Dr. Megan Foley Nicpon, Director, Belin-Blank Center
Most universities quiet down in mid-May after the semester ends, as faculty and staff catch their breath before summer orientation, internships, classes, and research fellowships begin. However, our story is different. At the Belin-Blank and Renzulli Centers, we decided to host a research conference!
From May 19 – 21, the Belin-Blank Center partnered with the Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development to hold the 13th Wallace Research Symposium on Talent Development. Held on the University of Connecticut’s main campus in Storrs, this research symposium brought together around 180 scholars and educators to discuss the latest research and best practices in talent development. First held in 1991, this symposium was made possible because of a generous endowment from the Wallace Research Foundation.
I gained many insights from the work presented at the conference – too many to talk about in this brief newsletter piece – but I will share two key takeaways. First, I engaged in multiple conversations with scholars and friends from across the country about advancing talent inclusivity. Rather than restricting opportunities to a select few, the prevailing belief in the field is to broaden access for more students who are ready for greater challenges.
The second highlight was witnessing director emeritus Nick Colangelo introduce the Julian C. Stanley Distinguished Lecture, delivered by director emerita Susan Assouline. Susan emphasized talent discovery and the importance of above-level testing, a concept she learned under Julian Stanley’s tutelage. To see these friends and foundational Belin-Blank Center leaders together underscored the true spirit of the Wallace Symposium.
I am grateful to the Wallace planning team, consisting of Renzulli Center Director, Del Siegle, and his colleagues, Stephanie Huntington, Catherine Little, Betsy McCoach, Lisa Muller, and Siamak Vahidi, and the Belin-Blank team of Brian Douglas, Emily Ladendorf, and Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik. The hours we spent planning the symposium were well worth it! I’m excited for Wallace 2026.
UConn Today published a fantastic piece on the symposium for those who want to read more. Thanks to all who participated in the Wallace Symposium – you are inspiring!
Belin-Blank Center 