Hats Off to the Class of 2026

05/12/2026

Hear about favorite memories, impactful professors and future plans from the graduating students in the Department of Visual And Performing Arts at SLU.

48 students graduate in the 2026 academic year in the areas of art history, studio art, music, theatre, dance and visual communication.

Student Q&A

What was your favorite class and why?

• “Choreography II because I got to create my own tap piece and perform it on stage with other dancers.” Sophia Klobe, dance minor
• “University Singers, I love making music with other people.” Lizbeth Alvarez, music minor
• “Fibers and Textiles, because it offered me a change of perspective. This course invited me to engage with the world around me by changing my perception and appreciation of the materials I interact with in my everyday life. There are so many objects that we tend to overlook the craftsmanship and richness of their makeup. Learning to acknowledge this has expanded the way I view the world around me.” Victoria Pomposiello, studio art minor
• “I would say my favorite class was Modern Dance taught by Holly because it truly changed my whole perspective on what dance is. I remember each week exploring more of who I am within this whole new style and feeling my love of dance being rejuvenated again. It was one of the first times where I felt I was where I was meant to be on campus.” Abby Juracek, dance minor

Was there a faculty member who made a difference in your education?

• “Professor Bradley Bailey. I could not recommend taking an art history class with him enough. On a whim, I came into SLU as a decided art history major having never taken art history before.I took my first art history class with Dr. Bailey and immediately fell in love with the discipline. His passion for teaching about art creates an immersive environment where enthusiasm and curiosity is encouraged. I believe everyone should take at least one art history course before they graduate, I think many would be surprised how multidisciplinary it is and how it challenges you to think critically. Dr. Bailey has instilled in me the knowledge and confidence to enter the art world, a notoriously competitive industry. Dr. Bailey along with the rest of the VPA department has remained great supporters during my time at SLU, encouraging me to take advantage of any opportunity possible. Also, shout out Brian Lathan for introducing me to the art of printmaking. He makes printmaking accessible, and engaging, and encouraging his students to participate in real world art events like the Cherokee Street Print Bazaar.” Martha Barnds, art history major and studio art minor
• “Lucy Cashion enhanced my creativity and made me feel very proud of my work.” Sophie Giedroc, theatre minor
• “Quite honestly, all of my VPA professors and mentors positively impacted my education! Everyone created a supportive and engaging learning environment, making it easier to grow my skill set as a musician. All of my professors were approachable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in student success, which made a big difference in how I experienced my classes. Because of them, I not only strengthened my musical skills but also gained a lot more confidence in my abilities overall. I would like to thank Dr. Johnson, Jon Garrett, Dr. Hughes, Mr. Nacy, Mrs. Stith, and Dr. Lewis for all contributing to my growth as a musician, and positive experience in the VPA program.” Essence Williams, music minor

If you had to give a SLU Freshman one piece of advice, what would it be?

• “Take advantage every opportunity! Study abroad in Madrid, go on a walk in Midtown STL, take the Metro to the Saint Louis Art Museum, strike up a conversation with a stranger, apply for that internship you are probably under qualified for, take that class that's not in your major but sounds interesting, go out to eat by yourself, throw a themed party in your tiny Gries dorm room -- do it all! Studying the humanities is more important now than ever, do not let people discourage you. Your skills are valuable and cannot be replaced by AI. You are not majoring in unemployment, trust!” Martha Barnds, art history major and studio art minor
• “Please respect everyone that you work with.” Sophie Giedroc, theatre minor
• “As an artist, you encounter yourself in many different ways, sometimes easy and sometimes hard. Take your time, be open to those encounters, and when you reach the performance stage, use it as a celebration of what you learned.” Sarah Hymes, music major
• “Try everything that seems interesting to you and don't be worried if your involvement in certain activities shifts and changes overtime. My scope and passions shifted immensely during my time in undergrad.” Colleen Dundon, theatre minor

What are you most proud of from your time at SLU?

• “The choreography skills I have gained through my dance classes and the confidence I have gained in myself when dancing.” Sophia Klobe, dance minor
• “My fellowships.” Lear Rose, art history major
• “My professional internship experiences at the Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Public Radio, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, STL Bucket List, the Figge Art Museum, and SLU. I never anticipated having access to this many art opportunities, but SLU is truly unique in the fact its located in a mid-sized city with a world class art scene. I believe if I was an art history student anywhere else, I would not gave gathered these amazing experiences.” Martha Barnds, art history major
• “I'm most proud to have met and connected with my friends and mentors.” Colleen Dundon, theatre minor
• “I am most proud of how much I accomplished while being an undergraduate student at SLU. I was able to complete three minors (dance, French, interprofessional education) plus studying abroad in Lyon, France; choreograph and dance with Phases of Motion Dance Company on campus; and choreograph for the student dance concert 'Dreamscape.' I truly took every opportunity and used them to better myself and expand my perspectives on life. I made so many incredible friends, accomplishments, and memories that will stay with me forever!” Abby Juracek, dance minor
• “I'm proud of my work with the art classes at Loyola Academy of St. Louis (right by CAM). I really value having experiences outside of campus and it was super meaningful to teach students about art, art history, and mindfulness.” Ella Bullock, art history major

Do you have any post-graduation plans that you want to share?

• “I will be a part of Mostly Tap a professional tap dance company in St. Louis and will be teaching dance at St. Louis Academy of Dance and Professional Dance Center.” Sophia Klobe, dance minor
• “I will be joining the 2029 Doctor of Physical Therapy cohort.” Sophie Giedroc, theatre minor
• “I will be staying at SLU for my graduate education in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences!” Essence Williams, music minor

How have you surprised yourself while in college?

• “I made a contract major.” Lear Rose, art history major
• “I never thought I would say this, but … I like singing in French.” Sarah Hymes, music major
• “I have surprised myself in many ways in college. I never would have thought that I would choreograph for the university and create a piece that I still love. I never thought I would go to a study abroad program that was completely in French and explore Europe. And I surprised myself in how many meaningful connections and relationships I made across all of my programs.” Abby Juracek, dance minor

2026 Award Winners

• Lear Rose, James D. Collins Award for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts
• Martha Barnds, Maurice B. McNamee Award in Art History
• Griffin Williams, Maurice B. McNamee Award in Studio Art
• Han Jing, Arion Award in Music
• Sophia Klobe, Inaugural Visual and Performing Arts Award in Dance