We are pleased to announce that the 2026–2027 Kennedy Scholars have been chosen. This award is named in honor of the Kennedy Center’s namesake, statesman David M. Kennedy, who exemplified all things international in his business career and in his service to the Church. The award aims to identify students who embody the aims of the Kennedy Center; recipients receive a monetary stipend to go toward tuition.
This year's Kennedy Scholars are as follows:
- Will Van Hoff, Economics with a minor in Russian
- Nina Harris, International Relations with minors in Asian Studies and Japanese
- Sydney Jezik, Political Science and Arabic with minors in Communications and Middle East Studies
- Eleanor Reynolds, Middle East Studies/Arabic with minors in Global and Community Impact and Global Women's Studies
- Nazanin Paymard, Microbiology with minors in Chemistry, Classical Studies (Greek option), and Middle East Studies
- Emma Hardy, Economics with a minor in Japanese
- Mariana Lopez Gomez, Political Science: International Strategy and Diplomacy Emphasis with minors in Global and Community Impact and International Development
- Olivia Parish, International Relations with a minor in European Studies
- Kara Weiland, International Relations with a minor in Business
- Lydia Rothas, International Relations and Economics with a minor in Spanish
- Jacob Jackson, International Relations with a minor in Anthropology
Recipients must be full-time undergraduate BYU students who embody the aims of the Kennedy Center; special consideration is given to students with an international or global focus, as demonstrated through majors, minors, participation in Kennedy Center programs, theses, research projects, or internships.
Applications are due each spring for the following academic year; visit the Kennedy Scholars page to learn more.