Meet Our Graduating Student Staff Members
May 14, 2026
Aiyana Gonzalez-Arellano
Major: Chemistry
Job: Patron Services (Usher Leader, Usher, and Gallery Attendant)
How long have you worked here? 2 years
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of the job is getting to watch all the different performances, especially the ones that I didn’t think that I would enjoy.
How has working at the center shaped your college experience? Completing a major in the sciences can be draining, but working at the center gave me the freedom to experience different art forms and enjoy myself, even on the clock. Working at the center also allowed me to expand what I know and push me to experience things that I never really thought I would’ve enjoyed. It allowed me to create friendships and relationships outside of my major and my day-to-day life.
Favorite performance you worked, and why? My favorite performance that I worked was Ballet BC. This was a contemporary dance group, and I am personally not the biggest fan of contemporary, but this performance blew me away. I was very impressed with the choreography, even though some of it was unconventional and funky; I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the performance. It made me appreciate contemporary art forms more and made me more openminded to things that I might not think I would’ve enjoyed.
Why do you think places like the Center for the Arts matter on a campus like Virginia Tech? I think the arts are so important to everyday life, especially for a school so focused on the sciences and technology. Many times, science and technology go right in hand with the arts, and I believe that some people forget that they are more similar than they imagine. The performances and exhibitions at the center are so transformative and give you time just for yourself.
What would you say to another student who’s never been to a performance here? I would say that it’s absolutely necessary for a student to go to at least one performance. There's something for everyone at the Center for the Arts, and there is so much effort and work that everyone puts into each performance that should be appreciated.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduating, I am moving to Pittsburgh to start a Ph.D. program at Carnegie Mellon University in Chemistry.
Alena Graber
Major: Computer Science
Job: Patron Services (Usher Leader, Ambassador, and Gallery Attendant)
How long have you worked here? 3.5 years
Favorite part of your job: I really liked that I was able to experience so many different performances. Sometimes, working as an usher, I got to see shows that I probably would not have gone to on my own, but then I was pleasantly surprised and glad I got to see them. I also enjoyed working with such a great team of people; this was a job where I genuinely looked forward to my shifts, and I think that’s a testament to the positive and supportive atmosphere that we have here.
How has working at the center shaped your college experience? Working a shift was always a nice break from studying, and having a creative environment to step into was a great way for me to find a sense of balance. It has also definitely expanded my perspective; I’ve been exposed to so many diverse artists and performances that I wouldn't have discovered otherwise, which is something that I am very grateful for.
Favorite performance you worked, and why? A performance that has really stuck with me and left a huge impact on me was when Winona LaDuke came to speak with her talk titled The Next Energy Economy. She was such a compelling speaker, and her story was so impressive and inspiring. I was especially struck by her work to protect tribal land from oil pipelines. I still think about some of the things she said to this day.
Why do you think places like the Center for the Arts matter on a campus like Virginia Tech? I think places like the center are vital, especially on a campus like Virginia Tech where there's such a heavy focus on STEM. Sometimes, after I tell patrons I’m a student here, they think I am an acting major, and they’re always surprised when I tell them I’m actually in Computer Science. I think that’s exactly why this place matters, because it is a place for everyone. I think everyone can experience art, and having it on a college campus is important to easily expose students to it. Having cheap (or even free) tickets for students to allow them to also enjoy the arts is amazing. Unfortunately, there is often a financial barrier when it comes to seeing a show or engaging with art in general, so I’m glad that’s not the case for students here.
What would you say to another student who’s never been to a performance here? Go watch a show! The performances offered here are so diverse that I’m sure everyone can find something that speaks to them. The atmosphere is amazing and the theatre is very beautiful. You also do not need to dress up, so just go and enjoy a show.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I’ll be going to Pittsburgh to start my Master’s in Cybersecurity at Carnegie Mellon University.
What have you learned from your time working here that you will take into your professional life? Working in a public-facing role has taught me how to communicate effectively with all kinds of different personalities, which is something you have to do in any career. I’ve also noticed that I handle unexpected situations much more calmly than when I started here. I've learned to think on my feet and act with confidence. That kind of composure is something I’ll definitely take with me into the professional world.
Georgia Kramlich Roldan
Major: Management Consulting and Analytics
Job: Patron Services (Usher)
How long have you worked here? 4 years
Favorite part of your job: Getting the opportunity to experience so many different forms of art and expression... whether through music, dance, or visual performances.
What’s one moment here that really stuck with you? Definitely getting to watch Chicago. I remember being in awe of how talented the entire cast was and the sheer athleticism it takes to perform at that level multiple nights a week.
How has working at the center shaped your college experience? Working at the center has given me a deeper appreciation for the arts and allowed me to be part of something that brings people together. It’s been a unique way to connect with both the campus and the broader community.
What’s something you’ve seen behind the scenes that audiences would find surprising or interesting? The quick turnover right after a show ends. As soon as the theatre closes, the team immediately begins clearing the stage and preparing for the next performance. It’s impressive how fast everything comes together.
Favorite performance you worked, and why? Chicago stands out because of the energy, talent, and physical intensity of the performance. It was incredible to watch from start to finish.
Why do you think places like the Center for the Arts matter on a campus like Virginia Tech? Having a space where people can come together to enjoy live performances, celebrate achievements, and connect across different age groups creates a strong sense of community. It brings a different kind of energy to campus and adds something truly special to the experience in Blacksburg.
What would you say to another student who’s never been to a performance here? It’s a must on your bucket list while you're at Tech! There are so many amazing artists who visit, so take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy this space created for you and the community.
What are your plans after graduation? I’ll be completing the Camino de Santiago this June and traveling around Spain for the rest of the summer, which I’m really excited about! Starting in August, I will be working as an engineer at Clark Construction Group in the Washington, D.C., area.
What have you learned from your time working here that you will take into your professional life? I’ve learned how powerful live experiences can be. Taking time out of a busy life to enjoy music, dance, and art can genuinely bring people joy and perspective, which is something I hope to carry with me moving forward.
AJ Crowell
Major: M.A., Material Culture and Public Humanities
Job: Exhibition Programs Graduate Assistant
How long have you worked here? 2 years
Favorite part of your job: Getting to work with thought-provoking artists and thinkers
What's one moment here that really stuck with you? The first exhibition I worked on as a GA, Never Spoken Again: Rogue Stories of Science and Collection, curated by David Ayala-Alfonso, a guest curator with the Independent Curators International (ICI) in fall 2024. Ayala-Alfonso curated a compelling exhibition that posed big questions about archives, historical narratives, and our sociocultural roles in shaping/being shaped by them. It was the first time I saw my interests in history and art overlap in an exhibition. It informs everything I think about for work all the time now!
How has working at the center shaped your college experience? It completely rerouted my ideas of my professional trajectories — more than just history, I'm thinking about working in university galleries and collections to bridge the gaps between history and art and everything in relation. And it was really great to use power tools as part of work and my degree!
What’s something you’ve seen behind the scenes that audiences would find surprising or interesting? Big crates. Crates are not just how the Madagascar characters arrived in Madagascar. They are very intricate, very well engineered, and very important to artwork travelling safely. I've seen all kinds of crates now. They could have an exhibition of the history of crates and I would go. I'm fascinated.
Why do you think places like the Center for the Arts matter on a campus like Virginia Tech? It's important to be reminded that the world is bigger than right where you are. On the flip side, it's important to learn more about the place you are in and your communities around you. Art is the perfect medium to pose these big questions and remind people of how big the world is. Without arts and humanities at Virginia Tech, students would miss out big on becoming more well-informed and curious people.
What are your plans after graduation? Hopefully work in university art galleries and/or collections!
What have you learned from your time working here that you will take into your professional life? Clear and careful communication is key. And always keep a schedule. It makes busy feel manageable!
Angelina Cain
Major: Political Science
Job: Patron Services (Usher Leader and Gallery Attendant)
How long have you worked here? 2 years
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of working at the Center for the Arts is getting to interact with the community. Whether it's welcoming patrons as they arrive of chatting with them after a show, I love seeing how excited people are to experience live performances and exhibitions.
What’s one moment here that really stuck with you? One moment that’s really stayed with me was working an outdoor concert this past fall featuring a Latin band. Watching the community come together — singing, dancing, and enjoying the music on the lawn — was such a powerful reminder of how the arts can bring people together across backgrounds.
How has working at the center shaped your college experience? Working at the center has been a huge part of my college experience. It’s given me a strong support system through my coworkers and managers, who constantly encourage me to grow, both academically and professionally. It’s more than just a job — it’s a community.
What’s something you’ve seen behind the scenes that audiences would find surprising or interesting? One thing that might surprise audiences is just how much coordination goes into every performance. From lighting and sound checks to last-minute adjustments backstage, there’s a whole team working behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.
Favorite performance you worked, and why? One of my favorite performances to work was the Tina Turner musical. The energy was unmatched, especially during the final number, and it felt so beautiful to be part of a shared celebration. Seeing people fully immersed in the moment made it extremely memorable.
Why do you think places like the Center for the Arts matter on a campus like Virginia Tech? Places like the Center for the Arts are so important because they give students and the surrounding community a space to explore creativity and connect through shared experiences. It brings a different kind of perspective to campus life — one that goes beyond academics.
What would you say to another student who’s never been to a performance here? I would tell any student to go to at least one performance. The level of production and the accessibility of these events is something really special — and not something you’ll necessarily have access to after college. It’s an experience worth taking advantage of.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I plan to attend the University of South Carolina to pursue a Master’s in International Studies, along with a certificate in Women and Gender Studies.
What have you learned from your time working here that you will take into your professional life? My time at the center has taught me the importance of teamwork and clear communication. Learning how to collaborate with others in a fast-paced environment is a skill I know will carry over into any professional setting.
Alexandria Lilly
Major: Environmental Science, minors in Wetland Science and Displacement Studies
Job: Patron Services (Gallery Attendant and Usher)
How long have you worked here? Since September 2024
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of the job is the fun, lively environment and the opportunity to work alongside genuinely kind people. I enjoy seeing the rotating art exhibits and learning more about different art principles and techniques. I also value meeting people from all backgrounds and getting to experience a wide range of performances and creative work through the shows.
Why do you think places like the Center for the Arts matter on a campus like Virginia Tech? Places like the Center for the Arts bring together students, faculty, and community members from all walks of life to celebrate creativity, performance, and enjoy each moment of life.
What are your plans after graduation? I plan to pursue a career at the intersection of international education, environmental justice, and refugee advocacy, designing education programs for displaced and climate-affected communities.
What have you learned from your time working here that you will take into your professional life? Working as patron services staff, gallery attendant, and usher at the Center for the Arts has reinforced my belief in the power of intentional communication. I’ve learned to approach every interaction with the goal of forming meaningful connections, as this is the foundation for a positive visitor experience. I will carry forward the importance of using language and presence to build community, support learning, and improve the experiences of those I serve.
Anastazja Kiselka
Major: Biochemistry
Job: Patron Services (Usher and Gallery Attendant)
How long have you worked here: 2-3 years!
Favorite part of your job: Getting to see plays I would never have thought to go to. I spend a lot of time in the lab, so this is a really easy way to get some art into my life.
How has working at the center shaped your college experience? If I didn't work here, I doubt I would have known that the school has a gallery as early as I did or that students can sometimes attend the performances for free. It's definitely shown me how much there is to do around campus.
Favorite performance you worked, and why? My favorite performance was probably Momentum - a kind of dance battle between different student groups (but there isn't a winner). All of the groups put on such an insane show and had the whole thing looking so professional. That was probably the most exciting performance I worked.
What are your plans after graduation? I will be attending grad school here at Virginia Tech in the biochemistry department.
Emily Southern
Major: Multimedia journalism major with a creative writing, professional and technical writing, and religion and journalism minor
Job: Production (Technician)
How long have you worked here? I've worked at the Center for the Arts for three years. I started my sophomore year.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of working at the Center for the Arts is the number of different people I come in contact with every day. At the center, we constantly have new shows and events happening that bring people from around the world to Blacksburg. Being one of the greeting faces once they arrive is such an exciting and pleasurable moment for me. I've gotten to see so many kinds of shows from Broadway to concerts — there is always something fun happening.
How has working at the center shaped your college experience? Working at the center definitely shaped my college experience significantly. The center provided me with an outlet that was completely opposite from my major. Since I mostly write for my major, it was always nice to come to the center for a shift and forget about school for a little while. My crew and supervisors were also a big part of my college experience. Every single high and low of my life for the past four years, I have spent it with them. Every time I come in they ask me how I am and if I need anything. The support that the production team at the center provides to everyone around them is unmatched. Even if I came in for a shift and was in a really bad mood or stressed about finals, I always left in a better place than when I got there.
What’s something you’ve seen behind the scenes that audiences would find surprising or interesting? Just the level of thought and work that goes into every single experience or show is extremely impressive. The crew works around the clock to provide Blacksburg with incredible experiences, and it shows.
Why do you think places like the Center for the Arts matter on a campus like Virginia Tech? Places like the center matter because the arts make everything better, lighter, and happier. The world would be incredibly grim without the arts. I always see students coming in super excited to see a show or to take pictures. Even when students have shows here they are always in awe of the space and level of production.
What would you say to another student who’s never been to a performance here? Coming to the Center for the Arts is a must-do as a student. You can't graduate properly without it!
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I will be moving back to Roanoke, Virginia, and working as a digital writing specialist at LeadPoint Digital.
What have you learned from your time working here that you will take into your professional life? I will take the level of kindness that I experienced here at the center with me after I leave. I have never felt so supported and cared for in a role like I have at the center. Everyone here cares for each other and tries their best to be kind every single day. I will keep that kindness with me moving forward.