Valorie Kondos Field, the former head coach of the seven-time NCAA champion UCLA Bruins gymnastics program, will be the keynote speaker at this spring’s College of Education and Health Professions commencement ceremony.

“Miss Val,” as she is affectionately known by the athletes she coached, will share her life lessons and insights with the more than 700 graduates who will gather for their 12:30 p.m. commencement on Saturday, May 10, at Bud Walton Arena.

Dean Kate Mamiseishvili’s leadership approach has been inspired by University of Arkansas coaches and other sports leaders this academic year, so Kondos Field was a fitting speaker for the college’s commencement.

“Miss Val is a bold visionary who dreams big and inspires those around her to do the same,” Mamiseishvili said. “I know our graduates will enjoy hearing from such an enthusiastic and accomplished coach.”

Kondos Field also has an Arkansas connection. Her husband, Bobby Field, a former UCLA football coach and administrator, played for the Razorbacks football team. A starter in the defensive backfield, he was nicknamed “the monster man” for his performance in the famous 1969 “Big Shootout” game against Texas.

Kondos Field was inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010, an honor she shares with her husband. They are the first married Hall of Fame duo in UCLA Athletics history.

In addition to Kondos Field’s seven NCAA championship wins, she was named National Coach of the Year four times. In 2019, she received the UCLA Professional Achievement Award for her superior achievements in the field.

In the book Life is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance, Kondos Field shares the many lessons she learned throughout her legendary coaching career. She has also shared her leadership lessons with College of Education and Health Professions students. Kondos Field and University Professor Emeritus Ro Di Brezzo taught the college’s fall 2024 Dean’s Seminar, Leadership in Coaching: Lessons from Lincoln to Lasso.

The University of Arkansas will livestream all commencement ceremonies on the U of A YouTube channel.

---

About the College of Education and Health Professions: The College of Education and Health Professions’ six departments prepare students for a wide range of careers in education and health, including teaching, nursing, counseling, educational leadership and policy, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, public health, exercise science, and many more. The college has approximately 360 faculty and staff members, serves more than 6,000 students, and supports over 20 research and service units. Guided by the WE CARE strategic plan, the college strives to advance impactful research that improves people’s lives, increase transformative learning opportunities for its students, engage in meaningful partnerships across Arkansas and beyond, and embrace a culture of caring that empowers people to thrive in all aspects of life.

LONG BEACH, Calif.  – The No. 14-ranked UCLA baseball team dropped a midweek contest to Long Beach State, 4-2, on Tuesday night at Blair Field.
 
The Bruins (34-14, 17-7 Big Ten) have lost three consecutive contests for the first time this season. UCLA’s offense struggled, mustering just four hits on the night.
 
Roch Cholowsky enjoyed a two-hit performance while extending his hitting streak to 12 games. Mulivai Levu tripled to plate UCLA’s first run of the ballgame and Blake Balsz also recorded an extra-base hit with his double in the top of the fifth.
 
Roman Martin walked twice and scored a run.
 
The Dirtbags took an early lead in the bottom of the first when it used a pair of two-out to plate the first run of the game.
 
Long Beach State starter Van Larson dominated early, retiring the first nine Bruins in order. Cholowsky finally ended the perfect game bid in the fourth with a sharp single through the left side, and Levu followed with a booming RBI triple to center that tied the game at 1-1.
 
The hosts scored twice in the home half of fifth to regain the lead.
 
After a scoreless sixth, UCLA make it a one-run game in the seventh when Aidan Espinoza was plunked with the bases loaded.
 
However, Long Beach State quickly countered when Conner Stewart lined a clutch two-out single, pushing the lead back to two.
 
The Bruins threatened in the ninth, putting the tying runs in scoring position after Kasen Khansarinia worked a walk and Cashel Dugger reached on an error. But the rally fizzled after back-to-back fly outs and Long Beach State escaped with a 4-2 victory.
 
UCLA heads to Illinois for its final road trip of the regular season. First pitch of the three-game series is set for Friday, May 9 at 4 p.m. PT (6 p.m. CT). The game will be available for viewing on B1G+.
 

ITHACA, N.Y. — Senior CJ Kirst was chosen as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) College Draft by the Philadelphia Waterdogs on Tuesday evening. Kirst becomes the fourth Big Red player chosen atop the PLL Draft, more than any other college program.

Additionally, senior Hugh Kelleher, the Ivy League Midfielder of the Year, was taken in the fourth round (30th overall) by the New York Atlas. 

Kirst, the Ivy League Attackman of the Year and a candidate for the Tewaaraton Trophy, joins former Big Red stars Rob Pannell (2012), Jeff Teat (2021) and Gavin Adler (2023) as No. 1 overall selections. The four top picks surpasses both Duke and Syracuse who have had three. Kirst is the all-time leading goal scorer in NCAA Division I history with 233 scores.

The three-time All-American is the nation’s active leading scorer at 328 points, a six-time Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week in 2025 who paces all of college lacrosse with his 98 points (68 goals, 30 assists) this season. 

Kelleher, a three-time first-team All-Ivy League selection, surpassed the 100-point mark earlier this season and currently has 119 (90 goals, 29 assists). The senior has always played his best when the lights are on, scoring six game-winning goals during his career.

Kirst and Kelleher will turn their attention back to the Big Red’s postseason run, which begins Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. on Schoellkopf Field against the winner of Wednesday’s UAlbany-Siena game. 

 

With campuses as large and diverse as the ones offered by Penn State, the university offers many resources to keep campus and the surrounding areas secure for students, staff and visitors. If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

Here are some of the on and off-campus emergency services available to students.

State College Police Department

The State College Police Department is responsible for providing law enforcement and public safety services to the community in areas not owned or used by the university, which includes downtown State College.

Dialling 814-234-7150 will connect you directly to the department. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

University Police & Public Safety

In addition to the State College Police Department, University Park has its own police force who are committed to campus safety. According to their website the Penn State police division is a “full-service police agency,” which means they have full law enforcement authority.

Calling 814-863-1111 will connect callers directly to a University Police dispatcher. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Emergency Telephones

The Penn State Emergency Phone System was created to provide security to the people on campus. The phones are located at poles with a bright blue light for easy recognition, and are scattered throughout campus. The service is also free of charge.

Picking up the receiver and pressing the red button will immediately connect you to a University Police dispatcher.

There is another type of emergency phone located by the entrances of residential halls. The phones can also be used for visitors who want to be escorted into dormitories.

Safe Walk Program

The Safe Walk Program was designed for Penn State students, employees or visitors who may feel unsafe or vulnerable walking alone on campus at night.

To request a safe walk, call 814-865-WALK (9255) and a member of the Auxiliary Police, an uniformed student division with the University Police, will accompany you. The Safe Walk Program is available dusk to dawn, 365 days a year.

PSU Alert

Penn State’s emergency notification system called PSU Alert is used to keep the public informed of campus emergencies. Whether it’s a weather related closure, a security threat or another urgent situation, PSU Alert delivers timely updates to help ensure the safety of everyone on or near campus. Alert messages are sent directly to the user’s phone.

To sign up to receive alerts, visit www.psualert.psu.edu.

Report a Concern

Penn State said they have a ‘see something, say something’ philosophy, which makes it easy for anyone to report suspicious behavior. Most reporting tools offer the option to report anonymously.

Online forms include reporting student misconduct, sexual misconduct, hazing and more. All report forms are available on the Penn State Student Affairs website.

Students also have the option to report a concern in-person at the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response in 120 Boucke Building.

Penn State Crisis Line

Penn State has a 24/7 crisis hotline for those experiencing a mental health crisis, sexual assault, stalking or any other immediate emergency. This resource is available for any student on any campus.

Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 877-229-6400 or text ‘LIONS’ to 741741.

RealResponse

Starting April 29, the university is transitioning to RealResponse as its official hotline report. It’s a secure system that allows for anonymous communication via text, mobile app or website.

You can anonymously send texts to 888-778-8173.

MORE CAMPUS COVERAGE

 

HOUSTON – Morgan Price announced her intentions to transfer to a new program after dominating Division II gymnastics for the past two seasons. Only three years have passed since Fisk University launched the first-ever HBCU women’s gymnastics team. It is safe to say that Morgan Price has become the greatest gymnast in HBCU history.  

On April 11, at the 2025 Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitational Championship in Shreveport, Louisiana, Price repeated as the all-around champion.

A day later, she swept the apparatus events, winning all four individual gold medals in the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor routine.  

What more can Price achieve in Division II gymnastics before yielding her final year of NCAA eligibility? Morgan provided us with her answer on Tuesday.

In her transfer announcement posted on social media, Price explained:

“Thank you.  This has honestly been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but after a lot of thought, reflection, and prayer, I’ve decided to transfer for my final year of eligibility.

Fisk University gave me a purpose bigger than myself. It gave me a historic opportunity to be part of something no one had ever done before – to represent the first-ever HBCU gymnastics team on a national stage. Over these past few years, I’ve reached all of my goals and more. I poured my heart into this program. Every routine, every practice, and every moment in the gym has been filled with pride and passion. I’ve given this program my all, and it’s given me so much in return.

However as I look toward the future, I feel called to step into a new chapter – one that challenges me in different ways and allows me to grow even further as both a gymnast and a woman.  I’m eager to compete on a bigger stage and ready to push myself to new limits.

This choice doesn’t take away the love I have for Fisk nor is it from a place of leaving something behind – it comes from knowing I’ve laid a strong foundation that I am ready to build on.  I will always be proud of what we built and will continue to build.  This place, and the people in it, have shaped me in ways I’ll carry forever.  FISK WILL ALWAYS BE HOME and it has given me memories in ways I will carry forever.

Thank you to my family who provides me with constant love and unwavering support.  Thank you to all of my teammates, coaches, mentors, and everyone who supported me on this journey.  I’m excited and nervous for what’s next but I’m walking into it with faith and everything Fisk taught me.  I hope to continue to have your support.  Know this isn’t the end, just the next chapter.  This is not a goodbye, this is a see you again soon.

With love and gratitude, Morgan Price

FOREVER GRATEFUL, FOREVER FISK. FOREVER GRATEFUL, FOREVER FISK. FOREVER GRATEFUL, FOREVER FISK.”

Morgan Price has been exceptional in her gymnastics career. Alongside Krystin Johnson, now at Temple University after the gymnastics program at Talladega was discontinued, they were two standout athletes in HBCU women’s gymnastics. We can expect to see more talented gymnasts follow in their footsteps.

Morgan has many impressive options to choose from for her collegiate career. Schools like Oklahoma, LSU, UCLA, Missouri, Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan State, and Georgia are all contenders. Which university will make her the best offer and NIL deal to help her finish her collegiate journey on a high note next season?

Replenishing their programs with a star of Price’s caliber should be an easy choice, even if it poses challenges for Morgan and her mother, Martha Price.

Congratulations to Morgan Price! She has illuminated the world of gymnastics and has proven one crucial fact: HBCU talent in this sport exists and can dominate under the right circumstances.

More coverage of Morgan Price…

Morgan Price had a historic weekend at the 2025 Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitational Championships in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Fisk University gymnast won first place in all four individual routines: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. On Friday, she won the all-around national championship title at the event.

Price won three events outright (vault, balance beam, and floor) but tied Texas Women’s gymnast Kaitlyn Hoiland with a score of 9.8500 on the uneven bars.  

Morgan Price leads the floor exercise with a 9.900! Wow! @hbculegends @price_morgan @FiskUGymnastics pic.twitter.com/z3Xv3dZEBE

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) April 13, 2025

Fisk University’s gymnastics superstar Morgan Price repeated as the 2025 USA Gymnastics All-Around Champion for the second consecutive season at Centenary Dome in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Apr. 11.   

It has been an exceptional and historic season for Price. She is the first HBCU gymnast to win two national titles and earn a perfect score of 10.0 in a routine in the same year.

Morgan Price @FiskUGymnastics follows her 9.775 on vault with a 9.85 on bars to tie the current high score on the event! pic.twitter.com/clAHwnJpps

— Caroline Price (@carolineoprice) April 12, 2025

The two-time all-American gymnast compiled the top all-around score of 39.350 at the 2025 USAG National competition. She will enter the individual events competition on Sunday.

Last season, Price made history as the first gymnast from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to win the 2024 USA Collegiate National Title in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Also, former Talladega University gymnast Kyrstin Johnson secured third place in the same all-around competition and won the vault, becoming the first HBCU gymnast to earn a gold medal.

Her teammate Aliyah Reed-Hammon finished the competition in 14th place with a score of 19.675, competing in only two events – the vault and balance beam.

Morgan Price’s Scoring

1. Vault – 9.775 (4th)
2. Uneven Bars -9.850 (2nd-T)
3. Balance Beam – 9.900 (1st)
4. Floor Exercise – 9.825 (3rd-T)

HBCU Legends will have more details on Sunday’s individual competition.

More Morgan Price News

The women’s gymnastics program at Fisk University continues to astound their opponents after defeating Southeast Missouri and the University of Bridgeport at Cape Girardeau, Missouri on Friday, Feb. 28.   

The victory was the first time an HBCU gymnastics team defeated a Division 1 and Division 2 program. They have won all three of their last four competitions. Last week at Greenville University, Fisk won with a score of 192.950.

The Lady Bulldogs gymnasts led their competitors scoring 194.600 as Southeast Missouri posted 194.400, and Bridgeport recorded 193.850.

The reigning national champion, Morgan Price, scored 39.350 to win the all-around competition. Fisk gymnasts won each of the exercises:

The other Bulldogs close to Price in the all-around scoring were Allie Berkley, who scored 38.950, and Ciniah Rosby posted 38.500.

SEMO’s top gymnast, Taylor Ingle, scored 39.300, while Lola Sepulveda of Bridgeport scored 38.750.

1. Morgan Price – 39.350 (Fisk)
2. Taylor Ingle – 39.300 (SEMO)
3. Allie Berkley – 38.950 (Fisk)
4. Lola Sepulveda – 38.750 (Bridgeport)
5. Ciniah Rosby – 38.500 (Fisk)

The Fisk ladies secured three of the top five highest scores in the event.

Trump’s executive order ‘show’

Along with the new Trump regime comes the return of the ubiquitous executive order signing ceremony. No other president, in my recollection, has been nearly so fond of this “show.” Perhaps, the folks who make his beloved black Sharpies are providing some sort of monetary kickback. The image that comes to mind for me, with each of these photo ops, is that of a chubby, orange-haired toddler, flanked by his proud parents and grandparents, as he points to what he just made in the potty chair. Little has changed about him in the intervening seven decades!

Bob Luhr, Boulder

---

Prevent misinformation with media literacy

“Fake news” is a term we have all started to hear more and more within the last few years. During my sophomore year of high school, the COVID lockdowns were in full effect and so was the panic over the “possible effects of vaccines.” Many dangerous unfounded claims were spread about the vaccines, like that they gave children autism, or even crazier some said they are a way for the government to control us. I began to ask myself, how could people have such opposing views from experts?

In my studies for the answer, I found that the Dunning-Kruger effect can be used to explain this lap in people’s judgment. The effect states in the simplest terms that the less you know, the more you think you do. This effect explains why some of the loudest voices on vaccines were those who are uneducated on the subject. An echo chamber was created where the misinformed were preaching to the uneducated causing many to fear vaccines and therefore not getting them. The effects of this misinformation were very real with the National Library of Medicine saying, that over 232,000 adult deaths in the U.S. were preventable with just the primary series of the vaccine.

To prevent future disasters fueled by misinformation, CU Boulder and universities worldwide should implement required media literacy and critical thinking courses. These classes would teach students how to assess sources, recognize bias (including their own), and separate fact from fiction in today’s overwhelming information landscape. Taking such proactive steps like this can save lives and cultivate a well-informed society.

Joe Harrington, Boulder

---

Bring a women’s hockey team to Colorado

Currently, Colorado is home to five major men’s professional sports teams but not a single professional women’s team. This gap in representation is a missed opportunity. As a female athlete, the lack of professional women’s sports in Colorado is not only disappointing but represents the bigger issue of the gender barriers that remain in sports for many women and girls.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), launched in 2023, has rapidly grown, gaining national attention and fan support. The league set a new attendance record with 21,105 fans in Montreal, enough to fill Denver’s Ball Arena. The PWHL brings visibility to women’s hockey, inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Hockey remains a male-dominated sport; according to USA Hockey’s membership statistics, only 15% of the registered players are female. In Colorado, the number is slightly higher — around 18%. Representation matters, and bringing a professional women’s hockey team to Colorado would give young girls in the state visible role models, helping to grow female participation not only in hockey but in sports across the board.

Despite the Colorado Avalanche ranking among the NHL’s leaders in average attendance, Colorado is not among the top five states for youth hockey participation. Bringing a PWHL team to Colorado could bring growth to the hockey community in Colorado. The league is looking to expand in the next few years, so reach out to the league expressing interest in a team in Denver, and watch their games on TV to support the league and expand the fan base.

It is time for Colorado to lead by example and bring a professional women’s hockey team to Denver. Doing so would be a meaningful investment in the future of sports, gender equity and community.

Sydney Albrecht, Boulder