June 2026 Scholar Accolades
Kelsey Tainsh (2008) is now an author, sharing her powerful story of resilience in her new book, I’m Not Limping. That’s Swagger! which follows her journey through life-altering health challenges, including surviving a brain tumor and a stroke that left her paralyzed at fifteen.
Sally Nuamah (2007) was selected as a 2026 Bellagio Center resident by the Rockefeller Foundation, a prestigious 26-day residency on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.
Sally, an associate professor of political science at Northwestern University, School of Education and Social Policy, will join 86 other leading artists, policymakers, scholars, authors, practitioners and scientists from six continents. Her project, still in the early stages, examines African cultural production, sovereignty, and partisanship.
Ariona Cook (2023) was selected as a 2026 Truman Scholar representing the state of Kansas.
"Ariona founded the Rainbow Foster Home Initiative, developing nonjudgmental educational resources that equip families to better support their LGBTQ+ foster children. The initiative, now embraced by foster care agencies, has expanded to 95 counties across two states." - Duke Today
Jany Brown (1992) was named to Forbes' Best-in-State Wealth Advisor list for 2026 for the State of Georgia.
Michaella Gallina (2006) was featured in Forbes as “The CFO Who Bet on Herself.” The article explores her transition into a fractional CFO role, how that path differs from traditional CFO positions, lessons learned throughout her finance leadership career, and more.
Alumni News
March 2026 Scholar Accolades
Coke Scholar accolades featuring Yosh Miller (2005), Angela Nam (2000), Holly Sanchez Perry (2009), Mier Wang (2009), Kya Brooks (2021), and Claire Chi (2024).
January 2026 Scholar Accolades
Coke Scholars on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List, Schwarzman Scholars, and more!
December 2025 Scholar Accolades
Accolades featuring Florence Onyiuke (2022), Sophia Wang (2020), Alina Wilson (2019), Kashish Bastola (2022),