On March 5 and 6, NC State welcomed the 96 semifinalists for the Park Scholarship’s Class of 2030. Here is a quick look at the highlights from the weekend.
Friday, March 5
- On Friday morning, finalists had the oportunity to spend time in their respective colleges. From the high-tech labs of Centennial Campus to the historic halls of the main campus, candidates met with faculty and ate lunch with student ambassadors to see how their specific interests could be explored if they came to NC State.
- Current Park Scholars led tours of campus, including the Park Commons in Peele Hall, Honors Village and Talley Student Center.
- After a full day of exploring and learning about NC State, finalists and their families were invited to attend Finalists Dinner. During cocktail hour, guests mingled with current NC State students, faculty and staff, viewed posters of their Park Enrichment Grant (PEG) projects and had a chance to visit booths to talk with various groups across campus. During the dinner, finalists heard from Eva Feucht ’02, director of the Park program, Chancellor Kevin Howell (who was also attending Finalists Dinner for the first time!) and keynote speaker Neal Robbins ’01 (the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture).
Saturday, March 6
- On Saturday morning, finalists gathered at the James B. Hunt Jr. Library. This day included panels about the Park program and NC State, lots of chances to talk with current Park Scholars and finalist interviews.
- The day concluded with a conversation with Eva Feucht, director, where she answers any final questions, addresses expectations and reinforces the lifelong community that awaits the Class of 2030 at NC State.
We are grateful to all of the finalists and their families who attended FSA 2026. And we want to offer a big thank you to the Selection Committee, made up of NC State faculty and staff (including leadership), alumni, parents and friends of the program.
