First class of Sophomore Selection scholars to graduate from UNC–Chapel Hill this May, Pt. 1 with Clara DiVincenzo ’26 of Raleigh

It’s been nearly three years since the Morehead-Cain Foundation launched the Sophomore Selection process. The program was established to identify second-year students at Carolina who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, leadership, and character.

This year marks a historic milestone: the first class of Sophomore Selection scholars will graduate this May from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. These fifteen scholars joined the Morehead-Cain Program in fall 2023.

In this episode, host Oni Terrado ’27 sits down with Clara DiVincenzo ’26 to reflect on her journey as a Morehead-Cain Scholar, from coral reef research and global experiences abroad to professional work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Clara shares how she embraced the four pillars of the Morehead-Cain Program, navigated challenges, and remained grounded in authenticity throughout her college experience. The scholar is a biology and statistics double major and marine sciences minor.

Sophomores are nominated through Morehead-Cain’s network of campus partners, including professors, department heads, teaching assistants, and staff from scholarship, service, extracurricular, and cultural programs. Morehead-Cain invites nominees to apply early in the fall semester. Learn more about the Sophomore Selection Process.

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