Scholars of Distinction | Barnard College

The Barbara Silver Horowitz ’55 Scholars of Distinction Program, formerly known as The Barnard Centennial Scholars Program, was established in 1985 to help the College educate extraordinary young women bound for achievement. The Program provides a unique four-year scholarly experience in a cohort with other outstanding students. It offers participants an intellectual community, interaction with special invited guests, occasional special events outside the university setting, funds to pursue research, and a chance under the mentorship of a faculty member or outside expert to create an ambitious final project that will be presented to faculty and peers. The nature of the work produced varies according to the student, as is discussed below, and may or may not be related to their Barnard capstone thesis.

Scholar cohort events begin in the student’s first year and continue throughout the Scholar’s time at Barnard. During a Scholar's first two years, these events (often sparked by student suggestions) are enfolded in a one-credit per semester course that is intended to foster community and encourage intellectual curiosity. Activities include attending scholarly events and seminars on campus, visiting off-campus cultural institutions and events, and social gatherings. Scholars often invite relevant faculty to participate in outings and discussions.
Every Scholar selects a faculty mentor by the spring of her second year and will work closely with this mentor to define and then plan her research project.
Scholars receive funding to utilize during the summers after their sophomore and junior years. This funding allows them the freedom to conduct research or implement their ideas, either on campus or as far afield as they like, depending on the nature of their project.
In their third and fourth years at Barnard, Scholars attend some seminars in which they workshop their ideas, research methods, drafts, and presentations with their more junior Scholar colleagues. Most of their work, however, will be undertaken in conjunction with their mentor. To acknowledge the work that goes into creating a polished and original final project, scholars will earn 1.5 credits each semester.

About Barbara Silver Horowitz

The Barbara Silver Horowitz ’55 Scholars of Distinction Program is supported by the enduring generosity of Gedale Horowitz and the late Barbara Silver Horowitz.

Barbara was a graduate of Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, a member of the Barnard Class of 1955, and received graduate degrees from Brooklyn College in 1957 and Teachers College in 1970. She worked as an Elementary School Guidance Counselor within the New York City Public School system. During her life, Barbara was actively involved with Barnard as an alumna. Her husband, Dale, as he is known, was a 1953 Columbia College graduate and served as a Barnard Trustee from 1976 until 2009. Dale and Barbara met at Barnard, at a Tea Dance in the James Room. Their daughter Ruth E. Horowitz is a 1983 Barnard alumna and current Trustee of the College. Altogether the Horowitzs have contributed nearly a century of outstanding service to the College and visionary leadership that has benefited students, alumnae, and the entire Barnard community.

Scholar Benefits & Responsibilities

Benefits: Community and credits

Scholars enter the program in a cohort and interact closely with their fellow Scholars throughout their time at Barnard. For their first two years, Scholars participate in a 1-credit per semester seminar that is designed to foster community, intellectual curiosity, familiarity with various methods of inquiry, and connections with potential mentors. Scholars meet two or three times a month and often provide input on readings, guest speakers, and outings. Students are expected to attend all events and meetings.

During their third and fourth years, Scholars take part in some seminars, social events and outings. The emphasis, however, is on holding regular meetings with their mentors and self-directed study. For this they will receive 1.5 credits a semester. More advanced Scholars will also workshop projects in progress and receive feedback on their ideas and presentations. A Scholar’s time at Barnard will culminate in a formal presentation of her project.

Benefits: Mentorship and guidance in project development

Mentorship is a key component of the Barbara Silver Horowitz ’55 Scholars of Distinction Program. With the assistance of the program directors, mentors are selected and recruited by the students at the end of their second year in the program. Typically chosen from the Barnard faculty—or occasionally from individuals outside the College who have expertise valuable to the Scholar—these individuals are compensated for their participation. Mentors serve as intellectual counselors and guides and are responsible for overseeing a project from its inception to its completion. Mentors and Scholars are expected to meet at least once a month. Initial meetings between a Scholar and her mentor focus upon the development of a project prospectus, budget, and timeline. In later meetings, a mentor will advise the Scholar and oversee the implementation and development of her project.

Benefits: Summer funding to help in project development

A Scholar’s final project may dovetail with her senior capstone thesis or it may focus on something completely unrelated. In order to encourage Scholars to be as bold and creative as possible in envisioning their project, each Scholar may receive as much as $9000 (not to exceed $4500 in a single summer). With the approval of her mentor and the Program directors, the Scholar may use the stipend in any manner that contributes to furthering or enriching her project. Possible uses include travel, facilitating research opportunities, subsidizing collaborations or production expenses, and the purchase of equipment, lessons, etc.

Responsibilities:

To maintain good academic standing throughout their time at Barnard.
To regularly attend seminars as well as events scheduled outside of class time (which will normally be determined prior to the start of classes).
To compose meditations on select events for the Scholars’ blog. See some examples here.
Juniors and Seniors are expected to meet regularly with their mentors, to attend seminar sessions and social events when requested, and to develop an ambitious and creative project.
Status in the Scholars Program is contingent on a student meeting the above expectations and providing evidence of their maturity and self-direction. If there are areas of concern, a committee will evaluate the student's continued status as a member of the program.

Eligibility

Scholars of Distinction are selected as first-year students during the admissions process. Prospective Scholars demonstrate advanced academic achievement and possess the intellectual focus and motivation necessary for creative, independent scholarship. The applicant's high school record, counselor and teacher recommendations, personal statement, and other factors are considered by the selection committee.

Faculty Directors

Co-Director Professor Shayoni Mitra

Shayoni Mitra works at the intersection of performance and politics. She teaches courses on gender and performance theory, as well as postcolonial drama and non-Western forms of theatre. Her teaching stresses transnational connections, and bridges the gap between the global North and South, putting into dialogue the histories of Western Realism with classical, folk, stylized, avant garde and improvised forms from around the world. As part of one of her courses, she maintains the collaborative digital humanities project Performing Women, with contributions from successive semesters of students.

Prof. Mitra actively embraces the scholar-practitioner-activist role encouraging the covalence of pedagogy and praxis. Her interest in political theatre stems from her years as an actor with Delhi-based street theatre group Jana Natya Manch. She has contributed essays to critical volumes such as Gender, Space, Resistance edited by Anita Singh, and Mapping South Asia Through Contemporary Theatre edited by Ashish Sengupta.

Her research appears in peer reviewed journals such as TDR, Asian Theatre Journal, Contemporary Theatre Journal, CSSAAME and others. Prof. Mitra's opinion editorials and writings on protest culture and student activism appear in The India Express, Columbia Spectator, and Inverse Journal. She is a recurring co-host with On TAP: A Theatre and Performance Studies Podcast. Before coming to Barnard, she taught at Brown and New York University in the United States and conducted lectures and theatre workshops in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Milia University and Delhi University in India.

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Co-Director Professor Homa Zarghamee

Homa Zarghamee is a behavioral and experimental economist. One line of her research uses laboratory and field experiments to examine individuals’ willingness to advance the material prosperity of others, and another analyzes survey data to understand how one’s own and others’ prosperity affects their sense of subjective well-being. She teaches courses in Behavioral Economics, Economics of Gender, and Narrative Economics.

Scholars

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Valeria Alanis 2026

I was planted in a Mexican border city called Reynosa, Tamaulipas, right across the South Texas Border. Having a basket of opportunities lying just next door, my mother decided to embark on an adventure that hasn’t quite yet ended. Every morning, while the sun remained peacefully dormant, I found myself half-asleep, traveling from one country to another and back for school. Although I was fairly young and full of collagen, I rapidly recognized the differences rooted between my two homes. I always remained thankful for this.

It was through the hardships that I harvested resilience and a prevailing frame of mind. In High School, I was President of Student Council, Ambassador of my school district, participant of NHS and SHS, and multiple time BPA state qualifier. Throughout this period of growth, I cultivated a myriad of fascinations. I discovered my fondness of expression through dancing, my love for undressing the mind through writing, and my admiration of genuineness through people. There is no denying that I still have a lot to learn; Through the Barbara Silver Horowitz '55 Scholars of Distinction Program, I am confident that I will harvest my ideas so that one day, I can tell that little girl that observed the world through a window that she made it. My journey has just begun.

Bailey Anderson 2028

I grew up in Collinsville, Oklahoma, a small rural town within Cherokee Nation, where I developed a deep appreciation for language, storytelling, and their power in shaping identity and community. As a first-generation college student, I am committed to exploring how language revitalization can strengthen Indigenous sovereignty. My passion for linguistic and cultural preservation drives my goal to research Tsalagi (Cherokee) language accessibility.

At Barnard, I am majoring in Political Science with the goal of studying tribal law and public policy. In addition to language revitalization, I am dedicated to researching the systemic barriers that Native American students face in education and advocating for policy solutions that promote equity and access.

In my free time, I participate in Columbia Cheerleading, taekwondo, and I am involved in many political science focused organizations. I am excited to grow as a scholar and advocate, learning from the Barnard community while working toward meaningful change for Indigenous sovereignty, language justice, and educational equity.

Shanthi Ashok 2027

Living in northern Virginia, an exponentially diverse community, for my entire life has instilled in me a deep appreciation for inclusivity and racial justice. I was labeled a “gifted and talented” student at a young age, quickly exposing me to how today’s education system creates unnecessary barriers to academic achievement for many communities of color. Throughout high school, I worked to bridge these gaps by instituting free tutoring and mentoring services and working with my local school board to implement more inclusive policies such as the institution of staff equity leads in every high school in my county.

Thus, at Barnard, I hope to explore this passion by double majoring in Economics - Political Economy and Computer Science, with a possible minor in Education. I am a strong believer that socioeconomic status should never affect one’s ability to achieve their potential, which is why I am so excited to be a part of the Barnard community that shares these values.

In my freetime, I love to coach and play volleyball (coaching for the last 2 years and playing for over 10 years!) and am very excited to explore and engage with political groups at Barnard/Columbia.

Ruby Carter 2027

Hi, I’m Ruby (or Ruben) and I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. I enjoy creative writing, reading nonfiction, sewing, and playing flute and trombone.

I grew up in a household that prioritized education and social justice–my mother is a middle school teacher and my father works at a nonprofit that serves the community. These values showed up often in the projects I pursued in high school: most of my junior and senior years were spent creating a documentary title Made Invisible: Uncovering Queer America. For the film, I got to retell the stories of unsung queer heroes, interview queer students at my school, screen the documentary in my city, and teach a 2-day lesson to middle school students on LGBTQ+ history. I have a deep interest in queer studies and Africana studies, and hope to learn more about the intersection of the two fields at Barnard.

I’m incredibly excited to be a Scholar of Distinction and a first-year at Barnard. I plan on majoring in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. At the college, I hope to explore my place in the world as a queer Black student and draw parallels between advocacy and events of the past to the contemporary.

Aissata Diallo 2028

Hello! My name is Aissata, and I’m from Brooklyn, NY, but my family is originally from Guinea. I plan on majoring in Political Science and am passionate about law, public policy, and youth civic engagement. I'm passionate about advancing equity in public education and public policy through collaboration with policymakers.

In high school, I was actively involved in policy and advocacy work, collaborating with the CUNY’s International Change Initiative and the Citywide Student Advisory Council (CSAC) to amplify student voices, through the use of surveys and interviews. I also served on the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP), where I worked alongside city leaders to advance equity in public education.

At Barnard, through the Scholars of Distinction program, I hope to further my commitment to law, policy, and youth advocacy. What truly motivates me is understanding why fundamental matters—such as healthcare, gun control, and education—have become politicized. My goal is to ensure that young people are actively involved in these conversations because politics is not just a space for ‘adults’; the decisions made today shape generations to come.

Brynn Green 2027

Hello! I'm Brynn, and I am from sunny Los Angeles, California. I plan to major in political science and Africana studies, focusing on pre-law, to become a civil rights lawyer. In high school, I was involved in cultural organizations and student leadership, having been president of my school's Black Student Union and vice president of our student government. These opportunities led me to understand my passion for civic engagement and civil rights. Working with my peers and administrators helped me find the value of collaboration and new perspectives. At Barnard, I hope to continue my involvement in cultural groups and join Black student organizations for more ethnic learning and cohesion!

My experience as a Black American, research, and reading have also brought me to a passion for criminal justice and prison reform. The George Floyd protests inspired me to learn more about our country's history of inequality, and that rabbit hole led me to develop a passion for criminal justice. Through Scholars of Distinction, I hope to research the inequities in our criminal justice system and find solutions to some of the problems facing policing, the penal system, and society today.

Allanah Graham 2028

I was born and raised in a small town in central Kentucky, and spent my formative years in a household of women. These factors led to my first inquiries into what or who exactly forms regional politics, views and institutions; it was here that my passions for politics and writing sprouted. Here at Barnard College, with access to spaces like the Scholars of Distinction Program, I intend to foster these interests, and allow them to grow into their full potential.

I plan to major in political science towards becoming a lawyer. Collaboration and advocacy are indispensable to utilizing the law as a tool to work in favor of people and the world. They are equally vital to the picture of a more equitable, accessible, and sustainable global society. I have envisioned this path as the best means for enacting the institutional change I wish to see in the world for years—a place that breathes life into the many writings about societal change and justice that impacted me so profoundly.

Jem Hanan 2027

I was born and raised in Manhattan, New York, in a Jewish Modern Orthodox family. People watching from my apartment window was probably the first indicator of my fascination with the lives of humans. Since then, most of my academic interests have been focused on the larger goal of understanding people. I love telling character driven narratives through my writing, studying history through a cause and effect lens, and reading the Bible stories I learned from birth as a literary study of the human condition.

My first philosophy class in high school also exposed me to a vast well of questions surrounding the nature of humanity, their politics, and their psyches. In-depth readings of philosophical works with professors, book clubs with friends, and countless hours of YouTube essays, ranging from film to marxist feminism, followed closely after. All of the areas I engage with continue to deepen my appreciation of people, their creations, and the reasons they create.

Through the Scholars of Distinction program, I will pursue an interdisciplinary project that utilizes every facet and angle the humanities offer. Additionally, talking to the passionate people at Barnard will push me in new directions, both academically and personally; I am ecstatic to see where they take me.

Nina Haskins 2026

As a biracial woman growing up in the diverse metropolis of New York City, I’ve always been fascinated by the coexistence and sharing of cultures. I want to promote (both in my life and in others’) ways in which we can diversify our own perspectives through the listening and appreciation of experiences that differ from our own. This has fueled my interest in anthropology, international relations, linguistics, and environmental studies, but has also left me with endless possibilities of exploration. No matter what way my studies of human ecology and society manifests, I aim to return to those values.

In the meantime, I love to hone in on both collaborative and independent passions, like ceramics, soccer, violin, and language learning. I’m so honored to be a part of the Scholars Program, and cannot wait to be connected with storytellers around the globe who share similar values. I’m so eager to explore existing and future curiosities, and am ready to hit the ground running!

Alexandria Landry 2026

I was born and raised in Belmont, Massachusetts, right outside of Boston. I am a proud daughter of a Mexican immigrant, and many of my passions stem from this aspect of my identity. During high school, I used my Spanish language skills to help researchers at Boston College School of Social work better understand how Latinx immigrants navigate healthcare systems in greater Boston. My work as an assistant in this research opened my eyes to many of the shortcomings of systems – like the healthcare system– that are meant to work for everyone.

I began making changes in my own life because of this research, starting a program for culturally-competent translators at the local food pantry and also serving as a Spanish tutor. I hope to continue my advocacy work throughout college and beyond, particularly with a focus on economics. As I grow in my understanding of the economy and how it often affects our world in imperceptible ways, I aspire to better understand how advocates can use their economic and financial knowledge to truly make an impact in communities that are often left voiceless. In my free time, I have loved getting to know NYC, especially exploring the restaurant scene. I also love watching light-hearted movies, baking, and going on long walks.

Sophia Lopez 2026

I was born and raised in Chicago, the same hometown as my parents. But when the opportunity for change presented itself, I took it! The summer before my freshman year of high school, we moved to Los Angeles, California. Being here in New York now, I will have lived in the three best cities in the United States, in my opinion of course. I am incredibly excited to be here in New York as a Barnard student and Scholar of Distinction. I am currently interested in pursuing theology and neuroscience.

My interest in theology grew from a summer research program I participated in during high school where I studied the digital age of American Sufism. My interest in neuroscience grew from my mother's vertigo diagnosis, as I’ve spent many years observing its effects on her. I look forward to exploring how these topics can overlap in a broader sense. I am newly a member of the crocheting club and the culinary society at Columbia. So, I am looking forward to keeping up with my favorite hobbies from home throughout the school year. Similarly, in my free time I babysit, read, try out new coffee shops and admire every dog I see!

Ankita Mandal 2028

Hello! My name is Ankita, and having lived all across the southern United States since I was born, I was able to experience what life is like for minority communities in underserved areas. From Louisiana to Kentucky, the vibrancy of these populations in the face of adversity stood out to me, despite systemic biases that affect both physical and mental healthcare detrimentally. Here, I became passionate about creating resources that make healthcare accessible for non-native English speakers and learning how to reframe educational infrastructure towards a preventative healthcare approach.

My interests grew as I worked in rural women’s health clinics with a majority of Spanish-speaking patients as well as when I developed programs for children to access STEM education with local nonprofits. Through these experiences, I grew to understand how much I love creating for a community, whether it’s through a personal act of service or a greater scale project. Living in New York City and being at Barnard is the opportunity I’ve been working towards to reach back to the communities that have helped me grow. I’m so excited to work with the SOD program and create more over the next four years!

Eve Moss 2028

I was raised in a rural, secluded town called Pittsburg (yes, Pittsburg without the h) in the southeast corner of Kansas. During my childhood, this corner came to feel like my whole world. As I grew, however, my parents emphasized the importance of travel, and gave me the unique opportunity to live abroad in Spain and England at the age of ten. My experience in other places first shed light to me on the beauty of places and lifestyles beyond my little corner.

When I entered high school and gradually had less time to travel, I joined speech and debate. At the same time, I picked up running. Running daily in parts of my hometown turned my attention locally. It was these activities, along with my previous experience traveling, that opened my eyes to the acute economic disparities that pervade the area. I found a passion for speaking on rural poverty, education, and civic engagement. Pittsburg is definitely not the whole world, but it is still one forgotten corner of it. And as a Scholar of Distinction, it is these forgotten parts that I will remember as I continue to run forward.

Mimia Ousilas 2027

While I lived in Berkeley, California for my whole life before coming to Barnard, my heart and identity belongs across the world — as cheesy as it sounds. My mom was born in Taiwan, my dad was born in Algeria, and from a young age I grew up visiting family in both countries roughly every year. While this cultural combination inevitably led to many mixed kid internal crises, it also gave me a global perspective like no other. I hope to use my personal experience both struggling with and embracing my cultural identity as a unique lens on tackling issues in the classroom and in the city.

I plan to major in Economic and Social history with a minor in Africana studies, as I find the intersection of race and larger systemic issues not only fascinating, but crucial to understand when it comes to tackling essentially any systemic issue in the US. Additionally, I’m excited to explore the creative side of everything, from dance, to art, to spoken word, and I’m ready to use art to power change as well. I love dancing, reading, listening to music, frequent late-night ramen and boba hangouts, and look forward to connecting with anyone who can relate!

Fahitza Quessa 2026

Hello my name Fahitza Quessa, I am a Haitian-born native and a natural extrovert. As a first-year Barnard student, I am currently a computer science and political science major interested in software engineering and law. I became interested in law when I joined advocacy programs in Boston.

As someone from an underprivileged background, my ambition stems from wanting to help other disadvantaged people overcome the barriers they are surrounded by. Thereby, I hope to obtain a law degree to give a voice to the voiceless. Whilst I work towards a law degree, I want to get a B.S. in computer science because I enjoy the logic-based thinking that is very pertinent to coding. I hope to inspire other incoming young gifted black women at Barnard as a scholar of Distinction.

Mariah Iris Ramo 2027

Naimbag nga aldaw yo (Good day)! I am Mariah Iris Ramo, a proud freshman and a Scholar of Distinction at Barnard College. I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Hawai'i when I was four years old. Despite growing up in predominantly Filipino communities, my peers bullied me due to my thick accent and my family's socioeconomic status. Hence, I disconnected from my roots to try to “fit into” society. Luckily, I found myself again thanks to the extraordinary experiences and the people in my life.

I joined the Filipino Curriculum Project and taught at my alma mater to provide representation for students of color. I also founded the Girl Up Club, collaborated with local organizations, and currently hold the Miss Teen Asia Hawaii title to support women in reaching their fullest potential. One day, I hope to become a U.S. Senator and lifelong educator. But for now, I firmly believe that my time in college and the program can (1) remind me that it is okay to "stand out" in the crowd and (2) help me continue using my past experiences while tuning in to the voices of the people to work collectively towards a bright future.

Arianna Suarez 2026

My name is Arianna Suarez, and I am a first year at Barnard College. I was born and raised in Westchester County, New York. I am a proud Scholar of Distinction and am eager to continue exemplifying my hard work, responsibility, and commitment to my education by challenging myself throughout my college experience. A hobby of mine is dancing especially Spanish music such as Bachata and Merengue because I find it to be a fun way to feel immersed in my Dominican culture.

I am the Dance Coordinator of the Grupo Folclórico Dominicano and through my role, I help spread the culture of the Dominican Republic through church and community events. I do this by leading practice groups and assisting with event coordination and the creation of dance routines. At college, I am taking Salsa classes at Casa Hispanica and am a part of the Latinx community to continue learning and feeling connected to my culture.

As a first year, I hope to explore a variety of different classes and topics to gain a better understanding of possible career interests. This year I look forward to being open-minded and going out of my comfort zone to try new things and meet new people. I am currently a prospective educational studies major and urban teaching minor, but I am open-minded and exploring several different areas of study.

Mia Wolff 2027

was born and raised in Miami, Florida, though I moved around a bit in the city. My mother passed away from ovarian cancer in 2012, though I grew up with two much older siblings who have always remained my best companions. I eventually went to high school in central Florida - a big change from city to rural life.

However, I learned there what I was most passionate about. I developed a fervor for environmental protection - more specifically, sea-level rise affecting agricultural communities. Among other awards, I earned a letter of recognition from the US Environmental Protection Agency for taking this concept to the regional and state science fairs.

Simultaneously, I grew my interest in social change. I worked with different non-profits promoting cancer awareness, became interested in studying court cases, and conducted research on queer censorship in high school. I also fostered my lifetime love of reading and English.

Outside of academics, you could find me watching “When Harry Met Sally…” again, playing video games, re-reading Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, or swimming laps in the local pool!

All these interests give me a duality in my set of skills that I believe will allow me to greatly contribute to the wonderful Barnard community in my coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Scholars are accepted per year?

Cohort size varies from year to year. Each cohort normally has between 5-8 students.

Is it possible to study abroad during my time as a Scholar?

Yes! The Program is very supportive of studying abroad. Students would work with the Office of International and Intercultural Programs to plan their study abroad and would keep in touch with their mentor while away.

Can I use my summer funds for living expenses if I stay in New York City (or go elsewhere) over the summer?

Yes. The funds are designed to help you implement a plan of action that will lead to a finished project. So long as you maintain a good standing in the program and can justify how you are spending the money, it can be used for smaller expenses as well as for costlier expenses (such a travel or helping commission original music for a film score).

Would it be possible to draw upon my summer funds before I have a mentor?

Although scholars are strongly encouraged to save their funding for the summers after their second and third years, this is not a hard and fast rule. Scholars who make a compelling case for why an early use of funds would further a particular project may draw upon their funds after their first year.

Can I apply for the Scholar’s Program?

Scholars are selected during the admissions process. The committee, made up of Admissions staff and faculty, seek innovative thinkers and students they believe have strong self-direction. There is nothing students need to do to apply—all students will be evaluated for the program. Just compose thoughtful essays, do imaginative things while in high school, and inspire your teachers to write detailed and supportive letters of recommendation.

Does the Scholars Program function in tandem with the Office of Financial Aid?

No. The Barbara Silver Horowitz ’55 Scholars of Distinction Program is not a form of financial aid and is independent of the need-based aid available at the College. All inquiries about the availability of financial aid and that process need to be directed to the Office of Financial Aid. Program directors have no ability to influence a student’s eligibility for financial aid.