This year, over 100 students submitted applications for competitive fellowships for the 2025-26 academic year, marking the largest group ever. The 'I Hit Submit!' celebration at the Shore Club on December 4 acknowledged their ambition and perseverance.
“This year’s applicants have shown incredible determination,” said Ashley Staples, director of External Fellowships and Scholarly Development. Students applied for over 20 different national and international merit-based awards.
The event included student speakers who shared their experiences with the application process. “Applying to awards helps create a vision for yourself where you learn to articulate your goals and interests,” said Gabriella Vaccaro, an undergraduate student and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipient. “You’re met with tangible feedback to make improvements that will assist you as you apply to other opportunities in the future.”
Graduate student speaker Anastasia Iorga, a recipient of the American Association of University Women American dissertation fellowship, encouraged persistence among fellow students applying for fellowships. “It is a numbers game! All it takes is one, so be sure to apply for each award you might be interested in. Each application experience is an important step on your journey. Take this moment to congratulate yourself and continue trying and putting yourself out there.”
While some applicants have already received notifications from programs such as the Marshall Scholarship and Gilman Scholarship, most are still awaiting final decisions expected by spring. This waiting period can be nerve-wracking, making this celebratory event an opportunity to recognize the hard work already accomplished.
Faculty and staff who supported students by writing recommendation letters, providing essay feedback, and mentoring were also recognized. “The encouragement and support from mentors and peers during this time are invaluable,” Staples added.
David Rubenstein, associate dean of the Graduate School and a former Goldwater scholar, praised the applicants for their hard work and dedication. “You’ve challenged yourselves to articulate your visions through writing, revising, and refining your applications — a skill that is invaluable across any profession. I can attest to not only the hard work that you have put into these applications but also the critical skills that you’ve honed through the process.”
By the end of the spring semester, most applicants will learn whether they’ve secured fellowships, an accomplishment that will be recognized at the Graduate School’s Wall of Honor ceremony in spring.