The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is excited to congratulate and welcome two first-year students to its Class of 2029 Scholars. These Scholars exemplify the authenticity, curiosity, and commitment to change that we believe are core components of transformational leadership.

Duke University	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ruby Kosek	Eden Lewke

“We are thrilled to welcome Ruby and Eden to our Robertson Scholars 2029 cohort. These emerging leaders will bring their unique perspectives to our community. One of our goals in adding students in their first year is to increase the diversity of perspectives and interests represented in our cohorts, and Eden and Ruby will certainly leave their mark on the Class of 2029,” said Kay-Frances Brody, Director of Recruitment & Selection for RSLP. The newly selected Scholars bring the total cohort size to twenty-nine.

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program invests in young leaders who strive to make transformational contributions to society. Scholars are selected based on their outstanding commitment to purposeful leadership, intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to their communities.

“I was drawn to the Robertson because I find myself compelled to seek out communities of passionate, kind, curious, and driven people,” Eden shared.

Eden plans to study economics and policy, with a minor in history. She is excited to enhance her studies with immersive classes at Duke in philosophy, sociology, religious studies, and political science. “I see the dual-citizenship component of the program as an opportunity to learn from, be inspired by, and engage with an expansive network of brilliant thinkers.” Her goal is to pursue a career in immigration law. “It’s a career where I can make change on a very real and human level through advocacy and argument. I genuinely see personal fulfillment in a life spent serving others, and the idea of doing so through this avenue is tremendously exciting.”

Ruby Kosek first became curious about the Robertson after riding the Robertson Express to visit a friend at UNC. “The Scholars I met on the bus were intellectually curious and so excited about their classes on both campuses. I’m drawn to the big questions they ask and to their shared sense of possibility and responsibility.”

As a Robertson Scholar, Ruby plans to major in philosophy, minor in visual arts, and complete a certificate in Ethics & Society. “By studying philosophy, politics, and art at both Duke and UNC, I hope to develop more critical and creative ways of engaging with contemporary challenges, including how to strengthen civil rights and democracy,” she said.

Andrew Lakis, Executive Director of the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, shared: “We deeply believe in the transformative power of the Robertson experience and in the capacity of these young leaders to drive meaningful, lasting change on campus and far beyond. Eden and Ruby are already challenging themselves and growing in inspiring ways. We’re excited to support them as they continue to discover their purpose and broaden their impact.”

Robertson Scholars receive student privileges at both Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill, including opportunities to pursue second majors and minors, enroll in courses, and participate in extracurricular leadership opportunities across both campuses. During the academic year and throughout the summer, the program provides signature programming and self-directed learning experiences designed to encourage Scholars to explore, take action, and reflect on the impact of their choices in service of others.

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program was established in 2000 through the vision and generosity of the late Julian Robertson, a 1955 graduate of UNC, and his wife, Josie. Inspired by their sons—one of whom graduated from Duke in 1998 and another from UNC in 2001—the Robertsons believed that each institution offered a distinctive undergraduate education, but that the combination of the two created an unmatched breadth and depth of experience. The first Robertson Scholars matriculated in 2001.

The Robertson alumni network includes 632 leaders across six continents, united by a shared commitment to making transformational contributions to their communities worldwide. This year marks the milestone of 25 years of Robertson Scholars on campus at Duke and UNC.