New York, NY — 11 August 2025 — The Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education announced the recipients of its 2025 Student Achievement Awards, recognizing exceptional performance in accredited lighting education programs. Four students will receive $5,000 awards, continuing the Fund’s mission to encourage excellence in lighting education and support the next generation of lighting professionals.
Two DFLNY Student Achievement Awards, funded by the Designers Lighting Forum of New York, were awarded to Lauren Heisler of Pennsylvania State University and Michael Lekan-Kehinde of Morgan State University. Notably, Lekan-Kehinde is the first Student Achievement Award recipient from a Historically Black College or University.
The Jonas Bellovin Student Achievement Award, supported by the Bellovin Family Foundation, went to Julian Kotara of the University of Colorado Boulder.
The Jules Horton International Achievement Award, supported by HLB Lighting Design Inc., was awarded to Nazakat Adigozalova of Parsons School of Design.
“The Student Achievement Awards highlight emerging leaders who have demonstrated academic excellence, design promise, and a clear commitment to the lighting profession,” said Dan Blitzer, Chair, The Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education. “We are grateful to our sponsors for helping us recognize these outstanding students.”
For program details and a full list of 2025 grants and scholarships, visit The Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education at nuckollsfund.org.
About The Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education
The Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing lighting education in North America. Through competitive grants, scholarships, and awards, the Fund supports universities, faculty, and students pursuing excellence in lighting design, technology, and research.