University of Denver Spring 2026

rewarding moments is seeing every element—sets, costumes, and props—come to life. “This is definitely one of the biggest roles I’ve ever had in my life,” Lewis says. “Having the chance to learn it and do it justice has been such a blessing and so much fun.” The final note Delighted audiences filled the seats in Gates Concert Hall Hitting the Right Notes Continued from page 9 Fledermaus”—showing once again the joy that opera brings and the importance of the art form. Anthony Wirtz, a second-year dual master’s student in vocal performance and choral conducting roles at DU, including director of the Honors Program and faculty athletic representative to the NCAA. When the opportunity came to serve as a visiting scientist at a national laboratory in Pisa and to teach a chemistry lab at the Instituto Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence, Miller focused not only on advancing his own research but also on building connections for DU and better understanding the student experience abroad. Outside the lab, he immersed himself in Italian culture, taking a class in art restoration, visiting wineries and a cave where fontina cheese is aged, and traveling to Murano to see its famed glassmaking tradition. “I approached everything as a scientist, observing and taking it all in,” he says. Worlds of Impact Continued from page 11 at the end of April for this year’s reimagining of “Die

who played the role of Eisenstein, says the opportunity to share opera with Lamont audiences is especially meaningful. “Presenting something that maybe some people have never seen before— whether they are opera fans or have never seen a production—and inspiring them is very fulfilling.” As the final curtain fell on another successful production, Lamont’s opera program once again proved it strength. “The level of students’ success has been consistently improving,” Nouri says. “We’ve had students get into impressive professional programs right after graduation, and our enrollment is growing. I’m just very proud.” Experiencing Italy as a learner himself has influenced how he approaches teaching and mentoring back at DU. “It was pretty powerful to be able to reflect on what students go through,” he says. “Now, when I’m designing a course or a research project, I’m thinking more about their experience. What do they need? How do I support them through the milestones of their learning?” Miller plans to continue collaborating with the national lab, where he worked on analyzing proteins in pollen. “It’s amazing to learn how scholars in different places view your work and your discipline,” he adds. “A global perspective is deeply meaningful to what we do at DU.”

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UNIVERSITY OF DENVER MAGAZINE | SPRING 2026