Barbara Zecchi, director of the Spanish and Portuguese program in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, discusses her latest projects, why teaching is so important to her and why every student should learn another language.

Tackling television, the stage, and soundtracks, Katy Geraghty ‘16 had quite the transition into her post-graduation lifestyle. An active member of UMass Amherst theater communities, Geraghty was known for her talent and drive. It didn’t take long for her to land a role in the original Broadway cast of "Groundhog Day"; in fact, she only had her diploma for two days! Taking time from her hectic schedule, she caught up with HFA in New York City to discuss her new and exciting experiences on Broadway.

Poet Karen Skolfield won the 2014 PEN New England Award in poetry and the First Book Award from Zone 3 Press. She received the 2015 Robert H. Winner award from the Poetry Society of America and the 2015 Arts & Humanities Award from New England Public Radio, among many other prizes. Skolfield is an Army veteran and teaches writing to engineers at UMass Amherst, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts.

Working alongside other experts—both in his field as well as in the community—Joseph Krupczynski serves as an Associate Professor of Architecture but extends his practice far beyond the university walls. He walks us through his community partnerships, commitment to language and culture, and their relevance to his new position as Director of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning (CESL).

As head of the Office of the Fabbrica di San Pietro in the Vatican City, Carlo-Stella oversees the preservation, maintenance and enhancement of St. Peter's Basilica, as well as the site of the tomb of the Apostle Peter. She will direct an exclusive tour of St. Peter's Basilica during the Art of Taste Alumni Trip to Italy in June 2016.

From reproductive justice to immigration law, Nargis Aslami's activism spans from present organizing to future practice. She discusses how the Department of Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies, as well as other resources at UMass, have built a foundation for her work. Nargis was the recipient of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts Achievement Award, the Henry and Jean Hall Humanities and Fine Arts Scholarship Fund Award, and William F. Field Alumni Scholar Award and will be serving as a Legal Assistant Intern for Student Legal Services in Fall 2017.