NCSU College of Textiles Centennial Scholar Program

Carolyn Gillikin, Senior Textile and Apparel Management

The Cenntenial Scholars program is a scholarship program that is preparing outstanding textile students to be the future of the textile industry.

Four years ago when I was selected as a Centennial Scholar, I was excited about my future at NC State. Having just completed my last semester in the College of Textiles, I can truly say that my expectations have been exceeded.

I realized within the first few weeks of my undergraduate experience that the College of Textiles was the right environment for me. The personal attention and guidance I received from the faculty and staff could not have been better. I am convinced that the College of Textiles has the most helpful faculty and advisors on campus, along with the most updated facilities.

As a Centennial Scholar, I was able to meet and discuss issues with leaders in the textile industry, attend retreats, and tour plants and research facilities. In addition, the opportunities that were afforded me outside the classroom were invaluable. As part of the Centennial Scholarship, I was able to study abroad in Oxford, England and travel to France and Switzerland. I had never been outside of the United States before this experience. Not only did I learn about textiles, I gained a more global view of the world. The scholarship also enabled me to attend an Outward Bound session. This was one of the best experiences of my life and increased my confidence in my ability to lead. The Outward Bound experience, the summer study and travel in Europe, along with leadership opportunities in organizations such as Sigma Tau Sigma, KTB (Kappa Tau Beta), Phi Psi and TTSC (Tompkins Textile Student Council) have greatly impacted my personal growth and development.

The College of Textiles has also afforded me the opportunity to develop friendships with students from all parts of the world. Working on projects with fellow students from countries such as Guatemala, China, and Pakistan gave me the opportunity to benefit from their experiences and to gain a better understanding of the world. I have become friends with some of the most intriguing and motivated individuals.

Fall, 2004, I will continue my education by studying law at the UNC School of Law in Chapel Hill. One day I hope to work as a lawyer for the textile industry.