Each year, the Alumni Association awards the Mathews Medal to a few outstanding graduates who have served as student leaders and made significant contributions to the advancement of the university. Four students were honored with the 2025 Mathews Medal distinction, including two Park Scholars, Rose Amburose ‘25 and Ferdinand “Freddy” Kelley ‘25.
Students who genuinely care about other students and utilize creative and innovative methods to engage in service are ideal candidates for this award. Rose shared, “The Alumni Association is interested in recognizing individuals who have pursued excellence in service and collaborated with multiple organizations for the sake of improving the campus community.”
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Park Scholars are highly considered and often awarded Mathews Medals. Our scholars are dedicated to the NC State community and are motivated to participate in service-based leadership opportunities.
“Park has always produced students who prioritize service and seek new ways to connect their education with community engagement.”
Rose Amburose ’25
Park Scholarships Congratulates Rose and Freddy!
We would like to uplift some of the dedicated work that earned them this honor and explore what this means to each of them.
First, take a moment to learn more about the Mathews Medal distinction. Read the following excerpt from this NC State Alumni Association article, originally published by Dana Wallace.
Alumni Association Excerpt
The Mathews Medal recognizes graduating seniors who have created a lasting legacy at NC State.
The copper wolves at Wolf Plaza near Talley on main campus. Photo by Marc Hall
As the highest non-academic distinction awarded to NC State students, the Mathews Medal honors graduating seniors who have served as student leaders and made significant contributions to the advancement of the university.
The Mathews Medal is named in honor of Walter J. Mathews, the first student to arrive on the North Carolina School of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts campus in October 1889. As an alumnus, Mathews remained deeply involved with the university and this annual award – presented each year at the Celebration of Pack Traditions – encourages student recipients to envision themselves as future alumni leaders.
NC State’s Alumni Association Student Ambassador Program is pleased to announce the 2025 award recipients.
Ferdinand Kelley
Ferdinand “Freddy” Kelley is a dual-degree student majoring in biochemistry and sociology with a minor in Global Health from Asheboro. As a Park Scholar and Thomas Jefferson Scholar, Kelley is recognized for their commitment to service, leadership, character and interdisciplinary excellence. Kelley serves as co-president of Park Under-Resourced Assistance (PURA), a mentorship program that supports under-resourced high school students navigating the college application and Park Scholarships interview process. They also serve as director of outreach and selection for SATELLITE Camp, a STEM enrichment program for students from underserved rural schools, where they developed equitable selection practices and led statewide outreach efforts.
As a Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University, Kelley explored policy solutions rooted in justice and community voice, building on their experience as a youth organizing intern with NC Child, where they organized youth advocacy initiatives focused on mental health policy. Their dedication to service extends to work as a mentor with College Mentors for Kids at NC State where they have mentored a 3rd grader for the past 3 years, a teaching assistant for Biochemistry 453/553, a drumline member in the NC State marching band, a co-chair of the Distinguished Speakers Committee to organize the 2023 Gerald H. Elkan Distinguished Lecture in Science and Society and 2025 William C. Friday Award, and leader of the Park Multiracial Community Group. In the fall, Kelley raised $5,000 in relief for McDowell County following Hurricane Helene. Lastly, Kelley has participated in multiple alternative service breaks, including projects in Hoonah, Alaska; Jonesville, Virginia; and Orlando, Florida.
Not surprisingly as a Park Scholar, Freddy is an excellent student. Freddy is academically gifted, but is more than that. They are eager to give back and serve as a mentor for others. For example, Freddy volunteers their time to help elementary school students and underserved high school students. Freddy truly wants to make a difference. Freddy has traveled to various parts of the country and world, with the goal of learning as much as possible and serving in ways to help others.
Rose Amburose
Rose Amburose is a Park Scholar pursuing dual degrees in philosophy and social work. She is first-generation immigrant, and her work on campus and beyond reflects a deep commitment to equity, justice and systemic change. At NC State, she is the founder and president of the Progressive Students Task Force. She also served as a presiding officer for the University Conduct Board and as a liaison for the National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC).
During her time at NC State, Amburose has organized large-scale advocacy events such as Drag for Equality and the Reproductive Rights March. She has raised thousands of dollars for humanitarian groups in Palestine and for the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Her leadership and scholarship have earned her several honors, including the NASW-NC Equity and Inclusion Student Award, the Equity for Women Award from the NC State Council on the Status of Women and the forthcoming Robert S. Bryan Philosophy Prize. In addition to her contributions on campus, Amburose has interned at notable public service organizations including Legal Aid of North Carolina, the Carolina Abortion Fund, the Council for Children’s Rights and Lutheran Services Carolinas. Across these organizations, Amburose has worked on child welfare research, eviction data analysis, refugee case management, abortion policy tracking and more.
Whether advocating for clients or engaging in community organizing, Amburose strives to build communities rooted in dignity, safety and care. After graduation, she will pursue the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program at NC State University as a graduate research assistant for Dr. Alan Ellis.
In her time here, Rose has contributed to the NC State community in diverse ways, including serving as a presiding officer of the University Conduct Board and a NASW-NC student liaison for the School of Social Work. In these roles, Rose is dedicated to directly advocating for students’ needs, whether that is during contact hearings or in department meetings. Her servant leadership is exemplified by the fact that Rose views advocacy as a means to empower others and also a way to learn and grow herself.
Park Asks, What Does This Mean for You?
Park Scholarships spoke with Rose and Freddy to understand what this honor means for each of them.
Rose Amburose ‘25
“The Mathews Medal is just as much about sustaining impact as it is about creating it.”
Q: How does it feel to receive this recognition?
“Receiving the Mathews Medal is an incredible honor. An award of this caliber reaffirms my contributions to the NC State community over the past four years. It emphasizes the vital importance of the organizations I worked with and highlights the various mentors, colleagues, and advisors who supported me.
However, on a personal level, this medal represents the responsibility I have to continue engaging in lifelong service. The Mathews Medal is just as much about sustaining impact as it is about creating it.”
Q: Can you tell me a bit about Freddy?
Freddy and I have known each other since before college, and they’ve always impressed me with their work ethic and willingness to take a stand.
Freddy questions the systems and practices that many of us take for granted, and identifies not just problems, but solutions. Their list of accomplishments is vastly impressive, but it’s their passion and commitment to educational equity that truly stand out. I am so proud to share this honor with them, and even prouder to call them a dear friend.
Freddy Kelley ‘25
“Coming into Park Scholarships from a rural and under-resourced community, I knew that my one goal was to make a difference.”
“Recently, my friend said something that stuck with me and put words to this initial goal of mine. We have to use the privileges that come with our accomplishments to empower those around us. Those accomplishments include success like receiving the Mathews Medal and the Park Scholarship, but even simply graduating from high school and college.”
We have to use the privileges that come with our accomplishments to empower those around us
Freddy Kelley ’25
With that said, I have tried to embody this with everything I do. From redesigning equitable processes with SATELLITE Camp to upholding the legacy that Park Alumni Sam Dotson ‘24 started as the Co-President of Park Under-Resourced Assistance (PURA), I have always worked to be a service-centric person.
Read About PURAI think the Alumni Association works to recognize this in students at NC State, including Rose, me, and others. Honestly, I was incredibly surprised when I received notification of this award because I knew so many other amazing people had applied, like Rose, who I have admired for so long.
Q: Can you tell me a bit about Rose?
Rose and I met in high school at a HOBY Ambassador event. I had no idea at the time that mine and Rose’s paths would cross again in the Park Scholarships. I have always admired her and how she is committed to advocating for others, especially those in the most need of a voice. As I reflect on this award, I am truly grateful to be recognized alongside her as we have stuck to our values and beliefs even when it felt like everything was against us.
I have used my privilege as a Park Scholar, and I will continue to use my privilege as a Mathews Medal recipient and now college graduate to empower my community.
We are so Proud!
Congratulations, Freddy and Rose! Your dedication did not go unnoticed. We hope that you carry this enthusiasm and momentum with you!