College of Visual and Performing Arts Announces 2024 VPA Scholars

Top row, left to right: Taisiya Aristakesyan, Nina Chen, James Hutchinson, Vanessa Marcos Pires de Oliveira, Erica Negrini and Elianna Pérez. Bottom row, left to right: Gabrielle Pinkney, Sofia Pizer, Yegunahareeta Printup, Kaycie Romano, Jeremy Todd Shinder and Melanie Torres.

Twelve seniors in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) have been named VPA Scholars, the college’s highest undergraduate academic honor.

The VPA Scholars program was established to recognize the achievements of the college’s top seniors. Students are selected based on academic performance, creative/scholarly work and service to the college and the community.

Traditionally, the VPA Scholars are recognized at the college’s convocation ceremony during Commencement Weekend. The 2024 VPA convocation is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome.

The 2024 VPA Scholars are the following:

• Taisiya Aristakesyan, a fashion design major in the School of Design
• Nina Chen, a fashion design major in the School of Design
• James Hutchinson, a film major in the Department of Film and Media Arts
• Vanessa Marcos Pires de Oliveira, a film major in the Department of Film and Media Arts
• Erica Negrini, a film major in the Department of Film and Media Arts
• Elianna Pérez, a studio arts major in the School of Art
• Gabrielle Pinkney, a music industry major in the Setnor School of Music
• Sofia Pizer, a theater design and technology major in the Department of Drama
• Yegunahareeta Printup, a fashion design major in the School of Design
• Kaycie Romano, a music education major in the Setnor School of Music and School of Education
• Jeremy Todd Shinder, a film major in the Department of Film and Media Arts
• Melanie Torres, an environmental and interior design major in the School of Design