships.

5:00-5:30 p.m. EDT
sPark Social

Join us for an informal virtual gathering to say hello, reflect on the week’s sessions, and connect with members of the Park Scholarships community. 

SPARK HOME

VIRTUAL PROGRAM