The winners of the 20th annual Carolina Global Photography Competition have been selected, and their work will be on display at the FedEx Global Education Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from January 8 through July 10, 2020.
Out of over 600 submissions, a panel of judges have selected the winning photographs for first, second and third grand prizes. Rachel Holtzman ’14 was awarded first place for her photo “Crafting Leaves into Bowls,” taken during her time as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal.
Thematic spotlights were also awarded to emphasize to the themes of global perspectives within the U.S., first time abroad, learning moments, movement, nature’s beauty, new takes on old landmarks and school spirit. A new thematic spotlight, celebrations and festivals, was created in honor of the exhibition’s 20th anniversary.
Additionally, each area studies center located within the FedEx Global Education Center selected photos that reflected their mission, vision, academic focus or world area. These images received FedEx Global Education Center spotlight acknowledgements.
Holtzman took the winning photograph during her time as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Madan Palpa, Nepal. Ranging from her study abroad experience in Cuba to work with the Scholars’ Latino Initiative (now LatinxEd), she credits her time at Carolina for preparing her for work abroad.
“I realized that I wanted to do the Peace Corps so that I could learn from, work with, and help support the grassroots work of a community outside of the United States,” said Holtzman.
Holtzman received her bachelor’s degree in health policy and management and is currently enrolled in a J.D./M.P.P. dual degree program at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law and the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy. Her research interests are health policy and poverty law, with a focus on ensuring the wellbeing of low-income and systematically excluded communities.
Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz and Vice Provost for Global Affairs Barbara Stephenson selected three photos. Their selections will be displayed at the FedEx Global Education Center and in South Building.
“Through their photographs, UNC-Chapel Hill students, alumni, faculty and staff share their global experiences with the Carolina community, inspiring others to pursue meaningful global opportunities,” said Katie Bowler Young, director of Global Relations for UNC-Chapel Hill. Young’s office coordinates the annual photography competition and exhibition.
The semester-long exhibition is free and open to the public. Parking is available Monday through Friday after 5:00 p.m. and all day on Saturdays in the McCauley Deck underneath the FedEx Global Education Center, located at 301 Pittsboro St., Chapel Hill. Specific building hours can be found on Carolina Asia Center Website.
The Carolina Global Photography Competition is open to Carolina alumni, faculty, staff and students. Winning photographs will be exhibited throughout the FedEx Global Education Center, showcasing a range of global activity, educational opportunities, research and service work at UNC-Chapel Hill.
The exhibition is co-sponsored by the African Studies Center; Carolina Asia Center; Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies; Center for European Studies; Center for Global Initiatives; Center for Slavic, Eurasian and East European Studies; Curriculum in Global Studies; Global Relations; Global Research Institute; Institute for the Study of the Americas; International Student and Scholar Services; Study Abroad Office and UNC Global.
Exhibition contact: Ingrid Smith, manager of global events and exhibitions, ingrid.smith@unc.edu