Breadcrumb Navigation:

Home > Park News

Park News

North Carolina State University Announces Park Scholars for fall 2009

North Carolina State University has selected the Park Scholars for fall 2009 from a pool of more than 1,200 highly qualified appicants. Download the pdf file to view the biographies and photographs of the Class of 2013. Any additional students named as Park Scholarship recipients will be included as they are announced. Please visit here for the press release.

Park Scholars Lead Krispy Kreme Challenge, Donate $40,000 to NC Children's Hospital

By: Carrie McMillan '09

The Krispy Kreme Challenge raised over $40,000 for the NC Children’s Hospital in the sixth annual race on February 7, 2009. In 2004, a handful of Park Scholars dreamt up the idea for the Krispy Kreme Challenge: begin at the NC State Bell Tower, run two miles to the Krispy Kreme store on Peace Street, eat one dozen donuts, and run two miles back to the Bell Tower-all in under one hour.

The Krispy Kreme Challenge has grown from a competition among a handful of friends to a nationally recognized charitable race in just five years. This year, the Krispy Kreme Challenge welcomed over 5,500 participants from across the country.

The Krispy Kreme Challenge has been led by Park Scholars since its inception. For the 2009 event, three Park Scholars served as co-chairs: Kendall Fitzgerald, Jordan Pung, and Barton Strawn (Class of 2010).

Lace up those sneakers and grab a practice dozen: You are hereby invited to join the 2010 Krispy Kreme Challenge.

Interested in learning more? NC State's Newsroom: Glazed and Confused. Event website: KrispyKremeChallenge.com.

Park Scholarships Announces 105 Finalists

Please visit here for the press release from the university announcing the Park Scholarships finalists.

Download the pdf file to view the list of finalists.

Download the pdf file to view the biographies of the finalists.

Park Scholarships Winter News Update

Download the pdf file to read the Park Scholarships Winter Newsletter.

Park Scholarships Announces 228 Semifinalists

Download the pdf file to view the list of semifinalists.

Eva Holcomb Appointed Park Scholarships Director

Chancellor James Oblinger has announced his appointment of Eva Holcomb as director of the Park Scholarships program. The chancellor’s statement appears below.

STATEMENT FROM CHANCELLOR JAMES OBLINGER
I am pleased to announce that Eva Holcomb will be the new Director of Park Scholarships, effective December 1, 2008.

Eva served as Interim Director during a national search for the position. She joined the Park Scholarships office as Assistant Director in 2004, and was named Associate Director in 2007. Eva’s knowledge of the program from numerous perspectives, including as a former Park Scholar, have prepared her well for the directorship.

As Associate Director, Eva has been responsible for the monitoring, reporting and expenditures of a $4 million program budget. In this capacity, she has provided the Park Scholarships program with financial and academic oversight, and built strategic relationships. Eva also has supervised the online application and selection process, including management of 200 volunteers on the Regional Selection Committee, which annually receives over 1,000 applications. She has organized interviews for hundreds of candidates at sites across North Carolina and the United States, and for finalists on NC State’s campus.

Eva also has worked directly with over 350 Park Scholars. Her understanding of their needs and interests helped her lead a successful redesign of the Park Scholars’ First-Year Community Service Experience, during which the scholars create and organize community service projects in partnership with local nonprofit agencies. She has also directly administered many of the student enrichment activities the program provides, including the first-year retreat and year-long leadership seminar, Service Raleigh, and Learning Laboratories in North Carolina and Washington, DC.

As director, Eva will be responsible for guiding the program through its second decade. She will oversee new scholar selection and provide enrichment opportunities for the Park Scholars. She also will continue to work closely with the Park Foundation as they plan together for the long-term future of the Park Scholarships.

Eva is an alumna of NC State and the Park Scholarship program, receiving her bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and science education in 2002. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Higher Education at NC State, with an expected completion date of December 2009. Eva’s understanding of the budget and future needs of the program and her experience in working with gifted students have guided her vision and plans for the future of the Park Scholarships. I know we will continue to see the program prosper under her leadership. Please join me in congratulating Eva on her new position.

Career Stock Rising in a New York Minute

Park Scholar Todd Smalling ‘10, spent the summer of 2008 in the Big Apple with the Equity Derivatives Group of J.P. Morgan Chase. The business finance major described the ten-week period as exciting, challenging, rewarding, tough, and the time of his life. During the internship, Todd created and presented derivative trade ideas, wrote weekly market updates for the trading floor, and created corporate pension spreadsheet analysis on derivative use for client leads.

When he wasn’t busy honing his financial skills, the varsity athlete was spending time keeping in shape for the NC State track team – even winning a corporate challenge road race for interns. The achievement was an exciting one for Todd because the victory earned him personal recognition by J.P. Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. An important goal for Todd during his internship was to build his professional network, so the recognition was all the more valuable to him. In fact, before traveling to New York, Todd had composed a list of individuals with whom he wanted to form relationships during the internship experience. One of those individuals was Jamie Dimon.

Todd wrote the CEO, asking for time to discuss Dimon’s successes, leadership style and thoughts on the financial sector. Knowing the demands of a CEO’s schedule, Todd prepared himself to receive a brief response at best. However, the CEO did better than just respond; Todd was invited to meet face-to-face with Jamie Dimon himself. “I wasn’t anticipating a response from the CEO who manages six groups - not just investment banking - but he made time to fit me in, and we had a half-hour meeting in his 48th floor office on Park Avenue.” The meeting was a highlight of Todd’s summer experience.

At the end of the summer, J.P. Morgan Chase offered Todd a full-time equity derivative trading position. However, the job offer created a tough choice for the scholar. Todd, who is on track to graduate in three years, had to decide if he wanted to use a fourth year to complete a master’s degree and continue running competitively, or if he wanted to launch his career. After much consideration, Todd has decided to accept the J.P. Morgan Chase position, with the belief that the opportunity “was simply too good to pass up.” He is excited that the position is a perfect fit for his personality, skill set, and quantitative mind.

When asked what guidance he would provide to other students looking for internships, Todd advised, “Don’t limit yourself to doing just what you’re asked to do. Constantly think of ways to put yourself out there and form relationships. Companies want to see passion - so do what work is asked and do it well, but always think – ‘What else can I do?’” Todd is excited to begin the next chapter of his life as he looks forward to his transition from being a Park Scholar to life on Park Avenue.

Courtney Fox '10 Receives Honorable Mention in Udall Scholarship

Sophomore Courtney Fox, a chemical engineering major, received a honorable mention and a $350 award for the Udall Scholarship.  The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, such as policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. The Foundation also seeks future Native American and Alaska Native leaders in public and community health care, tribal government, and public policy affecting Native American communities, including land and resource management, economic development, and education.  Courtney was one of 510 candidates competing nationally, representing 239 colleges and universities.

Korey Hite '08 Receives College of Engineering Senior Award for Leadership

Senior Korey Hite received the College of Engineering Senior Award for Leadership on April 16th. The award is given to a senior in the College of Engineering who has exhibited exemplary leadership qualities throughout his or her college career. Three other College of Engineering Senior Awards were also given out at this event for Humanities, Scholarly Achievement, and Citizenship/Service. These awards are given yearly to recognize students for their outstanding performance in these areas.

Four Scholars Receive National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships

Joy Johnson ’06, Wesley Overton ’07, Kasey Phillips ’08, and Diana Proffit ’06 received prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships.  These fellowships provide three years of funding, up to $121,500, for outstanding students in research-focused graduate programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.  NSF Fellows are expected to contribute significantly to innovations, teaching, and research in these fields and advance technological infrastructure.

Glenna Wink ’09 Named Honorable Mention for Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

Junior Glenna Wink received a honorable mention for the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, awarded to sophomores and juniors for outstanding potential in math, the natural sciences or engineering.  Glenna was one of 1,035 students that competed nationally. 

Nathaniel Myers ’11 Awarded Internship with NASA’s Undergraduate Student Research Program

First-year Scholar Nathaniel Myers will intern in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory this summer, analyzing NASA’s surface radar backscattering and evaluating existing models of the surface, particularly of the ocean.

Todd Smalling '10 Awarded AlumniAthlete Internship with JPMorgan

Sophomore Todd Smalling is a varsity athlete on the university’s Cross County and Track & Field teams studying Business Management with a concentration in Finance.  He was awarded a summer internship with JPMorgran through the prestigious AlumniAthlete Network Wall Street Summer Internship Program.  Nationally, approximately 35 student athletes are accepted into this program annually.  Todd will be working as a Sales & Trading Analyst. 

North Carolina State University Announces Park Scholars for fall 2008

North Carolina State University has selected the Park Scholars for fall 2008 from a pool of more than 1,000 highly qualified appicants. Download the pdf files to view the biographies and photographs of the Class of 2012, listed alphabetically by North Carolina counties, and by states. Any additional students named as Park Scholarship recipients will be included as they are announced. Please visit here for the press release.

Finalist Selection Activites on Schedule

February 21st, 4pm - The Park Scholarships Office is aware of potential inclement weather. However, Finalist Selection Acitivites for Friday, February 22nd and Saturday, February 23rd are still on schedule.

Park Scholars Raise Over $20,000 with Krispy Kreme Challenge

On January 26, 2008, over 3,000 runners raised more than $20,000 for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital in the Krispy Kreme Challenge.  The daunting objective is to run two miles from the University’s Belltower to the Krispy Kreme store on Hillsborough Street, eat one dozen glazed doughnuts, and then run back to the Belltower.  This year’s organizers, Thomas Finch ‘08, Jordan Pung ’10, and Barton Strawn ’10 led a tremendous feat to double both the number of participants and money raised.  The creative charity race also was featured on CNN, gaining national attention.  Visit here to read one runner's story. The Krispy Kreme Challenge was founded by a group of Park Scholars from the Class of 2007, Peyton Hassinger, Chris McCoy, Greg Mulholland, and Saket Vora.

Park Scholarships Announces 98 Finalists

Download the pdf file to view the list of North Carolina finalists by county.

Download the pdf file to view the list of national finalists by state.

2002 Alumna is Jeopardy! Champion

Answer: "2002 Park Scholar alumna who was a one-time champion on Season 24 of Jeopardy!, earning $19,200." The correct question is: "Who was Patricia Crane?" Crane, currently a systems specialist living in Alexandria, Virginia, was a Jeopardy! champion on an episode airing on December 26, 2007.

2007 Park Scholar Graduate Instructs Students with Teach for America

Upon graduation, Hannah Whitaker '07 joined the national corps of Teach for America, committing to teach in the Bronx in New York City for two years. Teach for America selects the nation's most talented young leaders to expand and enhance the educational opportunities for students in low-income urban and rural communities. Click here to read more about Hannah's experience.

Park Scholarships Announces 231 Semifinalists

Download the pdf file to view the list of semifinalists.

Park Scholarships Materials Mailed to Endorsing High Schools August 31

Materials inviting schools on the Park Scholarships Endorsing Schools List will be mailed on August 31. Endorsements will be due October 1, 2007. Please visit the Park Scholarships Web site for more details.

New Park Scholarships Web site to be Launched the Week of August 27

The week of August 27, the new Park Scholarships Web site will be released to coincide with this month's launch of the redesigned NC State Web site. The new site will feature student and alumni profiles, additional answers to frequently asked questions, and other exciting details. Counselors and potential applicants should check back that week for updated information about the application process and the program.

Brice Nielsen '06 Awarded Phi Kappa Phi Hohenstein Fellowship

Brice Nielsen '06 has been awarded a $5,000 Phi Kappa Phi Walter and Adelheid Hohenstein Fellowship. She is one of five recipients nationally and the sole recipient from the Southeast Region. The fellowships are funded by a $1.2 million endowment established by the Hohenstein Estate for Phi Kappa Phi. To date the endowment represents the largest gift ever made to a national honor society. Walter Hohenstein served as a Phi Kappa Phi national president during his lifetime. Brice is completing a year of service with AmeriCorps and will attend medical school next year.

Katya Casper '07 and John Rhoden '07 Win NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Two Park Scholars have been named National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellows. Katya Casper '07 and John Rhoden '07, have each received these prestigious NSF fellowships, and will study at Purdue University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, respectively.

The National Science Foundation aims to ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the United States and to reinforce its diversity by offering approximately 1,000 graduate fellowships. The Graduate Research Fellowship provides three years of support for graduate study leading to research-based master’s or doctoral degrees and is intended for students who are at the early stages of their graduate study. The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) invests in graduate education for a cadre of diverse individuals who demonstrate their potential to successfully complete graduate degree programs in disciplines relevant to the mission of the National Science Foundation.

Senior Wes Overton '07 and Park Scholar alumnae Danielle Proffitt '06 and Katie Watlington '06 received honorable mention.

Park Alumna Holly Moye '06 Wins Albert Schweitzer Fellowship

A Passion For Service Leads 21 Schweitzer Fellows To Help Communities Throughout North Carolina

March 20, 2007 – In a competitive selection process, twenty-one graduate students from North Carolina’s health and human service schools have been selected as 2007-2008 NC Albert Schweitzer Fellows. Holly Moye, Park Scholar Class of 2006 and a current medical student at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, was selected as a Schweitzer Fellow. She and classmate Wylie Carhartt will develop and implement a family nutrition program at Greene County Family Literacy Program in Snow Hill. Project “F.U.N” (Families Understanding Nutrition) aims to empower Latino families in Greene County by providing them with increased knowledge of basic nutrition and promoting more healthful behaviors for the benefit of their long-term wellness.

Honoring the legacy of Dr. Albert Schweitzer by committing to a year of service with a community agency, Schweitzer Fellows will devote over 2,800 hours of service to local communities lacking access to adequate health services. Schweitzer Fellows continue their conventional professional training while participating in the entry-year of the Schweitzer Fellows Program. Each newly selected group enlarges a rapidly growing network of Schweitzer Fellows who are committed to supporting each other on lifelong paths of service.

The first U.S. based Schweitzer Fellows Program was founded in Boston in 1991 and the second was in North Carolina in 1994. Other programs are located in Baltimore, Chicago, New Hampshire/Vermont, Pittsburg, Delaware Valley and San Francisco. Currently, 235 NC Schweitzer Fellows have completed the program. Many have built on their Fellowship experience to spearhead new health initiatives that address unmet needs of specific populations. As a result, the social value of the Schweitzer Fellowship extends far beyond the entry-year service projects: communities benefit from the increased number of professionals who are eager and well-prepared for long-term work with underserved populations.

Ultimately, the greatest effect of the Fellows will be through the example they set for others. As Dr. Schweitzer said, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” Entry-year Fellows bring inspiring stories and the power of personal example back to the institutions where they are training, often involving colleagues in their service activities. Fellows of all ages remind their peers that good intentions are not enough – that idealism in action is both an extraordinary force for good and a profound source of personal satisfaction. Schweitzer Fellows thus give tangible and visible expression to the deepest desire of most health professionals: to serve effectively, with compassion.
Selection adapted from a press release distributed by the North Carolina Schweitzer Fellows Program.