Service-Driven Leader Wins UVA’s Prestigious Sky Alland Scholarship

Phillip Bonsu is a pre-med student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in data science and global studies, with a concentration in global public health. He is organizing a trip to Ghana for 12 students for a health care internship this summer.

Among his many involvements, Bonsu is a part of the Meriwether Lewis Institute for Citizen Leadership, a multiyear fellowship that prepares students for a lifetime of leadership at the University and beyond. He and 24 other Meriwether Lewis Institute Fellows are working to repurpose 3,000 acres of land at Morven Farms into a University sustainability lab and community center. Bonsu is also chapter secretary of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The merit-based Sky Alland Scholarship is one of UVA’s most competitive undergraduate scholarships. A student nominating committee led by current Sky Alland scholar Carson Breus and consisting of 4th-year leaders reviewed a large pool of nominations to select six finalists who represented an array of undergraduate studies and activities. Thescholarship’s selection committee, which consists of UVA alumni, several of whom are also past Sky Alland award recipients, then chose Bonsu.

“Phillip has led positive change within the University and beyond. He’s been a role model, and he inspires those around him,” said Ruth Haile, chair of the Sky Alland Scholarship Endowment. “The health care industry ultimately will be the beneficiary of his selfless and compassionate leadership. Phillip represents the ideals of the Sky Alland Scholarship and we are delighted he is the 2025-2026 scholarship recipient.”