Chapel Hill & Durham, North Carolina, March 3, 2025– The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is excited to congratulate and welcome three first-year students to its current Class of 2028 Scholars. The Scholars selected exemplify the authenticity, curiosity, and commitment to change that we believe are core components of transformational leadership.

“We are thrilled to welcome Myat, Harper, and Simon to our Robertson Scholars 2028 cohort. These young leaders have already contributed to the Duke & UNC communities in diverse and vibrant ways, and we are excited to see how their campus contributions will grow as Scholars,” said Kay-Frances Brody, Director of Recruitment & Selection for RSLP. The newly selected Scholars bring the total number in the cohort to twenty-eight.

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 transformational contributions to their communities.

“I love the tight-knit culture of the Robertson community. Everyone is so uniquely motivated, introspective, and curious,” shared Simon. As a Robertson, Simon plans to pursue an interdisciplinary education focused on philosophy, engineering, AI, and art, “Opening up my education to the opportunities at Duke will help me take everything to the next level. I’m getting excited about the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics certificate program, studying abroad in Costa Rica, delving deeper into my interest in engineering, summer opportunities, and taking intriguing seminars. I’m also planning on getting involved in student organizations such as the creator and AI clubs.”

Myat Theingi hopes to become a human rights lawyer, tapping into the expansive Robertson network to gain valuable experience and mentorship. “The incredible Robertson network would allow me to deepen my understanding of human rights, produce advanced research, and gain hands-on experience with international organizations. Being surrounded by passionate changemakers and having the resources to turn ideas into action is exactly the kind of environment where I know I will thrive.”

“Through the Robertson, I plan to continue in my efforts as a reproductive rights and women’s health activist through both health science and policy. I am excited to explore the intersection of leadership and ethics while working alongside inspiring, young leaders,” said Harper. “I am overjoyed to join the Robertson community to bridge my passions of communication, policy, and science with a dual identity as a Blue Devil and Tar Heel. I am so excited to have the opportunity to make substantive change in my university communities and across the United States.”

Andrew Lakis, Executive Director for the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program shared, “We fully believe in the transformational experiences offered by the Robertson, and the power these young leaders have to effect meaningful and lasting change, not only on campus but also on a large scale for society and the communities they are a part of. The ways in which Harper, Myat, and Simon are already pushing boundaries and growing as leaders is inspiring. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to discern their purpose and amplify their impact over time.”

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 Robertson Scholars Leadership Program provides signature programming and self-directed learning experiences designed to invite Scholars to get curious, take action, and examine the impact of their choices.

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program was created in 2000 through the work 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 promised a breadth and depth of experience that no single university could match.

The Robertson alumni network consists of 601 leaders on six continents, linked by a common goal of making transformational contributions to their communities worldwide.