05/04/2026
Congratulations to our two winners of the 2026 Ferguson Blair Scholarship in Publishing.
Veda Kalidindi ‘26
“For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in a career that would allow me to help shape the stories being told and the books being published. However, it was not until coming to William & Mary and attending the Ferguson Blair seminar that I thought this dream could actually be a reality. Being awarded the Ferguson Blair Scholarship will allow me the opportunity to attend the Columbia Publishing Course this summer, where I look forward to exploring different careers within the industry, networking with publishing professionals, and developing more practical industry skills. I am honored and grateful for the support of the selections committee and the Ferguson and Blair families for making this opportunity possible.”
Annabel Phoel ‘26
“I believe in the power of books to break down barriers, build empathy, champion nuance,
and foster connection among people. A role in the publishing industry will enable me to
contribute to that power and shape future books. I will use the Ferguson-Blair Scholarship to attend a publishing course that will further my understanding of the industry, complete with applied experience and essential connections that may help me secure a job. I’m incredibly grateful to William & Mary and the Ferguson-Blair Scholarship for opening doors to this competitive industry for me!”
