Morehead-Cain is pleased to announce the newest members of its community! The scholars represent thirty-three North Carolina counties, fifteen U.S. states and the District of Columbia, and seven countries. Their academic interests span the sciences, health professions, public policy, business, and the humanities, from biomedical engineering and environmental science to philosophy, languages, and music.
The members beginning their undergraduate studies at @uncchapelhill this August will be joined by returning gap-year scholars.
Learn more about the scholars by following the link in bio. 🐏🩵
In the latest episode of Catalyze, Aadya Gattu ’28 of the Scholar Media Team speaks with Morehead-Cain Global Fellow Disha Parasu ’26, a computer science student at the Vellore Institute of Technology – Chennai, about her journey to Carolina, her experiences in the program, and how the year will inform her future impact.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
Morehead-Cain will officially welcome the class of 2026 into its alumni community following commencement tomorrow, when eighty-two seniors will cross the stage. The class marked the close of their four years at Carolina at the senior dinner on April 16.
Charles Konkolics ’26 delivered the senior address, encouraging classmates to have a “genuine orientation toward learning over being known.”
“I’ve come to believe that the excellence of this class isn’t defined by what we accomplish, but by how we carry ourselves and one another,” Charles said. “When you’re not consumed with yourself, you have the capacity to look around to others.”
The evening also featured an invocation from Flavia Nunez Ludeiro ’26 and toasts from Rotimi Kukoyi ’26 and Spence Whitman ’26.
(Photos by Leon Godwin)
Nearly three years after the launch of the Sophomore Selection process, the first class of scholars will graduate this month from @uncchapelhill . In the latest episode of Catalyze, William Cook ’26 of Nashville, Tennessee, reflects on the experiences that have shaped his vision of leadership and innovation—from shadowing at a Nashville lumberyard to founding the Human Flourishing Initiative at Carolina, working with entrepreneurs in South African townships, and joining an industrial crane services startup in Chicago. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
Scholars stopped by the Foundation on LDOC for ice cream to celebrate the last day of classes and the start of summer. 🍦 What a sweet year it’s been! (Photos by Emma Coye ’26, Scholar Media Team)
Rotimi Kukoyi ’26, Emma Montero ’26, and Olu Kopano ’26 have launched Heart of a Heel, a student-driven campaign to increase organ donations in North Carolina. More than 4,500 people in the state are waiting for a transplant.
The seniors partnered with Carolina Athletics to create a series of videos, including one featuring basketball legend Antawn Jamison, to mobilize Tar Heel pride in support of lifesaving action.
“That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave at this University,” Emma said. “One of gratitude and appreciation.”
Congratulations to Gigi Holliday ’26, Christina Huang ’26, and Rotimi Kukoyi ’26 for receiving Chancellor’s Awards! Each was recognized for their exceptional achievements, leadership, and impact on the Carolina community.
Gigi received the Venable Medal for her outstanding academic record and undergraduate-led research in solar energy through CHASE, including work toward two publications. Christina was honored with the Edward Kidder Graham Award for her leadership in TransparUNCy, fostering meaningful dialogue and engagement across campus. Rotimi earned the Irene F. Lee Award for his commitment to advancing health equity through his work with SHAC, Get Covered Carolina, and The OpEd Project.
🔗 Learn more at the link in bio!
Nearly three years after launching the Sophomore Selection process, the first class of scholars will graduate this month from @uncchapelhill . In the latest episode of Catalyze, Clara DiVincenzo ’26 reflects on her Morehead-Cain journey—from researching coral reefs to jumping rope—and how she’s strived to embody scholarship, leadership, character, and physical vigor with authenticity throughout her college experience. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
Congratulations to Shiva Rajbhandari ’27 of Boise, Idaho, for being named a Truman Scholar! He was recognized for his exceptional leadership and commitment to a career in public service.
Shiva is a double major in public policy and sociology at @uncchapelhill . This is the first time since 2004 that Carolina has had two Truman Scholars in the same year.
🔗 Learn more at the link in bio!
Congratulations to Willow Taylor Chiang Yang ’25 of Burlingame, California, for receiving the Barry Scholarship! Willow will pursue a master’s in political research at the University of Oxford beginning this fall.
Willow earned a bachelor’s with distinction in American political economy and a bachelor’s in philosophy from @uncchapelhill . She is the third Barry Scholarship recipient from Carolina.
🔗 Learn more at the link in bio!
The 2026 Global Fellows Celebration Luncheon honored the program’s inaugural class and recognized the faculty, peers, and mentors from across campus who impacted them throughout their time at @uncchapelhill . The celebration featured a keynote from global fellow Rotdalmwa Dimka ’26, who reflected on carrying the Morehead-Cain experience back to her home university and community.
