This spring, Golden LEAF Scholars across North Carolina had the chance to connect, learn, and celebrate their shared experience through a series of campus visits.
As part of an ongoing effort to engage more deeply with scholars and connect them to the Foundation’s mission, Golden LEAF visited North Carolina State University, Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina Wesleyan University, and East Carolina University, bringing together students, university leadership, and alumni.
“The Golden LEAF Scholarship program was one of the first programs our Board established to build the rural workforce,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF’s President, CEO. “Today, our scholars are getting an education to not only build the workforce, but to also transform our rural communities. The true power of the Golden LEAF Scholarship is that it cultivates a strong, localized rural leadership.”
Each visit offered scholars the opportunity to learn more about Golden LEAF, explore programs like the Rural Internship Initiative, and connect with peers and mentors, while each campus added its own unique experience.
At East Carolina University, scholars gathered for a spring tailgate at a Pirate baseball game, where they connected with the ECU Chancellor and leadership as well as Golden LEAF staff and board members before cheering on ECU and watching Hamilton throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
At NC State, scholars were welcomed to the Chancellor’s residence, The Point, for an evening of conversation and connection with the Chancellor, university leadership, and Golden LEAF staff.
North Carolina Wesleyan University and Elizabeth City State University hosted luncheons, giving scholars the opportunity to build relationships with the Chancellor, university leadership, and reflect on their academic journeys.
“At each visit, we hear compelling stories of what the Golden LEAF Scholarship has meant to the recipients,” said Hamilton. “Each student we hear from has mentioned the scholarship as being a critical factor for them to attend a four-year college or university. Many are first-generation students.”
Graduating North Carolina Wesleyan University scholar Benjamin Sellers, a Halifax County native majoring in Biomedical Science with minors in Chemistry and Environmental Science, shared how the scholarship shaped his path.
“Being a Golden LEAF Scholar allowed me to focus on my academic career,” said Sellers. “The scholarship took away the financial burden so I could fully apply myself to class and research.”
Sellers plans to pursue a master’s degree in Biology and hopes to build a career in research in a rural community.
“The goal is to have our scholars come back to live and work in rural North Carolina communities,” Hamilton said. “With each Golden LEAF Scholarship, we have a success story to tell.”
Learn more about the Golden LEAF Scholarship program here.