2025 Mathews Medal Recipients

As the highest non-academic distinction awarded to NC State students, the Mathews Medal honors graduating seniors who have served as student leaders and made significant contributions to the advancement of the university.

The Mathews Medal is named in honor of Walter J. Mathews, the first student to arrive on the North Carolina School of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts campus in October 1889. As an alumnus, Mathews remained deeply involved with the university and this annual award – presented each year at the Celebration of Pack Traditions – encourages student recipients to envision themselves as future alumni leaders.

NC State’s Alumni Association Student Ambassador Program is pleased to announce the 2025 award recipients.

Emma Budden is a microbiology and environmental sciences major. With immense passion for global engagement, Budden has served as a teaching assistant and team leader within the Alternative Service Break program, co-leading five international service-learning experiences in the Dominican Republic, Peru, Italy and Panama. In these roles, she has developed lasting partnerships with global organizations and has encouraged students to think critically and compassionately about social issues.

At NC State, Budden has conducted undergraduate research focused on global water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH). In summer 2024, she completed two months of fieldwork in Malawi, and she will be publishing her research this year. She also launched a water quality research project assessing rainwater collection systems in the Dominican Republic, bridging a partnership between NC State’s College of Engineering, ASB and Servicio Para la Paz, and engaging NC State students in WaSH research. Budden has also engaged in the NC State community as an Outreach Ambassador, Program Ambassador and Communications Assistant for the Goodnight Scholars Program, been a member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, volunteered in English Conversation Club and served as a teaching assistant for organic chemistry. She was honored as NC State’s 2023 Leader of the Pack. After graduation, Budden will continue her research as a microbiology Ph.D. student and Goodnight Doctoral Fellow at NC State.

Like so many of the projects that Emma engages in, she balances the need to help the individual with understanding the systemic problems to significantly impact the larger societal issue. Her approach to public service is far beyond that of many of her peers and is driven by her passion and commitment to use her talents to serve others. Emma embodies what it means to be a servant-leader.

Ferdinand “Freddy” Kelley is a dual-degree student majoring in biochemistry and sociology with a minor in Global Health from Asheboro. As a Park Scholar and Thomas Jefferson Scholar, Kelley is recognized for their commitment to service, leadership, character and interdisciplinary excellence. Kelley serves as co-president of Park Under-Resourced Assistance (PURA), a mentorship program that supports under-resourced high school students navigating the college application and Park Scholarships interview process. They also serve as director of outreach and selection for SATELLITE Camp, a STEM enrichment program for students from underserved rural schools, where they developed equitable selection practices and led statewide outreach efforts. 

As a Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University, Kelley explored policy solutions rooted in justice and community voice, building on their experience as a youth organizing intern with NC Child, where they organized youth advocacy initiatives focused on mental health policy. Their dedication to service extends to work as a mentor with College Mentors for Kids at NC State where they have mentored a 3rd grader for the past 3 years, a teaching assistant for Biochemistry 453/553, a drumline member in the NC State marching band, a co-chair of the Distinguished Speakers Committee to organize the 2023 Gerald H. Elkan Distinguished Lecture in Science and Society and 2025 William C. Friday Award, and leader of the Park Multiracial Community Group. In the fall, Kelley raised $5,000 in relief for McDowell County following Hurricane Helene. Lastly, Kelley has participated in multiple alternative service breaks, including projects in Hoonah, Alaska; Jonesville, Virginia; and Orlando, Florida.

Not surprisingly as a Park Scholar, Freddy is an excellent student. Freddy is academically gifted, but is more than that. They are eager to give back and serve as a mentor for others. For example, Freddy volunteers their time to help elementary school students and underserved high school students. Freddy truly wants to make a difference. Freddy has traveled to various parts of the country and world, with the goal of learning as much as possible and serving in ways to help others.   

Rose Amburose is a Park Scholar pursuing dual degrees in philosophy and social work. She is first-generation immigrant, and her work on campus and beyond reflects a deep commitment to equity, justice and systemic change. At NC State, she is the founder and president of the Progressive Students Task Force and a Park Scholar. She also served as a presiding officer for the University Conduct Board and as a liaison for the National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC).

During her time at NC State, Amburose has organized large-scale advocacy events such as Drag for Equality and the Reproductive Rights March. She has raised thousands of dollars for humanitarian groups in Palestine and for the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Her leadership and scholarship have earned her several honors, including the NASW-NC Equity and Inclusion Student Award, the Equity for Women Award from the NC State Council on the Status of Women and the forthcoming Robert S. Bryan Philosophy Prize. In addition to her contributions on campus, Amburose has interned at notable public service organizations including Legal Aid of North Carolina, the Carolina Abortion Fund, the Council for Children’s Rights and Lutheran Services Carolinas. Across these organizations, Amburose has worked on child welfare research, eviction data analysis, refugee case management, abortion policy tracking and more.

Whether advocating for clients or engaging in community organizing, Amburose strives to build communities rooted in dignity, safety and care. After graduation, she will pursue the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program at NC State University as a graduate research assistant for Dr. Alan Ellis.

In her time here, Rose has contributed to the NC State community in diverse ways, including serving as a presiding officer of the University Conduct Board and a NASW-NC student liaison for the School of Social Work. In these roles, Rose is dedicated to directly advocating for students’ needs, whether that is during contact hearings or in department meetings. Her servant leadership is exemplified by the fact that Rose views advocacy as a means to empower others and also a way to learn and grow herself.

Sanskriti Deva is a proud alumna of NC State’s electrical and computer engineering department and currently serves as an associate product marketing manager at IBM and advisor to the United Nations. A quantum engineer and global STEM accessibility advocate, Deva’s impact has spanned classrooms, campuses and international stages. At NC State, she founded Women in ECE and led the Quantum Computing Club, creating inclusive spaces and hands-on opportunities for hundreds of students. She also played a key role in student recruitment as vice president of company relations for the Society of Women Engineers, where she launched one of the largest student-led career events in the Southeast. 

Beyond campus, Deva has educated thousands in quantum computing and spoken at major venues like the United Nations General Assembly Hall and Harvard University. She made history as the youngest elected National Council Member of the United Nations Association, where she continues to represent the Southeast U.S. and Puerto Rico. Recognized globally for her leadership and advocacy, including a TEDx talk and a Times Square billboard, Deva continues to champion equity in STEM and emerging tech policy proving that even students can be powerful agents of change at every level. 

She has a contagious energy and enthusiasm for her work as a woman in the STEM field. Through her leadership of the WiECE group the team created more opportunities for women in the department, including sisterhood events, career development, mentorship and more. Under her leadership, the club grew to 500+ members and was recognized as the “most active student organization in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department.”