KUA Announces Recipients of 2025-2026 Cullman Scholarships
Kimball Union Academy announced the recipients of Cullman Scholarships for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.
Considered among KUA’s highest honors, the Cullman Scholarship Program was established in 1983 with a gift from Hugh Cullman ’42 and supports students in off-campus study opportunities. The Cullman Scholarship Selection Committee chose 10 students from among 36 applications to pursue opportunities that develop leadership skills, global and environmental awareness, and service to others.
“It was clear that each student committed significant time to prepare their applications, and we enjoyed learning about their respective passions and interests,” said Assistant Head of School Dr. Angela Yang-Handy P’28, a member of the committee. “We were so impressed by the quality of the applications, and the scholarship recipients’ proposals rose to the top due to the rigor of their program or experience, clarity of articulated personal purpose and passion, and anticipated impact on the KUA community beyond the time of their experience.”
To apply for a Cullman Scholarship, students must be in their sophomore or junior years and in good academic and disciplinary standing. Once accepted, scholarship recipients embark on their Cullman experience over summer break and report back to the campus community during All-School Meetings the following fall.
The 2025-2026 Cullman scholarship recipients:
Maddie ’26: Healthcare Volunteer Project — Palawan, Philippines
“I hope to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of my mom’s native country. Additionally, I am looking to learn about healthcare in a rural setting to help me determine if I am interested in studying medicine or a related field in the future. I hope that attending this program will support me in my journey towards discovering my true passions.”
Jasper ’26: The Second World War: Personal Narratives and Popular Memory — Brown University; Vermont Refugee Resettlement Center Volunteer — Colchester, Vermont
“I hope to better understand my grandmother’s work an activist and volunteer in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War of 1937 and World War II. I love history and plan to major in it in college, so learning how to read both primary and secondary sources thoroughly will serve me well. I will also volunteer at the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Center in Colchester, Vermont to not only improve the lives of others but to also gain a better understanding of myself and the world around me.”
Olivia ’26: Fashion Business Plan — Polimoda: The Fashion School in Florence, Italy
“The program I have selected, Fashion Business Plan by Polimoda: The Fashion School in Florence, Italy, will teach me the business and marketing aspects of the fashion industry while helping me create a concrete business plan focused on providing accessible and stylish clothing to people with diverse physical needs. Being surrounded by people who are passionate and educated about fashion marketing will help me learn how to find success doing what I love: promoting inclusive brands to those who need access to them.”
Dash ’26: Texas State Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp — Texas State University
“Math has always been more than just numbers for me—it's about the thrill of discovery. Attending this program and exploring advanced mathematics while collaborating with peers who share my enthusiasm for mathematical exploration will significantly enhance my growth in the subject. I plan to further my education in mathematics at college and later pursue a career in the field.”
Ella ’26: Internship at Vermont Integrated Architecture — Middlebury, Vermont
“During my internship, I intend to explore the practice of architecture and the business and planning that comes with it. I also plan to shadow and/or assist architects at the firm in drafting and working on KUA-specific projects. This will give me a deeper understanding of the work that goes into the facilities on campus while exploring architecture, design, and environmental science.”
Lili ’26: Pre-College Design, Computational Biology & Art program — Carnegie Mellon University
“Attending this program will allow me to engage in a diverse curriculum that includes foundational courses in art and science and interact with faculty and peers who provide a valuable introduction to college life and new academic challenges. Furthermore, I am intensely interested in combining artistic expressions across many media and materials.”
Stone ’26: Central Conservatory of Music — Beijing, China
“Participating in this program will significantly enrich my growth as both a musician and a scholar. Learning from professionals, I will have a chance to understand music theory and different musical styles deeply and master more knowledge of composition. This experience will not only refine my technical skills but also my ability to express my emotions and feelings through music, allowing me to develop my unique musical voice.”
Marco ’26: Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) — Boston University
“I want to use technology to create better lives for me and the people around me. I believe that innovation requires hand-on laboratory experience, which is a skill I am desperately lacking. I have never worked in a university-level research environment; therefore, the RISE program is an invaluable and crucial step in my journey to become a computer engineer.”
James ’26: Ross Mathematic Program — Otterbein University
“I will be able to cultivate my growth in mathematical problem-solving skills and insight. Through an experience of solely focusing on a single branch of math for six weeks, I am expecting a boost on my proficiency and knowledge on number theory. It will be a unique and fruitful opportunity to experience an activity I have done mostly on a personal level with 90 other peers who share the same passion.”
Ella ’27: Explorations in Dental Medicine — Tufts University; Bali Island Health Expedition — Bali
