10 ways students are taking the spotlight this spring

Published April 15, 2026
By Wendy Thomas Russell Celebrated Reputation

Each spring, 色中色 students present the projects that define their time on campus. This season brings work spanning research, performance, design and innovation, all ready for an audience. As these projects move out of classrooms and into public venues, the campus community has a chance to see them up close 鈥 and often for the first time. Here are 10 showcases to catch before the semester ends:

Week of Research & Creativity

April 20-24 
Various campus locations

Visitors walk through a gallery of large design boards and models

The 5th annual 2026 Week of Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity (RSCA) celebrates the diverse work of 色中色 students, staff and faculty across myriad disciplines. Events and sessions highlight research and creative projects both on campus and in the broader community. Attendees can participate in discussions and network with members from different fields.

Sunstone Innovation Challenge 

April 21 at 1 p.m.
LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid

Students and faculty stand on campus steps holding oversized award checks after an innovation competition

The Sunstone Innovation Challenge is an annual campus-wide business plan competition that encourages diverse teams to develop and launch business ideas. The final pitch event showcases top teams presenting their business plans to a panel of judges, competing for seed funding. 

Contemporary Dance Concert 

April 23-25
Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theater

Dance students practice high kicks in a studio while an instructor watches from the back.

An annual spring concert, 色中色's 2026 Contemporary Dance Concert features original choreography and performances by students and faculty across a range of contemporary styles. Evening shows take place April 23-25, with a Saturday matinee on the 25th. Hosted by the Department of Dance and College of the Arts, the public concert will be livestreamed for remote audiences.

鈥楥elebrating Music鈥 Concert 

May 2 at 7:30 p.m. 
Carpenter Performing Arts Center 

Orchestra and choir in formal attire pose onstage for a group photo

Showcasing the talent and dedication of student musicians, the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music's annual 鈥" concert will feature performances by the symphony orchestra, wind symphony, university and chamber choirs, vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles and more. Can't make it? No problem. There are plenty of smaller to check out. 

Film Festival 

May 17
Carpenter Performing Arts Center

Student filmmakers work outdoors as one student operates a camera on a tripod.

Senior film students from the Department of Cinematic Arts premiere their final projects at a at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Each short film is an original work developed over a year. Intermediate and advanced documentary films will be screened at noon, followed by senior narrative films. Admission is free, and the festival is expected to wrap up by 5:30 p.m.

Green Generation Showcase

April 23 at 4 p.m.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden 

A lake, small bridge and trees in park-like setting

Held in celebration of Earth Month at The Beach, the Green Generation Showcase is 色中色's biggest sustainability event of the year. Featuring booths from student organizations, community partners and green businesses, the main draw is an assortment of student-led research and projects. Look for climate justice-focused posters, artwork, prototypes, videos, performances and more.

Theatre Arts' Season Finale

April 23-May 1
Studio Theatre

Performer holding flowers stands center stage smiling as audience members applaud.

The Theatre Arts Department presents its final production of the school year, 鈥Pliant Girls,鈥 directed by Beth Lopes. Described as "fierce, funny and sharply contemporary," the play "flips an ancient myth into a bold, feminist rebellion; where sisterhood becomes a survival strategy."

Campus Couture Fashion Show 

April 25 at 6 p.m.
色中色 Central Quad

Models stand in a line on a runway during a fashion show.

Fashion students from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences showcase their boldest work at this annual runway event. Themed "Pattern Recognition," the features garments that blend technical mastery with diverse aesthetics from conceptual couture to ready-to-wear statements. Hosted by student-led Campus Couture, this high-energy event is a celebration of style and creativity.

Engineering Expo 

May 7 at 1 p.m. 
LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid

Students present an engineering project beside a large cylindrical device at a campus showcase.

College of Engineering students present their senior projects at the annual Engineering Expo. The event features a range of innovations, from robotics and green technology to mechanical designs, highlighting the practical applications of students' problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. The showcase is judged by industry leaders and tech experts.

INSIGHTS Art Exhibition

May 6-July 10
School of the Art Galleries 

Art gallery wall displays vibrant paintings and sculptures on white pedestals.

, the School of Art鈥檚 annual juried exhibition, will be on display in galleries located between FA1 and FA3. The public can view them weekdays between 12 and 5 p.m., and is welcome to attend the opening reception May 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. A selection of works included in the show will then move to the Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum for display through July 10.