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 A Celebration of Pack Traditions – which encourages student recipients to envision themselves as future alumni leaders.

NC State’s Student Alumni Ambassador Program is pleased to announce the 2026 award recipients.

Isaac Carreno

Isaac Carreno is from Goldsboro, North Carolina, and is majoring in political science and social work on a pre-law track. He served as student body president during the 2025-2026 academic year, the chief representative for more than 40,000 students with responsibility for advancing initiatives that enhanced the student experience and strengthened the student voice.

“The community and culture of care at NC State shaped me into the person I am today – driven by our mission and values that I will carry forward with me. Today’s recognition is only the beginning of what I see as a lifetime commitment to NC State, to this community, to our ideals and the potential for impact that we have.”

Carreno’s involvement in student government spans his entire undergraduate career, including service as a first-year senator, deputy chief of staff and student body vice president. In addition, Carreno serves as a current member of the NC State University Board of Trustees. Following graduation, he plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service.

Abby Mulry

Abigail “Abby” Mulry is a Park Scholar pursuing dual degrees in biological sciences with a concentration in human biology and international studies with a concentration in Latin America. Driven by a commitment to addressing social determinants of health and a love of cultural exchange, Mulry has dedicated her undergraduate experience to service, leadership and global engagement.

She is the founder and president of the Food Recovery Network at NC State, an initiative that combats food insecurity and food waste by redistributing surplus food to students and community members in need. Under her leadership, the organization has recovered more than 8,500 pounds of food in the past year alone and received a Climate Action Award from the city of Raleigh.

Mulry also serves as a medical scribe and Spanish interpreter at a local clinic that primarily serves immigrant populations, where she works directly with patients to bridge language and healthcare access gaps.

“NC State is so much of who I am. As we near the end of this journey together, I am deeply grateful to be a part of a community that invests so fully in its students.”

At NC State, Mulry has pursued a wide range of academic, research and global experiences that reflect her interdisciplinary interests. She has served as a team leader on Alternative Service Break trips to Washington, D.C., and Italy focused on cycles of poverty and food insecurity, respectively. Following those experiences, she founded the Alternative Service Break Chile program, which immerses students in the study of indigenous food systems in rural Southern Chile.

Mulry also spent a semester abroad in Costa Rica and conducted independent travel in Guatemala and Peru to learn from local indigenous communities. She is a Chancellor’s Aide, a sustainability intern, a member of the University Honors Program and an Engineering Grand Challenges Scholar. Her academic work includes three published research articles on craniofacial surgery, drug delivery and engineering education, and she has interned with the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

Additionally, Mulry has contributed to the development of an NC State study abroad course where students travel to Ecuador to learn about global water sanitation systems. Following graduation, she plans to pursue medical school with the goal of serving under-resourced communities in North Carolina, continuing her commitment to equitable and community-centered care.

Kylee O’Keefe

Kylee O’Keefe is a business administration major with a concentration in marketing and a minor in leadership from Cary, North Carolina. As a first-generation college student, she has made a lasting impact on the NC State community through her leadership, creativity and commitment to service.

O’Keefe currently serves as president of the Student Alumni Association Ambassadors, where she leads a team of 30 students in fostering school spirit and strengthening connections between students and alumni. She has also held roles as director of marketing and committee liaison, significantly expanding the organization’s reach through innovative content and engagement strategies.

Grounded in a philosophy of servant leadership, O’Keefe prioritizes empowering others, uplifting her peers and creating opportunities for those around her to succeed. In addition to her leadership within the Student Alumni Association, she has contributed extensively across campus as a social media intern for the Poole College of Management, a Wolfpack Marketing Academy intern with NC State Athletics and an active member of multiple student organizations.

O’Keefe’s work has driven millions of impressions across social media platforms while building meaningful community connections. Passionate about storytelling, leadership and service, O’Keefe continues to leave a meaningful legacy at NC State and beyond.

“Over the past few years, I have learned that leadership is rooted in service by putting others first, listening with intention and working to uplift those around you.”

Molly Sue Smith

Molly Sue Smith is a double major in social work and applied education studies with a concentration in learning design and technology and a minor in entomology from Highfalls, North Carolina. As a Park Scholar, she is recognized for her commitment to service, character, scholarship and leadership. Smith serves as co-president Park Under-Resourced Assistance (PURA), a near-peer mentorship program that supports high school students from under-resourced backgrounds applying to be a Park Scholar.

With a strong passion for rural access and educational equity, she has worked as an outreach and strategic partnerships intern in the College of Education, where she designs trips called “We Teach Weekends” to increase exposure to diverse and underrepresented school systems for pre-service teachers. During her time at NC State, she has also served as a trumpet section leader in the marching band, worked as a teaching assistant for the Introduction to Backpacking Course and spent a semester in Cork, Ireland, as a social work exchange student.

“NC State University has shaped who I am and what I believe is possible, not just for me, but for students from places like mine.”

Smith has participated in Alternative Service Break programs in Alaska and Chile, working alongside Tlingit and Mapuche communities in educational and agricultural settings. During her final semester, she completed her social work practicum with Haven House Services as a Social Determinants of Health Intern, providing case management support for youth experiencing housing instability, food insecurity and safety concerns in the Raleigh community.

After graduation, Smith will work as a Next Steps Adviser through Appalachian State University at Swain County High School, continuing her commitment to supporting rural students as they navigate college access and opportunity.