Embracing scholarship, leadership, service, and character, the Park Scholarships Class of 2021 has committed to raising $21,000 over the next five years to benefit NC State Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship. This endowment was created in 2015 by Chancellor Randy Woodson and his wife, Susan, to provide a $2,000 annual scholarship to the dependents of full-time employees at NC State. The university aims to raise the endowment to $30 million to be able to support all employee dependents in perpetuity.
“We all have experienced the immense value of an education from NC State and were fortunate enough to receive funding to come to school,” shared Catherine Ault ’21. “As a class, we want to be part of an effort that grants the families of those that make NC State special the same opportunity.”
Each Park Scholar has selected an employee to honor with their gift. Academic advisors, dining staff, and professors are among the many university employees recognized by members of the Class of 2021 for having a significant impact on their NC State experience. Scroll below to find out who each Park Scholar has honored with their gift.
The Class of 2021 hopes that through committing to support this endowment, others will be inspired to follow their lead.
Catherine Ault ’21: Honoring the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Since my sophomore year, the faculty has done nothing but support me and my fellow classmates. They genuinely want us to succeed and are so friendly and accessible to students. They are invested in our growth and learning and it shows. My NC State experience would not be the same without them. Thank you so much NC State CBE!
Jessica Autry ’21: Honoring Mr. Paul Dunn
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Mr. Paul Dunn. Mr. Paul has always been a huge supporter of NC State and of me. He currently owns and operates Mule City Specialty Feed in my hometown of Benson, NC and supplies feed to many of the NC State livestock and equine units. Mr. Paul always encouraged me during high school and celebrated with me when he learned that I would be attending NC State to study animal science just as he had. Mr. Paul made a point to take me on a tour around State the summer before I began and has always remained invested in my personal growth. I am so grateful for the support of Mr. Paul in every chapter of my life.
Elijah Bouma-Sims ’21: Honoring Dr. Brad Reaves
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Brad Reaves. He has been my research mentor for the past three years, helping me learn necessary skills and contribute to meaningful projects. He has been an excellent resource for advice on applying to grad school. He also helped me through a tough time during my junior year.
Mallory Bryan ’21: Honoring Dr. Julie Casani
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Julie Casani. I first met Dr. Casani my freshman year when I participated in an Alternative Service Break trip to Ecuador. Through that experience, Dr. Casani introduced me to global public health for the first time, and fostered a passion for this field in me that changed the entire trajectory of my undergraduate years at NC State, and my lifelong career. Despite being an incredibly busy and important woman at the university, Dr. Casani always prioritizes time with students like myself, and goes out of her way to encourage and empower us. It is largely because of Dr. Casani that I have chosen to continue my education at the UNC Gillings School of Public Health. I am so grateful for Dr. Casani’s presence in my life over the last four years at NC State!
Georgia Burgess ’21: Honoring Dr. Kanton Reynolds
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Kanton Reynolds. Dr. Reynolds always makes time to advocate and care for his students. Even when my path changed, he was nothing but supportive and helped me figure out next steps. My time at NC State would not have been what it was without Dr. Reynolds as a mentor, and I’m endlessly appreciative for the time and energy he has put in to help me become who I am today.
Natalie Chazal ’21: Honoring Feed The Pack
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of the Feed the Pack Food Pantry. Food insecurity is a pervasive issue on NC State’s campus and in the broader Raleigh community. Food security is a basal requirement that, when unmet, makes it especially challenging to thrive as a student or employee. I am grateful for the impact that Feed the Pack has had on our community!
Natalie Collier ’21: Honoring Ms. Elizabeth Lancaster, NC State Counseling Center
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship Fund is in honor of Elizabeth Lancaster and the NC State Counseling Center. She and the counseling center staff have provided me with valuable tools to navigate the unexpected throughout my college experience, and as a result they have helped me achieve my potential. I am so grateful to this group of people who continuously support ambitious students at NC State!
Hannah Cooper ’21: Honoring Dr. Astrid Schnetzer
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Astrid Schnetzer. I first met Astrid as an incoming freshman and was in awe of her research. In the past year and a half, I reconnected with Astrid and she has served as an incredible mentor, particularly during the pandemic. She is consistently genuine and kind and has connected me with resources and individuals that serve to advance my career. Astrid is remarkably dedicated to her students and mentees, and my undergraduate experience would not have been the same without her guidance and support. Thank you, Astrid, for having such a tremendous impact on my experience at NC State.
Elizabeth Dogbe ’21: Honoring Ms. Angelitha Daniel, Minority Engineering Program
My donation to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Ms. Angelitha Daniel, who works as the director of the Minority Engineering Program. Even before I started as a first-year student at NC State, Ms. Angie helped me prepare for college and make connections through the Summer Transition Program, or STP. Because of STP, I made friends and learned things not just about college, but also about being an adult, that I use to this day. Outside of coordinating STP, Ms. Angie works tirelessly to support minority engineering students by finding tutoring, making industry connections, running a mentorship program, and countless other things I don’t have the space to list here. It’s an honor to be able to give this donation in her name after all the incredible things she makes possible for me and other minority engineers.
Michael Evans ’21: Honoring Mr. Lewis Sheats and Mr. Gabe Gonzalez
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Lewis Sheats and Gabe Gonzalez with NC State Entrepreneurship. Throughout my time at NC State, Lewis and Gabe have been tremendous assets in helping our team build and grow 321 Coffee. The two of them are always willing to make themselves available to meet at any time of the day. They have been there for our team at every step of the way, and I am so thankful for their mentorship and support!
David Flowers ’21: Honoring Dr. JMark Scearce
I have had the opportunity to be taught by JMark for three semesters. During this time, he provided an atmosphere for exploration and the opportunity to be myself. His classroom and personality allowed me to feel comfortable in the College of Design and ultimately has inspired me to pursue my passion full-time upon graduation. JMark broke down the barriers of the design world through his charisma and enthusiasm for knowledge.
Micah Furr ’21: Honoring Alumni of the North Carolina Chapter of Alpha Zeta Fraternity
My gift is in honor of all alumni of the North Carolina Chapter of Alpha Zeta. Geared towards the promotion of agriculture, Alpha Zeta’s pillars are similar to the Park Scholarships: leadership, scholarship, character, and fellowship. An example of an alumnus of the North Carolina Chapter of Alpha Zeta who exemplifies this dedication and commitment to the promotion of agriculture is Dr. Bob Patterson. Like many other alumni of the fraternity, Dr. Patterson’s continued support and guidance year after year in putting together Agricultural Awareness Week on the Brickyard is crucial in its success. I am grateful to have met this group of likeminded people on NC State’s campus and will always cherish and hold dearly the many memories I made while promoting and learning about agriculture. As a soon-to-be-alumna myself, I hope to pay it forward and contribute to the organization in the same way Dr. Patterson and so many other alumni of the chapter have.
Salam Ibrahim ’21: Honoring Dr. Julie Ivy
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Julie Ivy. Dr. Ivy has played an immense role in my college experience. Since taking Health Care Systems Performance Improvement with Dr. Ivy, I have had the opportunity to learn about health systems engineering and its various applications in the world. She has continuously supported me and my classmates in our projects, research, and future careers. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to take her class and learn from her!
Mackenzie Lamb ’21: Honoring Dr. Seth Murray
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Seth Murray. I met Dr. Murray during my senior year of high school when I was unsure of what I wanted to study, and he introduced me to the international studies program at NC State. Since then, he has served as my international studies advisor and Park Faculty Mentor, supporting me through numerous changes of career interests and encouraging me to pursue a variety of opportunities in the United States and abroad. Dr. Murray’s commitment to international relations greatly inspired my academic pursuits, and I am so thankful for his support throughout my time at NC State.
Claire Ludwig ’21: Honoring Dr. Billy Flowers
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Billy Flowers. Dr. Flowers continuously advocates for all students and animals at NC State. Because of his support and friendship, I am now pursuing my dream of becoming a veterinarian. Thank you for all you have done for me and the students of NC State, Dr. Flowers!
Odai Mansour ’21: Honoring Dr. Julie Casani
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Julie Casani. I met Dr. Casani my freshman year, and she helped encourage me to explore global health academically and professionally. Since freshman year she has remained a mentor and has helped shape how I view medicine and health. I am so grateful for Dr. Casani’s help over the past four years, I would not be where I am today without her support!
Nikhil Milind ’21: Honoring Dr. David Aylor
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. David Aylor. As my mentor over the last four years, Dr. Aylor has been consistently invested in my success. He has given me the confidence to pursue a future career in the field of genetics and provided me with the fundamental tools I will need to make an impact. I am grateful for all his mentorship, guidance, and support!
Jenna Nabors ’21: Honoring Prof. Paul Isom
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Professor Paul Isom in the Department of English. Prof. Isom has been my Park Faculty Mentor since my first semester at NC State and has been one of my biggest supporters throughout college. This past year, he helped me throughout my graduate school application process and also wrote me a letter of recommendation. I am so grateful for the support of Prof. Isom over the past four years.
Anna Owens ’21: Honoring Dr. Lina Battestilli and Ms. Leslie Rand-Pickett
My donation to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Lina Battestilli and Leslie Rand-Pickett, two advisors for Women in Computer Science at NC State. Dr. Battestilli and Ms. Rand-Pickett have gone above and beyond their job descriptions to facilitate WiCS events. Their support has allowed female students in the major to connect with one another, develop professional skills, and become passionate about a career in technology. I am so grateful for their selfless kindness!
Steven Rehard ’21: Honoring Ms. Eva Feucht ’02
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Eva Feucht. Since meeting Eva freshman year, the support and guidance she has provided me has far surpassed anything I could have ever asked for. Eva helped teach me how to make connections as well as grow my network which has led to several opportunities for professional growth. On top of that, Eva’s door has always been open to me to ask for personal growth advice and even help me through times when I have struggled to feel successful or “enough” of a Park Scholar. People like Eva helped me fall in love with this university and there is no one who has positively impacted my NC State experience as much as her!
Haley Ritchie ’21: Honoring Dr. Kim Roberts ’01
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Kim Roberts. My first year at NC State, Dr. Roberts offered to be my mentor when I was in a pinch. Ever since that day outside of PCJ, Dr. Roberts has provided me with guidance and motivation that helped shape my college experience in the best way. I am so thankful for the time Dr. Roberts has taken to be both a mentor and friend to me these past four years!
Elise Romola ’21: Honoring Ms. Bonnie Yarboro
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Bonnie Yarboro, the Director of Admissions for the Poole College of Management. Throughout my time at NC State, Bonnie has served as a mentor and an advisor to me, and is someone who I could go to with any problem. Bonnie has connected me with so many opportunities, like serving on the Dean Nomination Committee and as a Poole Ambassador. Bonnie’s office door is always open for me to seek advice and steal candy, and she has been invested in my personal and professional development since I met her as a senior in high school at a DECA Competition. I’m so grateful to have had Bonnie as my cheerleader in college, and I couldn’t imagine my college experience without her.
Lauren Spell ’21: Honoring the University Scholars Program
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of the NC State University Scholars Program, which I feel has truly changed my experience as an undergrad. From freshman year forum to my study abroad experience in Florence, Italy, the University Scholars Program has provided me countless opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone and explore new things. Participating in this program has made me a much more well-rounded individual by encouraging me to participate in cultural events, research, and travel. I am very thankful for the support and opportunities that the program staff have provided me over the years!
Ethan Strubinger ’21: Honoring Dr. Michael Dickey
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Prof. Michael Dickey. I began working in the Dickey Research Group my freshman year working with liquid metal microfluidics. Prof. Dickey changed my experience at NC State because of the opportunities and challenges he presented me. I knew I could always count on him as a mentor in research and in life. I am so grateful for the impact that Dr. Dickey had on my growth while I attended NC State!
Matt Traenkle ’21: Honoring Dr. Kim Roberts ’01
I am honoring Dr. Kim Roberts with my gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship. I met Dr. Roberts when I first toured NC State during my senior year of high school, and she was one of the people who called me upon receiving the Park Scholarship and helped me make the best decision to come to NC State! Since then, Dr. Roberts has served as my Park Faculty Mentor and a good friend on campus, supporting me in all my endeavors and challenging me to do my best. Dr. Roberts has been an incredible member of my team at NC State over the past four years, and I am so grateful for her!
Ana Sofia Uzsoy ’21: Honoring Dr. Jo-Ann Cohen
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Jo-Ann Cohen, who is a professor in the Department of Mathematics. Dr. Cohen was not only my MA225 professor, but also served as a mentor to me. I remember meeting with her and bringing up my doubts about whether or not I should apply to the Goldwater Scholarship, and if I had any chance of getting it. She encouraged me to apply and helped me with my application, and I ended up receiving the award. She is a wonderful advocate for all students and especially for women in STEM, and her office door is always open for students to come by and chat. I am so fortunate that I was able to get to know Dr. Cohen during my time at NC State!
Amy Ward ’21: Honoring Ms. Lara A. Lemon
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in memory of Lara A. Lemon, an amazing neighbor and friend. Lara and her family have been a blessing to me during college. Their kindness has been invaluable to me.
Emma West ’21: Honoring Dr. Miriam Ferzli
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Dr. Miriam Ferzli. I chose Dr. Ferzli as my Park Faculty Mentor after having her as a professor my first semester freshman year. She is an outstanding teacher and I continued to learn from her during all four years at NC State. Dr. Ferzli taught me how to conduct scientific research with the Research PackTrack program she developed. Dr. Ferzli always made time in her busy schedule to advise me on my personal and professional goals. I am so grateful for the support of Dr. Ferzli over the past four years!
Taylor White ’21: Honoring Dr. Alice Lee
Dr. Lee has been my go-to person at NC State since I was a freshman. She has served not only the role of a mentor, but also as a confidant and role model. She was the first one to suggest I look into optometry as a career path and helped me every step of the way as I was applying to schools. She was one of the first people I told when I decided where I would be attending. I am so thankful for Dr. Lee and I cannot imagine my time at NC State without her.
Nicolas Wirtz ’21: Honoring Ms. Maura McCarthy, Study Abroad Office
My gift to the Employee Dependent’s Tuition Scholarship is in honor of Maura McCarthy who works at the NC State Study Abroad Office as an international programs coordinator. Maura had been an advocate for me in my study abroad endeavors. She assisted my pursuit to study abroad in Hong Kong through encouragement, guidance, and assistance while I was there. There were many times when I was abroad where I felt unsafe and I knew that Maura would be there for me any day at any time to help me and ensure my safety and well-being. I am so grateful for countless ways she has supported me!
Lindsay Wrege ’21: Honoring Mr. Keith Esbenshade, NC State Dining
Whenever I saw Keith in Talley, he would make my day. Keith worked in the Talley Food Service team in the food court, and he is proud to be a part of NC State. His positive attitude and upbeat presence reminded me to be grateful for this community. I’m proud to donate on behalf of Keith!