Pictured above from left to right: Marcel Brown, Celanese; Gina Gatto, AIChE; Adrienne Blanks, AIChE; FOSSI scholars: Carrington Jones, Soya Pearson, Kennedy Whitley, N’jya Hopkins; Denieka Bean, AIChE
Four lucky FOSSI scholars were invited by their sponsor companies, AdvanSix, BASF, Celanese, and Eastman, to attend the 2025 AIChE Gala in December. They also spent an unforgettable day exploring New York City. Some were first-time visitors to Manhattan, which added to their excitement as they experienced the city’s rich history, energy, and scale.
N’jya Hopkins, Carrington Jones, Soya Pearson, and Kennedy Whitley started the morning in Lower Manhattan with a guided visit inside the NYSE that offered insight into global markets and the systems that shape the world beyond the classroom.
A morning at the New York Stock Exchange
The day began at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). After checking in at the VIP entrance on Broad Street, a guide shared the history of the Exchange's origins and its role in the global economy. At 9:30 a.m., scholars watched the ringing of the Opening Bell, which marks the start of the core trading session. This was followed by a tour of the trading floor, a detailed explanation of how the NYSE operates, and a thoughtful Q&A session. The visit concluded with photos before the group departed to continue their day in the city.
Kennedy Whitley reflected on the visit, saying, “I felt like it was a very informative and eye-opening experience. I enjoyed learning about the history of the NYSE and the ins and outs of how the stock exchange works.”
Exploring downtown Manhattan
Following the NYSE visit, scholars explored the Financial District, taking in iconic downtown sights and stopping by the World Trade Center site, including the September 11 Memorial and the Oculus. Walking through Lower Manhattan offered time to reflect on the morning’s experience while seeing another side of New York City beyond Wall Street.
Afterwards, the group gathered for a delicious Italian lunch at Antica Ancora on Stone Street, sharing conversation and reflections before returning to their hotels for free time ahead of the evening’s activities.
Celebrating scholars at the 2025 AIChE Gala
At the AIChE Gala, scholars had the opportunity to connect with one another and engage with sponsors and industry leaders who help make the FOSSI scholarship possible. During the program, Erin Kane, President and CEO of AdvanSix and Vice Chair of the FOSSI Advisory Board, invited scholars to stand and be recognized.
Following the dinner and program, scholars and guests continued conversations while enjoying a dessert bar filled with a wide variety of treats, closing out a memorable day of learning, connection, and celebration.
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If you know any high school seniors who are eligible for the FOSSI scholarship, please encourage them to apply here! The application deadline is January 31, 2026.