Think

The Digital Magazine for Alumni and Friends of the Graduate School

NC State’s First Graduate Student

This year, the Graduate School celebrates 125 years of awarding graduate degrees. Meet Frank Meacham, the first student to earn a master’s degree at NC State in 1894.

About Anna Spencer: The Grad Behind the Stacks

Public history alumna Anna Spencer spent the last year uncovering treasures to help the Graduate School tell the story of 125 years of graduate student success.

Student Provides Mental Health Support for Others

After struggling with anxiety and depression, Ph.D. student Cody Zane turned his attention to helping others, as the first graduate student Mental Health Ambassador.

The Raleigh skyline is a backdrop to the State College smokestack on campus in 2004. (

Quiz: Know Your Campus Buildings

NC State has changed quite a bit in the 125 years since graduate degrees have been awarded here, including the purpose of many campus buildings. How many of these campus buildings can you identify? Test your knowledge!

She Finds Her Calling in Student Government

As the first graduate student to serve as student body vice president, Meredith Beaulieu turned her attention to improving life for other grad students.

55 Years at NC State

Ray Fornes first came to NC State as a Ph.D. student in 1965. After many years on the faculty here, he reflects back on how the university has changed and how proud he is to be associated with NC State.

What’s New in Graduate Education?

2019 has been a year of celebrations and an alumna in space; of Envisioning Research and Day of Giving; of ACC champions and a first-ever grant from the National Science Foundation. Find out more from our Graduate School news round-up.

Dean’s Message

Having recently been named dean of the Graduate School, Peter Harries shares some highlights from the Graduate School's past year and what to look forward to in this issue of Think.

From Student DJ to 3MT Champ

The winner of the 2018 Three Minute Thesis competition, Ciera Cipriani had a pretty full plate as a master's student in textiles. This summer, she took second place in the first ACC 3MT competition and moved on to a doctoral program at Texas A&M.

Staying Connected in Thailand

After years as a public servant, a graduate alumnus from Thailand stays connected to NC State through an annual gathering in Bangkok with the Graduate School's David Shafer.

5K Raises Awareness About Lewy Body Dementia

While preparing for her dissertation defense in June, Suzanne Crifo was also preparing for the third annual Lace Up to Bring Lewy Down 5K run that she started to raise awareness of the disease that took her father's life.

Fall 2019