From left to right: Eleanor Bolton ’25, Jessica Hoffman ’25, Eliam Mussie ’25, and Clara DiVincenzo ’26
Four Morehead-Cain Scholars have been recognized with 2025 Chancellor’s Awards, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s highest student honors for academic achievement, student activities, and leadership. Eleanor Bolton ’25 and Jessica Hoffman ’25 received awards for their leadership and service, while Eliam Mussie ’25 and Clara DiVincenzo ’26 were honored for academic excellence.
THE FRANK PORTER GRAHAM AWARD
Recipient: Eleanor Lindsay Bolton ’25
This award, established in 1963, is presented to the graduating senior who has made the most outstanding contribution to a realization of the human ideals of equality, dignity, and community.
“Eleanor has served as a member of Campus Y Student Organization Executive Board since 2021 and also serves as a member of the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Committee, working to advocate for inclusive spaces for the student body. She exemplifies the ideals of equality, dignity, and community through her work, specifically targeting the issues of visibility and accessibility for students with disabilities on campus.”
THE IRENE F. LEE AWARD
Recipient: Jessica Hoffman ’25
Established in 1955, this award honors the senior woman judged most outstanding in leadership, character, and scholarship.
“Jessica engages with the world with humility and respect, carrying her identity and deep connection to her roots with quiet strength. She’s a brilliant friend and a vital part of her family, gracefully using her voice and skills to encourage others and advocate for those facing systemic barriers. She inspires, empowers, and has built a legacy of meaningful change that embodies the essence of this award.”
THE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES
Recipient: Urael Eliam Mussie ’25
This award recognizes graduating students from the Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship who have demonstrated academic excellence and exceptional application of entrepreneurial thinking.
“Urael has been a steady and influential presence in the Shuford Program. In addition to his strong academic performance and entrepreneurial success, Urael has been an invaluable Shuford ambassador, consistently fostering inclusivity and collaboration. He has also excelled as a Teaching Assistant. What truly sets Eliam apart is his character—his unwavering determination to grow, learn, and uplift those around him.”
THE IRVINE HAGADORN AWARD
Recipient: Clara DiVincenzo ’26
Established in 1983, this award is given to an outstanding rising senior biology major for academic achievement and contributions to the department.
“The 2025 Irvine Hagadorn Award recipient is Clara DiVincenzo. She was selected by the Biology Undergraduate Awards Committee based on academic excellence, research, and contributions to the Biology Department. She is doing her research in the Castillo lab in Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences, has a 3.96 GPA, and has served as a peer mentor and SI leader, respectively, for BIOL 103 with Dr. Garland. In addition, she co-designed and co-authored the lab manual for BIOL 102L: Introduction to Biology Lab with Research, Coral-Algal Symbiosis beginning in the summer of 2023. For this course, she served as a teaching apprentice in Spring 2024 and a Teaching Assistant in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, leading students through independent research projects to characterize cnidarian-algae symbioses using the sea anemone Aiptasia. Since 2023, she has been a Biology Ambassador, and since Spring 2024, she chaired the research subcommittee, leading efforts to introduce future UNC Biology students to research in the department.”
In addition to the Hagadorn Award, Clara was also named a 2025 Goldwater Scholar, joining Lydia Owens ’27 in one of the nation’s most prestigious STEM scholarships.
