Belk Scholars are adventurous, curious, artistic, athletic, creative, collaborative and compassionate.

Their experiences reflect a varied range of interests, talents and achievements. They have a positive influence on their communities while on campus and after graduation. 

Get to Know Some of Our Scholars

Davidson has 32 Belk Scholars, all committed to building strong connections and sense of community with one another. Meet a few of the friendly Belk faces—all of whom are excited to welcome new students to the Belk Scholars family.

Photo About
Nikhil Basu headshot

Nikhil Basu '24

Home: Aurora, Illinois

Involvements: Prison Exchange program coordinator, Smith-Davidson Leadership Initiative (public policy program), Nonprofit Consulting, Dean Rusk Global Corps, FreeWord Poetry, Orchestra, Bhangra and Afrobeat dance.

Recent Summer Plans: Interning with an organization representing the Assembly of First Nations in national child welfare reform in Canada.

Use of Stipends: Completing a mountaineering course in Washington State as part of preparation for a post-graduation fundraising hike

A young woman with black hair smiling at the camera

Shreya Sharma '24

Home: Richmond, Virginia

Involvements: Student Initiative for Academic Diversity (SIAD), Davidson Mindfulness, Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement (DACE) Intern, More Inclusive Learning Environments (MILE) advisory, Davidson Bhangra captain, Pickleball Club, Co-Editor of Availing (religious life magazine), Psychology research assistant.

Recent Summer Plans: Internship with the West Virginia Behavioral Health Practicum.

Use of Stipends: Attending an all-women’s natural building collective in Portugal.

A young person with blue hair wearing a sweatshirt and collar smiles

Amelio Aragona '25

Home: Raleigh, North Carolina

Involvements: Oops! Improve Comedy, Student Initiative for Academic Diversity (SIAD), Queers and Allies (Q&A), Commonground, Research Assistant for Sociology professor.

Recent Summer Plans: Coursework toward premed requirements and preparing for a semester abroad focused on studio art.

Use of Stipends: Obtaining EMT certification.

A young man with brown hair wears a blue collar and smiles

Ephi Light '25

Home: Irvine, California

Involvements: Hobart Park literary magazine editor in chief, Jewish Student Union (JSU) executive board member, Davidson Outdoors trip leader, WALT radio show, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, teen facilitator for the Shalom Hartman Institute.

Recent Summer Plans: Participating in the Davidson in Cambridge program

A young Asian woman smiles while holding the leash on her service dog

Rui Rui Bleifuss '26

Home: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Involvements: Davidson Disability Alliance, Pan-Asian Student Association( PASA), Student Initiative for Academic Diversity (SIAD), Chidsey Leadership Fellow

Recent Summer Plans: Volunteering for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s summer camp and working with a school district’s equity team on increasing disability awareness among teachers and administrators.

A young Black man wears a blue top and smiles

Divin Dushimimana '26

Home: Kigali, Rwanda

Involvements: Math Tutor at local school, Davidson College Global Health Association, Deliberative Citizenship Initiative Fellow

Recent Summer Plans: Interning with a public health organization in Kigali

A young blonde woman wears a black dress and smiles

Neve Rauscher '26

Home: Salt Lake City, Utah

Involvements: Gamut Dance Company, Davidson Outdoors, Student Government Association, Turner Eating House

Recent Summer Plans: Traveling to Switzerland and France on a Dean Rusk grant to learn to make traditional Swiss cheese by living with a dairy farming family. Also leading the Outdoor Odyssey pre-orientation program!

A young woman with dark hair wears a floral black dress and smiles

Nina Worley '26

Home: New York, New York

Involvements: Student Government, Jewish Student Union (JSU) executive board, College Crisis Initiative (C2i) data collector, Women’s Club Soccer, Turner Eating House

Recent Summer Plans: Reimagining Education Summer Institute at Columbia University and interning for Teens Take Charge (focused on integrating NYC public schools through policy change and advocacy); participating in the Davidson in Northern Ireland program through the Educational Studies program.