In 2001, the GAA established a $500,000 scholarship endowment that provides the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid a means to help attract the best and brightest students. In 2007, the GAA Board of Directors added $50,000 to the endowment in honor of GAA President Doug Dibbert ’70 and his 25 years of service.
Class of 2015 GAA Scholars
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We’d like to introduce the seven students from the class of 2015 who were recognized as our newest GAA and Dibbert Scholars.
Katherine Andrews
Hometown: Charlotte
Alumna parent: Melissa Warlick ’86
Major: Chemistry/Photojournalism
What activities are you taking part in at Carolina: Honors Carolina, Carolina Fever, Ballroom Dancing club
Professional plans: I would like to pursue forensic science or be a photographer for a periodical — or maybe even find a way to combine my interests in science and photography in a career.
Why Carolina: I have been to Chapel Hill a number of times throughout my life, and have always loved UNC’s campus. When I was applying to schools I wasn’t sure where I was going wind up going, but when I visited Carolina again after being accepted, something clicked and I knew I had to come here! I can pursue the academics that I am interested in here, and have fallen in love with the school.
Robert Bryan
Hometown: Charlotte
Alumnus parent: Kedar Bryan ’81
Major: Journalism and mass communication
What activities are you taking part in at Carolina: Alpha Tau Omega fraternity
Professional plans: To be a writer at a weekly magazine, such as TIME or Sports Illustrated
Why Carolina: A combination of the right programs, right people and the perfect place
Spencer Budd
Dibbert Scholar
Hometown: Burlington
Alumni parents: Julie Budd ’85 and Wesley Budd, Jr., ’86
Major: Biology
What activities are you taking part in at Carolina: Millennium Village Project, Students for Education Reform, intramural dodgeball
Professional plans: Undecided
Why Carolina: As a child I was, like so many others, literally Tar Heel born and bred. As I got older, however, I came to appreciate Carolina for so much more than simply what was passed on to me; I became drawn to its unique experience, the combination of academic rigor and social opportunities, the aura of its campus, and, most of all, being a part of its diverse, talented and passionate student body.
Joshua Casale
Hometown: Greensburg, Pa.Alumnus parent: David Casale ’79
Major: Mathematics
What activities are you taking part in at Carolina: Putnam Seminar, intramural sports, Carolina Fever
Professional plans: Graduate school in mathematics, then possibly research
Why Carolina: Carolina offered me the best spectrum of opportunities available, both in and outside of the classroom.
Amit Katyayan
Hometown: CaryAlumnus parent: Niranjan Kumar Thakur ’08 (MBA)
Major: Economics and mathematics
What activities are you taking part in at Carolina: Club volleyball and club tennis
Professional plans: Business or law school
Why Carolina: I chose Carolina because I saw the University had the most possible opportunities for me academically and professionally. My father received his MBA from Carolina and throughly enjoyed his time here. I hope to enjoy my time here, as well, and have high hopes for Chapel Hill.
What activities are you taking part in at Carolina: Club volleyball and club tennis
Professional plans: Business or law school
Why Carolina: I chose Carolina because I saw the University had the most possible opportunities for me academically and professionally. My father received his MBA from Carolina and throughly enjoyed his time here. I hope to enjoy my time here, as well, and have high hopes for Chapel Hill.
Chloe Opper
Hometown: Wilmington
Alumna parent: Sheri Offerman Opper ’82
Majors: Psychology and English
What activities are you taking part in at Carolina: American Red Cross club, volunteer at Pediatric Playroom at UNC Children’s Hospital, intramural dodgeball
Professional plans: Medical school
Why Carolina: Growing up, I always heard my mom talk about her wonderful experiences at Chapel Hill. I always wanted to attend, but the moment I knew for sure is when I visited Carolina on a college tour. The atmosphere is something that just can’t be replicated; it is a mixture of liveliness and academic rigor. Carolina is the college that has it all. It allows me to seek my full potential both inside the classroom and out in the community. It provides me with leadership and service opportunities. Also, who can forget that we have the best basketball team of all time? Carolina for me is the college experience. I am proud to be a Tar Heel.
Kristina Vrouwenvelder
Hometown: Chapel Hill
Alumni parents: Angela Shatas ’92 (MS)
Major: Undecided, probably chemistry
What activities are you taking part in at Carolina: I play the violin in the UNC Symphony Orchestra and I’m currently working at Carolina Performing Arts
Professional plans: Graduate school
Why Carolina: It’s a wonderful school, and I’ve always loved Chapel Hill.
What activities are you taking part in at Carolina: I play the violin in the UNC Symphony Orchestra and I’m currently working at Carolina Performing Arts
Professional plans: Graduate school
Why Carolina: It’s a wonderful school, and I’ve always loved Chapel Hill.
Your tax-deductible gift toward a scholarship of your choice can make a significant impact on what is a crucial deciding factor for many when considering Carolina.