EUGENE, Oregon (May 1, 2014) – A total of 18 students from the University of Oregon have been selected as Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship recipients for summer 2014—the highest number of recipients the UO has ever had in one application cycle. The UO now ranks fourth nationally in the highly competitive scholarship that helps students cover the costs of their study abroad program, research or internship.
The UO tied with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), while outperforming larger schools like the University of Florida and University of California, San Diego with 16 recipients each.
“Our record cohort of Gilman Scholars reflects how strongly we encourage students to be global citizens and gain new experiences,” said Dennis Galvan, vice provost for international affairs. “When we mentor students interested in the Gilman scholarship, we encourage them to see it as an incredible opportunity to gain better understanding of cultures, countries, languages and economies.”
The UO recipients are part of a total of 1,100 American undergraduate students from 358 colleges and universities across the U.S. selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
2014 UO Gilman Scholars, their destinations, hometowns and majors:
Jonathan Bach, Austria (Valencia, CA, Russian and Eastern European Studies)
Marija Boise, Indonesia (Portland, OR, Family and Human Services)
Kaylee Brown, Ghana (Bend, OR, Journalism)
Ashley Collingwood, Malaysia (Petaluma, CA, Computer Information)
Megan Connor, Ghana (Eugene, OR, Public Relations/School of Journalism and Communications
Karen De La Torre, Bolivia (Mesa, AZ, Biology)
Alexandria Deitz, Russia (Lake Oswego, OR, Political Science)
Eden Demise, China (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Lundquist College of Business)
Laughton Elliott-Deangelis, India (Juneau, AK, Psychology)
Gretchen Henderson, Ghana
Lizzette Hernandez-De La Torre, Spain (Palo Alto, California, Education)
Fayine Hussien, South Africa (San Diego, CA. International Studies)
Pauline Huynh, Bolivia (Portland, OR, Human Physiology)
Kylie Juggert, India (Portland, OR, International Studies)
Jeffrey Mercado, Uruguay (Los Angeles, CA, Communications Studies)
Clifton Rose, Russia (Bellevue, WA, Journalism)
Yvonne Silva, Jordan & Spain (Fresno, CA, International Studies)
Manikandan Woodward, China (India, Human Physiology)
Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply towards study abroad program costs. The program aims to diversify the students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go. Students receiving a federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions are eligible to apply.
“We are very proud of the success our students in this highly competitive awards process. It is gratifying to see this payoff from their hard work and dedication to their studies," said Stephen Wooten, UO director of study abroad.
During the 2014 summer term, UO Gilman recipients will participate in study abroad programs and internships in Austria, Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Russia, Spain and Uruguay.
Top 5 U.S. universities for Gilman recipients:
1. University of Texas, Austin - 46
2. University of California, Berkeley - 39
3. University of Arizona - 25
4. University of Oregon - 18
4. University of California, Los Angeles - 18
5. University of California, San Diego - 16
5. University of Florida - 16
About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.
About the UO Office of International Affairs
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is committed to advancing the global engagement and mission of the University of Oregon. OIA works collaboratively with universities, agencies, partners, investors, and programs worldwide to foster academic exchange, transdisciplinary research, and international cooperation.
By Chakris Kussalanant
Office of Intenrational Affairs