As we close another impactful semester with the Luther Hodges Scholars Program, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our scholars, mentors, faculty partners, alums, and advisory council members who continue to shape this community with purpose and vision, putting the private sector to use for the public good.
This spring, the Luther Hodges Scholars Advisory Council met virtually for a lively and thoughtful discussion aimed at enhancing the program’s impact.
Scholar Riya Behari '27 reflects on the 2025 Luther Hodges Graduation Celebration, featuring a keynote from Dean Shimul Melwani and a graduate address from scholar Arnav Gunwani '25.
Annelies Goger’s talk made me think differently about education and career preparation. Instead of only asking what individuals need to do better, we should focus on how we build more inclusive, flexible systems.
Caroline Zedek, Class of 2027, went into The Business of Sports Panel expecting to strictly learn about NIL and sports marketing but left with an increased desire to pursue what fulfills her, even if it’s viewed as “impossible to break into” or “unrealistic.”
Each summer, the Luther Hodges Scholars program collaborates with for-profit and not-for-profit organizations across the globe to provide our students with a Cross-Sector Internship Experience. This initiative offers scholars a fully funded, eight-week internship in which they use their business skills and knowledge to address a particular societal need.
Rob Dwortz, Class of 2027, shares insights from the all-scholar event 'Living Room Conversations: The Future of Work.'
Incoming Class of 2027 Luther Hodges Scholars were warmly welcomed by upper-class scholars, faculty, and staff as they came together to mark the beginning of the Spring Semester.
Our fall semester has again been filled with new learnings, friendships, and experiences. During this holiday season, we are incredibly grateful for all of you who generously share your time, talents, and resources with our scholars.
After one of the most grueling weeks of my undergraduate journey—two midterms and four final group presentations—I desperately needed something to recharge my energy. That Friday morning, I found myself at a Living Room Conversation session hosted by the Luther Hodges Scholars program.
Our recent Explorations trip to Washington, D.C. through the Luther Hodges Scholars program provided the opportunity to visit the Department of Commerce (DoC) which offered us a unique perspective on how the federal government collaborates with and supports both the domestic and international business sectors. Kicking off our discussions, we met with Tonya Williams, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce and double Tar-Heel alum (B.A. ’95 & J.D. ’99), whose journey through government roles underscored the value of pursuing your passions and creating a continuous learning path. Throughout her career, Tonya has navigated a range of responsibilities, from working closely with the White House to leading strategic initiatives at the DoC, which employs a staggering 45,000 people.
During our Explorations trip to Washington, DC, over fall break, Luther Hodges Scholars had the privilege of meeting talented individuals working in a variety of impactful cross-sector roles. One of the highlights of the trip was our meeting with Jess Tracy, Director of Special Projects for the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.