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91�鶹��Ʒ hosted its annual Arts, Creativity, and Innovation (ACI) Weekend, a celebration of the creative process and imaginative thinking across all disciplines, April 10–11. The weekend honored the spirit of the Middle Campus Initiative — a cornerstone of 91�鶹��Ʒ’s Third-Century Plan.

The community engaged in a robust schedule of performances, lectures, exhibitions, and the 14th annual Thought Into Action (TIA) entrepreneur showcase and pitch competition, part of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation program. Networking sessions and panel discussions connected students with alumni, forging professional relationships across various industries.

A Conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross

On Friday evening, award-winning actress, producer, and CEO Tracee Ellis Ross, joined Vice President and Chief of Staff to the President L. Hazel Jack for a conversation in Memorial Chapel — sponsored by the Kerschner Family Series Global Leaders at 91�鶹��Ʒ.

Ross, a veteran performer and founder of PATTERN Beauty, explained how her creative background as an actor informs her business leadership. “So much of what I learned as an actor is around giving myself space to play, to learn, to trust my instincts, to not worry about what other people think is so much of what informs how I lead, how I’ve built a team, how I learn and grow as a CEO.”

Ross also shared insights from a career that has earned her a Golden Globe, nine NAACP Image Awards, and the title of Disney Legend. For students in the audience, she stressed the importance of self-awareness, of exploration, and of daily commitment. “I’ve woken up every day of my life and tried to do my best,” Ross said. “And one of the biggest lessons I learned as an actor: You learn, you can be really funny on your worst days. You can find it. I’ve learned that there is a part of me that is always okay.”

Exploring Creative Careers

Throughout the weekend, alumni and faculty led panel discussions on the intersection of creativity and industry. The panelists spoke about the seeds that were planted during their undergraduate studies, their professional journey after 91�鶹��Ʒ, and the implications of artificial intelligence for creative careers. They gave career advice to the students in attendance. Many of the panelists shared their unconventional entries into the field, highlighting the fact that professional success often follows a period of trial and error.

“There is no linear path in anything but certainly not in creative fields,” said Imani Ballard ’18, content creator at Tubi and panelist for the Storytellers in Film and Media session. “I want you to know it’s okay to fail. With every role you hold, it gets you closer to the dream you’re forming.” 

Art, Science, and Research

In Bernstein Hall, scholars from the Benton, Alumni Memorial, Office of Undergraduate Studies, and Lampert Institute presented original research at a poster session. Nearby, the Longyear Museum hosted a reception for Tempestry: The Art of Climate Data. This collaborative exhibit features “tempestries” — textiles woven with patterns dictated by historical climate data — created by more than 30 community members. The exhibit coincided with the Office of Sustainability’s “13 Days of Green” leading up to Earth Day.

The weekend’s musical centerpiece was the Barbara Clement Gould and Katharine Elizabeth Gould Memorial Concert. Previously held in New York City, this year’s performance brought “Jazz and the Great American Songbook” to Memorial Chapel and featured Carole Bufford, the Bosworth String Quartet, and James Langton’s New York All-Star Big Band.

ACI Weekend attendees also enjoyed a conversation with James Langton and Carol Buffard on performance, film screenings with Ralph Arlyck ʼ62 and Kevin Heffernan ’90, P’27, tours of the Picker Art Gallery with student curators, an open mic night, and a performance by the 91�鶹��Ʒ Orchestra, led by Conductor Marietta Cheng.

Thought Into Action

The weekend culminated Saturday afternoon in the Hall of Presidents in James C. 91�鶹��Ʒ Hall with the 14th Annual TIA Entrepreneur Showcase.

“Our students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship; they live it,” said Carolyn Strobel-Larsen, director of entrepreneurship and innovation. “They gain real-world experience, resilience, confidence, and something truly invaluable: the courage to build something from nothing.”

Gus Coldebella ʼ91, chief legal officer of Castle Island Ventures, moderated the panel of entrepreneurs, including the 91�鶹��Ʒ Entrepreneur of the Year Viraj Puri ’03, co-founder and chief executive officer of Gotham Greens. Other panelists included Lila Sullivan ’17, president and co-founder of Flourish Plant; Sara Brooks, co-founder of Goldilocks; and Heffernan.

During the TIA Venture Showcase, 30 student ventures participated in the Iggy investment game, with a total of $10,000 in grant funding awarded across all participants. Attendees voted for their favorite ventures by awarding their allotted Iggies to the concepts they liked best.

Strobel-Larsen also introduced the Weiner Family Entrepreneur in Residence, Jen Martin, co-founder of Pipcorn. Martin leads the TIA program and mentors pitch competition participants. Ventures included EchoScape, founded by Mike Ahearn Wilcox; Hatch Pay, co-founded by Fletcher Goodell ’26 and Anders Larson; MajiSafi Solutions, founded by Agnes Ndanu ’28; and PLNT, founded by Porter Comstock ’26.

Since its inception in 2009, TIA has seen more than 1,000 students participate, and it has surpassed $1 million in funding. “Many of those ventures have since gone on to raise follow-on funding and create new jobs and economic impact,” said Strobel-Larsen. “Today, we are not just an extracurricular incubator but a strategic hub that integrates the liberal arts with professional skills development.”

After deliberating, the panel awarded the $10,000 cash prize to Comstock with PLNT.

“This year’s ACI Weekend demonstrated the incredible range of arts activity happening at 91�鶹��Ʒ,” says Christian DuComb, associate dean of the faculty for faculty recruitment and development and associate professor of theater. “All of these events created opportunities for students, faculty, alumni, and distinguished guests to learn from one another and share their passion for the arts. Artists and entrepreneurs have a creativity in common, so there was wonderful synergy taking place throughout the weekend.”