Scenes from the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower on March 30, 2026, on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
(Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)
Three Morehead-Cain Scholars have received 2026 Chancellor’s Awards, the University’s highest student honors for excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and leadership.
Genevieve Holliday ’26 has been recognized for academic excellence, while Rotimi Kukoyi ’26 and Christina Huang ’26 have earned accolades for their campus activities and leadership.
2026 Student Academic Awards
The Venable Medal
Recipient: Genevieve Holliday ’26
Genevieve Holliday ’26
The Venable Medal was established in 1955 by Rho Chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma and is presented annually by members of that professional chemistry fraternity to outstanding seniors majoring in chemistry. Recipients are selected based on scholastic and academic work within the chemistry program, as well as character and contributions to the University community and to chemistry. The award bears the name of Francis Preston Venable, chemistry professor from 1880 to 1930 and president of the University from 1900 to 1914.
“Ms. Genevieve (Gigi) Holliday was selected for the Venable Medal in recognition of her exceptional academic achievements, outstanding research accomplishments, and demonstrated leadership as an undergraduate scientist. With an overall GPA above 3.9, she has distinguished herself academically while making significant contributions to research as a member of the Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels (CHASE). She is also preparing to publish two papers based on her current work. Importantly, her research represents an independent, undergraduate-led project—a rare and impressive accomplishment at this level. Ms. Holliday is an extraordinarily talented student and a Morehead-Cain Scholar who exemplifies the very best of Carolina undergraduates. She is intellectually curious, creative, disciplined, and exceptionally capable. Her remarkable academic record and research achievements make her a most deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”
2026 Student Activities & Leadership Awards
The Edward Kidder Graham Award
Recipient: Christina Huang ’26
Christina Huang ’26
Named for Edward Kidder Graham, president of the University of North Carolina from 1914 to 1918, this award honors the graduating senior who has made the most outstanding contribution to the University through his or her work as a member of an officially recognized student organization. The recipient will have demonstrated consistent leadership, dedication, and innovation within the organization; contributed to the organization’s strength, vitality, and longevity; and assisted the organization in supporting the overall mission of the University.
Christina was selected for the Edward Kidder Graham Award for her leadership in the student organization TransparUNCy, where she has created profound community and engagement. Her work has had a powerful impact on campus, helping create an acute awareness of the University’s past and the current events and deliberations that define it today. Christina plays a vital role in cultivating conversations among students about the roles they can play in advancing the stated mission of the University, and her mentorship of other students ensures that TransparUNCy’s work will continue once she graduates.
The Irene F. Lee Award
Recipient: Rotimi Kukoyi ’26
Rotimi Kukoyi ’26
Irene F. Lee, who served as hostess and counselor in Cornelia Phillips Spencer Hall from 1925 to 1948, established this award in 1955. The award is presented annually to a member of the senior class who is judged most outstanding in leadership, character, and scholarship.
Rotimi was selected for the Irene F. Lee Award for his natural leadership and commitment to driving system-level change from the ground up. He is committed to a career that improves the lives of vulnerable patients and the communities in which he will practice through developing policies that support equity at the state, national, and global levels. He has been deeply involved in the Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) and Get Covered Carolina (GCC) and is the only undergraduate Public Voices Fellow with The OpEd Project. He has consistently chosen work that strengthens public institutions and expands access to opportunity.
