Three First-Year Students Join Class of ’27

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is excited to congratulate and welcome three first-year students to its current Class of 2027 Scholars. The Scholars selected exemplify the authenticity, curiosity, and commitment to change that we believe are core components of transformational leadership.
- Annelise Bowers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Annabelle Qian, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Maggie Yang, Duke University
“Since 2010 the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program has seen the value in asking current first-year students to join our community. These young leaders hit the ground running at Duke & UNC, and contribute a robust diversity of thoughts and interests to our cohort. We’re thrilled to welcome Annelise, Annabelle, and Maggie to our Class of 2027 and are excited to support them in our on-going effort to invest in dynamic young leaders,” said Kay-Frances Brody, Director of Recruitment & Selection for RSLP. The newly selected Scholars bring the total number in the cohort 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 students’ demonstration of outstanding commitment to purposeful leadership, intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and making transformational contributions to the communities of which they are a part.
Andrew Lakis, Executive Director for the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program shared, “The Robertson community is truly unique. We wholeheartedly believe in the power of transformational leadership, and are committed to providing Scholars with diverse and rewarding experiences that invite them to step into their power as young leaders. Annelise, Annabelle, and Maggie have already demonstrated a commitment to their campuses through their leadership and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to discern their purpose and grow their impact over time. We’re thrilled to have them join our Robertson Scholars community, and are excited to see the contributions they will make.”
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 579 leaders on six continents, linked together by a common goal to make transformational contributions to their communities across the globe.