2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the first graduating class of Katharine Smith Reynolds Scholars at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).
In 1962, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Trustees established a scholarship program at the UNCG Honors College to commemorate the life and legacy of UNCG Alumnae Katharine Smith Reynolds – wife of R.J. Reynolds and mother of Z. (Zachary) Smith Reynolds.
Scholarships are competitive and awarded to students on the bases of superior achievement and potential, qualities of leadership, evidence of interest in others and motivation toward useful purposes in life. Reynolds Scholars receive four years of generous funding and are eligible to receive stipends for community service involvement, participation in an internship, and study abroad.
Since its inception, more than 500 Katharine Smith Reynolds Scholars have graduated from the University. The first scholarships were awarded to women, all residents of North Carolina, in their freshman year (1963-1964). The scholarship was expanded to male students in 1980, effective 1981-1982 academic year.
In 1997, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation pledged $5 million to the University over 10 years. Part of the funds were used to establish the Katharine Smith Reynolds Scholarship Endowment.