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2026 Celebration of Academic Excellence

CAE Logo 2024

For more than 253 years, Salem College has been committed to the tradition of academic excellence. For generations, Salem students have distinguished themselves as student scholars in their undergraduate work in the creative and performing arts, humanities, social and natural sciences, professional programs, and teacher education. The Celebration of Academic Excellence epitomizes the intellectual engagement, unwavering curiosity, steadfast commitment, and perseverance through the sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding research and creative process. This event is one of the many treasured traditions we have enjoyed throughout Salem's history, as it celebrates the intellectual community and supportive bonds that link students each year, across years, and from one generation to the next. As a celebration of academic achievement, it represents the pride that Salem College has in all of its students.

Our celebration begins with the Faculty Research Symposium, followed by concurrent sessions, representing scholarly academic research and creative expression of Salem's undergraduates. The closing session will offer a time of reflection and discussion facilitated by a multidisciplinary faculty panel. The day concludes with the College community gathering for the annual Leadership Banquet, which honors outstanding students for their leadership and service while at Salem.  

You can learn more about our presenters and their projects by clicking on the titles below. We are excited for you to join us in celebrating and publicly acknowledging the academic and creative accomplishments of our students and faculty!

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2026 Session I

8:30 - 9:45 am

Opening Session - Faculty Symposium

2026 Session II

10:00 - 11:15 am

Social Sciences

Bridging Informational Voids: Systems Analysis, Peer Support, and the Fight Against Medical Disinformation in Forsyth County's Behavioral Health Landscape

This project presents a systems-level analysis of mental health within Forsyth County's behavioral health landscape, applying a complex adaptive systems framework to identify high-leverage points...

College Honors

2026 Session III

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

College Honors

Marxism In Criminology

Chrissy Eccher
Chrissy Eccher
Major(s)/Minor(s)

This project examines prison sentencing and reform through the lens of Marxist theory. Marxism focuses on how power, wealth, and class shape social institutions. The...

Natural Sciences I

2026 Session IV

1:45 - 2:45 pm

Poster Session

Spot Propaganda

What are the elements of propaganda that we can spot and recognize to make ourselves aware of it in everyday life? Propaganda infiltrates thought and...

The Promotion of Health-Positive Activities in Inclusive Community Spaces

Madison Fullerton
Faith Kiss
Cheyanne Morrill
Heavenlyangel Williams
Madison Fullerton, Faith Kiss, Cheyanne Morrill, & Heavenlyangel Williams

Can health-positive community activities emerge through the creative and emotional outlets offered by pop culture? Pop culture events like concerts, movie nights, gaming tournaments, or...

Haven

Yarlin Ramirez-Helguera
Yarlin Ramirez-Helguera

Where do non-U.S. residents—particularly those not born in the United States—experience discrimination and mistreatment in its many forms? Challenges can occur anywhere, including workplaces, housing...

Natural Sciences II

2026 Session V

3:00 - 4:00 pm

Visual & Performing Arts

English & Creative Writing

2026 Session VI

4:15 - 5:00 pm

Closing Session - Faculty Panel with Student Discussion

Reflecting on the Day

Spring Duvall
Rebecca Jordan
Dr. Ana Leon-Tavora
Paula Young
Spring Duvall, Rebecca Jordan, Ana León-Távora, & Paula Young

This closing session will offer a time of reflection and discussion facilitated by a multidisciplinary faculty panel featuring Professors Spring Duvall, Rebecca Jordan, Ana León-Távora...