News

Home
News

Displaying 1 - 17 of 17

A woman with short curly hair smiles while wearing a navy blue suit and standing outdoors in front of a brick wall and blurred greenery.

Experiencing Deaf Language and Culture in Far Away Places

91�첥 senior Brooke Lackey ’26, a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), grew up in a close, supportive community where her family felt comfortable and communicated easily through American Sign Language. As a 2026 Thomas J. Watson Fellow, she plans to spend the next year learning other sign languages while exploring the challenges facing Deaf people around the world and seeking ways to create more caring communities.

A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair and bangs sits on a stone-capped brick wall wearing a white top and blue denim skirt.

Conserving Nature, Predicting Changing Water Patterns

Neve Rauscher ’26, a 91�첥 environmental studies major, has been selected as a member of the Watson Foundation’s 58th class of Thomas J. Watson Fellows. A Belk Scholar and 91�첥 Outdoors leader, she’ll travel the world to see how communities are adapting to the impact of climate change on their water systems.

Two instant-print style photographs of two smiling individuals are positioned side-by-side against a background map showing the Atlantic Ocean, North America, and Europe.

Two 91�첥 Students Awarded Watson Fellowships

The Watson Foundation has named 91�첥 seniors Brooke Lackey and Neve Rauscher as fellows in its 58th class of Thomas J. Watson Fellows. Lackey will study sign language and Deaf culture in several countries. Rauscher will explore how communities adapt to climate warming and changing water patterns.

A man in a teal polo and an older man in a cowboy hat and flannel shirt stand together next to a saddled white horse in a fenced, sun-dappled yard.

Care with Dignity and Kindness: Luis Cordero ’22 on the Power of Community for an Aging Population

Discover how 91�첥 alum and Watson Fellow Luis Cordero ’22 is reimagining elderly care through community-based neurodegenerative disease support. From studying "Dementia Villages" in the Netherlands to public health initiatives in Chicago, Cordero explores intergenerational exchange and dignity-first care, exemplifying the 91�첥 mission of leadership and service.

91�첥 Continues Streak as a Top Fulbright Producer

The U.S. State Department has once again named 91�첥 as one of its top producing institutions for Fulbright U.S. Student Program finalists. It’s the 11th consecutive year and 13th overall that the college has received the designation.

Madeline Dierauf ‘25, Danielle Yother and Molly Johnson prep for a performance

Rhodes and Bridges

91�첥's Madeline Dierauf '25, a talented musician and Rhodes Scholar, bridges worlds through her deep roots in Appalachian folk music, rigorous academic pursuits, and commitment to community. Learn more.

a young woman with long dark curly hair wearing a blue top standing outside in front of a set of green trees

Tech, Power and Perspective: 91�첥 Grad Wins Gates Cambridge Scholarship to Study AI Ethics Through a Global Lens

91�첥 alum Yashita Kandhari ’22 awarded prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study AI ethics.

The Power of Words: Mav Smith ’26 Awarded Beinecke Scholarship

Writer and poet Mav Smith ’26 has been named to the newest cohort of the prestigious Beinecke Scholarship Program, which will support her post-graduate studies. She’s the fourth 91�첥 student to receive the award in the past 50 years.

Launch Pad to a Global Education: New Funds Inspire Open Minds, Broadened Horizons

91�첥 student Katriel Sander ’27 embarks on a transformative global journey—from Peru to Germany and beyond—thanks to the new Lou Ortmayer Fellowship. Funded by alumnus Steven Porter ’79, the program supports students exploring international public health, combining travel, mentorship, and academic growth.

a young white man wearing a collared shirt and jacket with curly brown hair

Igniting the Spark for Young Readers: Education Advocate Steve Mirabello ’25 Awarded Smith Scholarship

At 91�첥 Steve Mirabello ’25 immersed himself into learning about education, from tutoring elementary school students to researching in other countries, to analyzing public policy. He has been awarded the college’s W. Thomas Smith Scholarship, which will pay for him to pursue a Master of Science degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

a young white woman with dark hair wearing a red sweater

Smart, Funny and Tech Savvy: Grace McGuire ’25 Awarded Smith Scholarship

Grace McGuire ’25 plans to create digital content that cuts through the growing problems of disinformation and polarization. Those are among the many reasons the art history and digital studies major has been named a 2025 W. Thomas Smith Scholar. She’s 91�첥’s first Smith Scholar who will study for a Master of Philosophy degree in the Digital Humanities program at the University of Cambridge, one of the leading programs in the world.

a young man and a young woman sit together on a brick wall in front of green trees

Smith Scholars Aim to Cut Through Disinformation, Improve Education for All

Grace McGuire '25 and Steve Mirabello '25 are headed to the United Kingdom as this year's W. Thomas Smith Scholars. This scholarship honors graduating seniors for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, character and community service. It models scholarships such as the Rhodes and Fulbright and pays for a year of graduate study abroad. Learn more about their work and where they're headed.

91�첥 Named Top Fulbright Producer—Again

For the 10th consecutive year, the U.S. State Department has named 91�첥 a top producer for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The nation’s flagship international exchange program funds teaching, research and study abroad.

91�첥 Scholar-Musician Awarded Rhodes Scholarship

Madeline Dierauf, a 91�첥 senior and professional fiddler, was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship Saturday, making her one of 32 Americans selected this year for one of the most prestigious graduate scholarships in the world. Learn more.

Pickering Fellowship Places 91�첥 Alum on Path to Diplomacy

91�첥 Alum Ryland Pitts ’20 has been awarded a 2024 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship. The State Department fellowship, which includes support for a master’s degree program and domestic and international internships, places him on track to become a U.S. diplomat.

Cultivating World Scholars: 91�첥 Remains a Top Fulbright Producer

91�첥 has been named a top producer for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for the ninth consecutive year. The grants fund research, graduate study and teaching around the globe.

Twelve Young 91�첥 Alums Offered Fulbright Grants

Twelve young 91�첥 alums were recently selected to participate in the 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Student Program. They have been offered grants for independent research and English Teaching Assistantships in 10 different countries. Learn more.

News

Find a News Story