Monarch Magazine

In the summer 2025 edition of Monarch magazine, walk down memory lane with the Big Blue Beast, read expert advice on little things you can do to improve your everyday, and much more.

A person's hand holds a pen and draws in a small notebook

Science of a Better Life

�� experts offer practical ways to improve your everyday.

�� alumnus Damien Geter sits in front of a white backdrop.

A Love That Changed History

�� alumnus Damien Geter '02 helped bring the landmark civil rights case “Loving v. Virginia” to life in a powerful new opera

Monarch to the Rescue

From car strikes to lawnmower wounds, turtles face growing dangers. Linda Nichols '07 is on a mission to save them.

�� alumni David Willett ’74, Jim Witcher ’75 and Billy Goodson Jr. ’71 stand in a restaurant.

Lunch Links: College Rivals, Friends for Life

Three Monarchs whose friendship has endured well past graduation.

Professor Dan Barshis, Ph.D., holds a piece of coral while scuba divining.

Researching Resiliency Below the Waves

July 21, 2025

Helen Crompton, Ph.D., stands outside the Taj Mahal in India

Her Office Has No Borders

July 21, 2025

�� professor Jim Blando, Ph.D., sits with other people at a table eating lunch

From Culture Shock to Global Collaboration

July 21, 2025

Melissa Miller-Felton, Jennifer Fish, Ph.D., and Khayalethu Kama walk the streets of Khayelitsha, South Africa.

Dignity, Faith and Everyday Strength in Khayelitsha

July 21, 2025

Alumni Spotlight

�� alumnus Alison Byrne stands inside the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

Monarch Alumna to Lead Next Chapter for Art Museum

July 21, 2025

�� alumni Amanda Bennett and Marc Adams sit in chairs inside their physical therapy business.

From Pain to Possibility: �� Grads Help Athletes Thrive

July 18, 2025

�� alumnus Don Musacchio stands in the hallway in the Education Building

For Don Musacchio ’72 (M.S. ’75), the Third Time at �� Was the Charm

July 21, 2025

Five questions with ��AA Board of Directors Leadership

Passionate graduates who remain deeply connected to their alma mater drive the ��’s Alumni Association (��AA) Board of Directors. Four board members — President Janet Carter ’87, Vice President Michele Mulich ’85, Treasurer Rob Wilber ’00 and Secretary Occasio Gee ’09 — share their favorite Monarch memories, the lessons they carry from their time as students and their vision for engaging and uplifting fellow alumni. Their stories highlight the lifelong impact of an �� education and the power of staying connected to the Monarch community.