News and Recipients

Featured News and Stories

The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards is dedicated to celebrating student and alumni achievements while sharing updates on prestigious scholarship, fellowship and award opportunities. For more NCA news, success stories and upcoming opportunities, visit the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards blog.

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Alumni Receive Fulbright Opportunities

College of Charleston alumni Eliana Abbriano ('25) and Gracie Pace ('23) have received Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants for 2026–27. Selected from over 10,500 applicants, both were recognized for academic excellence and cross-cultural engagement.

View Fulbright Alumni Success
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Past news and stories

The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards news archives highlight student and alumni achievements, scholarship announcements, and fellowship opportunities. Explore previous stories to learn more about how students have earned awards and participated in competitive programs both nationally and internationally.
  • College of Charleston Student Named NOAA Hollings Scholar

    Smiling young woman with long brown hair sitting on an ornate park bench, wearing a navy sweater and white pants, with greenery in the background.

    Marine biology student Madigail Jozic has been named a 2026–28 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings Scholar, a highly competitive program that supports undergraduate students pursuing careers in oceanic and atmospheric sciences. Jozic was recognized for her academic achievements, research experience, and commitment to marine conservation. The scholarship provides funding for two years of study and a paid NOAA internship, helping prepare the next generation of environmental scientists and public servants. 

    Jozic named NOAA Hollings Scholars
  • College of Charleston Junior Named Goldwater Scholar

    A smiling male student with glasses and a light blue button-down shirt, standing outdoors with arms crossed.

    College of Charleston junior Alexander Bielicki has been named a 2026–27 Goldwater Scholar, one of the nation's most prestigious awards for undergraduate students pursuing research careers in science, engineering and mathematics. A triple major in physics, astrophysics and mathematics, Bielicki was recognized for his outstanding academic achievements and commitment to scientific research. Read more about Bielicki's accomplishment and his plans to pursue a career in theoretical physics.

    Bielicki named Goldwater Scholar
  • College of Charleston named a Top Producer of Fulbright Students

    Shield-shaped badge reading “Fulbright Top Producer U.S. Student Program” with a globe icon and the years 2025–2026.

    The College of Charleston has been recognized as a Top Producing Institution for Fulbright U.S. Students for the 2025–26 academic year, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and student success. The designation recognizes colleges and universities with the highest number of students and recent alumni selected for the prestigious Fulbright Program, which supports international study, research, and teaching opportunities. 

    Read Fulbright Student Story
  • Ronit Pathak named Rhodes Scholarship Finalist

    Ronit Pathak standing in front of the Medical University of SC hospital.

    College of Charleston alum Ronit Pathak ('25) has been named a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, becoming the College's third student since 2008 to reach this stage of the prestigious competition. A biochemistry and international studies double major, Pathak was recognized for his academic excellence, research accomplishments and commitment to leadership and service. Read more about his achievement and aspirations to advance global health and public policy.

    Read Pathak's Rhodes story
  • Hali Kai Lujan Castro selected for Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange

    Woman smiling with shoulder-length dark hair wearing a black top outdoors, with a white fence and trees in the background.

    College of Charleston alumna Hali Kai Lujan Castro ('24) has been selected for the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals program. One of just 65 Americans chosen nationwide, Castro will spend a year in Germany studying, completing an internship and participating in a cultural exchange experience designed to strengthen German-American relations. Read more about Castro's achievement and her upcoming international journey.

    Read Castro's Germany experience
  • CofC Grads Receive Prestigious Fulbright Awards

    Campus entrance with a streetlamp banner reading “College of Charleston,” with trees and a gate in the background.

    Three recent graduates from the College of Charleston have received Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards, one of the nation's most competitive international scholarships. The program allows students to study, teach, or conduct research in other countries while building cultural connections.

     

    Meet Our Fulbright Recipients
  • CofC Student Receives Critical Language Scholarship

    Smiling woman with natural curly hair standing outdoors in front of a house, with a softly blurred background.

    Taylor Henry, an international studies junior at the College of Charleston, has been selected for the prestigious 2025 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), a fully funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

     

    Meet Our CLS Recipient
  • 10 CofC Students Named 2025 Gilman Scholars

    Travel-themed stickers on a red background, featuring a large “Adventure Awaits” badge surrounded by smaller “Study Abroad” stickers with illustrated landmarks.

    Ten College of Charleston students have been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a nationally competitive award that helps students with financial need study or intern abroad. The scholarship gives students the chance to gain international experience, explore new cultures and build skills that will benefit them in their future careers.

     

    Meet Our 2025 Gilman Scholars