Olga Bukowska, an international student from Sosnowiec, Poland, was named Brenau’s 2026-27 Baxter-Bryan Scholarship recipient. Bukowska was recognized among her peers and classmates at Honors Convocation on Thursday, April 9.
“It’s been a lot of work, a lot of commitment, plenty of unslept hours, but it’s also a lot of trust that was given to me by the university,” Bukowska said. “As an international student, I’m just glad I was given the chance to do this. My parents and siblings made a lot of sacrifices for me to be here, and I’m very grateful for that. Knowing that I’ve had so many people supporting me these past few years is an amazing feeling.”
The award was established by Joe W. Baxter, who named the scholarship for his sister and Brenau alumna, Carfax Baxter, and friend, Morris Bryan Jr.
Bukowska is a member of the swim team, placing ninth in the individual medley at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship this past February, and is a psychology major. She is the vice president of the Brenau PsyClub, president of Alpha Lambda Delta and a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Psi Chi honor societies, and volunteers with Project YET and Swim Across America, among several other clubs and activities.
The Sidney O. Smith Jr. Scholarship was presented to the Baxter-Bryan runner-up, Sara “S.G.” Bertolini. The Provost Scholarship, which is awarded to the finalists for the Baxter-Bryan award, was given to Breanne Brookshire, Bailey Hodges, Maighen Parke, and Anita Bizigato Portes.
Other prestigious scholarships announced include:
- Mary Mildred Sullivan Award: Helen Park
- Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award: Gavin Curry
- Halberg Award: Calla Holmes
- Spirit of Brenau Award: Raacky “Mari” Cisse
- Red Rose Scholarship for Dual-Enrollment: Meylin Carreno
Four students will graduate with honors: Yxera Alexis, Abigail Stevens, Ivi Camilo, Kristina Radovic.
Three prestigious faculty awards were also presented:
- Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award: Aaron Turpin, Ed.D.; Blaine Schultz, MS
- Ann Austin Johnston Award: Erica Parks, Ph.D.
- Vulcan Materials Teaching Excellence Award: Micki Waldrop, MLIS
