Lucas Boldt
At 15, Lucas “Luke” Boldt was on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout when he, his twin brother, Jack, and his grandparents were in a horrific car accident. Both grandparents died, and the boys suffered serious injuries, leaving Luke in intensive care for two months.
Multiple surgeries, extensive physical therapy and a passion for golf helped heal them. In September 2019 Luke and Jack participated as First Tee junior golfers playing with PGA Tour professionals in the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee in Pebble Beach, California. First Tee is a youth program that teaches character and life skills through golf.
In appreciation for their medical care and the support of the golf community, they founded “Buddy Tee,” a program to teach First Tee skills to children with special needs. One of Luke’s students has already transitioned to the First Tee program.
Luke received offers of admission from a host of universities, but he felt a special sense of comfort at ECU from his first visit to campus. He realized ECU would offer him a place to feel fully supported and valued as a person rather than a number.
“I believe the Honors College and EC Scholars program will allow me to expand my resume and set me up for success in my future career in medicine,” Luke said. He looks forward to living in the Honors College Living-Learning Community, housed in ECU’s Gateway residence hall.
EC Scholars is the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive an Honors College scholarship and a stipend for study abroad for a total value of nearly $64,000.
Luke’s mission while at ECU is to major in public health and minor in either statistics or Hispanic studies. He is interested in traveling to England or Switzerland for his study abroad semester to learn about their health care systems and culture. He also plans to become involved with campus ministries, Greek life and work-study programs and to try out for ECU’s golf or swim teams. Luke added, “During my freshman year I intend to start my Buddy Tees program in Greenville to benefit children with special needs.”
Luke still makes weekly visits to Duke University Medical Center for treatment related to the accident but finds a silver lining in enjoying a meal at P.F. Chang’s each night before treatment. He remains undaunted by his ongoing medical needs or by being in a hospital setting.
“I have incredible respect for surgeons, from their extensive responsibilities to the fact that they have to stand all day,” Luke said.
Inspired by his dad’s “push-ahead” influence, Luke has set his sights on graduating from Brody School of Medicine at the top of his class. He then plans to do a surgical residency and fellowship with the ultimate goal of practicing in North Carolina as a reconstructive plastic surgeon.
Luke is the son of Terry and Lori Boldt of Bolivia.
-by Julie Roman, University Communications
“I believe the Honors College and EC Scholars program will allow me to expand my resume and set me up for success in my future career in medicine.”
High school: South Brunswick High School
Intended major: Public health
Hometown: Bolivia