Stamps Scholars welcomed to campus

The Class of 2023 Stamps Scholars begin their first year at the University of Miami.
Eight new Stamps Scholars joined the University of Miami this semester, bringing to 34 the total number of Stamps Scholars on campus.

The University of Miami’s newest cohort of Stamps Scholars recently gathered for a meet and greet with University President Julio Frenk and other senior leaders.

The eight students bring to 34 the number of Stamps Scholars on campus whose scholarships are generously supported by E. Roe Stamps, the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation, and the University.

“We are so very grateful to Roe for his extraordinary support of this scholarship,” said Frenk, who added that the range of majors of the new scholars brought back memories of him sitting at the family dinner table, surrounded by doctors and musicians.

Julio Frenk and William Scott Green meet with the newest Stamps Scholars.
President Julio Frenk and Senior Vice Provost William Green meet with the newest Stamps Scholars.

He went on to congratulate the newest scholars, “Your impressive accomplishments are a testament to your talent and commitment to excellence. It is an honor to welcome you to the University of Miami as the Stamps Scholars Class of 2023.”

The prestigious Stamps Scholarship funds each student’s four-year education—including extracurricular activities, study abroad, research, and academic conferences. Each year, high school seniors applying for a Stamps Scholarship are put through a rigorous process that examines a record of academic success, leadership potential, and demonstrated talent.

Three of this year’s eight students will pursue their studies at the School of Nursing and Health Studies, the College of Engineering, and the College of Arts and Sciences: Abigail Adera, Inverness, Florida, public health, School of Nursing and Health Studies; Christian Gibson, Oviedo, Florida, biomedical engineering, College of Engineering; and Pavan Gudoor, Coral Springs, Florida, neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences.

Five Ensemble Scholars will make up the  Stamps Woodwind Quintet and pursue their studies at the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music. They include: AJ Meyer, Boynton Beach, Florida, Instrumental Performance, Flute; Emily Mendez, Miami, Florida, Instrumental Performance, Oboe; Cameron Leonardi, Coral Springs, Florida, Instrumental Performance, Clarinet; Sofia Friedlander, Seattle, Washington, Instrumental Performance, Bassoon; and Benjamin Fowler, Louisville, Kentucky, Instrumental Performance, Horn.

Adera, who is studying public health, said receiving the scholarship changes everything for her.

“This scholarship causes me to become much more conscious of the toolbox of skills and information I wish to collect during my undergrad years,” she said, adding that she can’t wait to collaborate with and learn from current scholars. “There is no shortage of inspiration and direction for us new scholars.”

Fowler, part of the Woodwind Quintet, said being in the ensemble will be a welcome challenge.

“I’m excited about growing as a musician and a person,” he said. “At the Frost School of Music we’re surrounded by amazing facilities and staff. I speak for the entire quintet when I say we’re thankful to be here.”