UO sends new Gilman Scholars abroad, ranks 12th nationally

EUGENE, Oregon (Originally published May 4, 2015, updated June 24) – A cohort of 13 University of Oregon students have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to fund their respective Summer 2015 study abroad programs.

The UO now ranks twelfth nationally out of 332 colleges and universities across the U.S. in the highly competitive scholarship that helps students cover the costs of their study abroad program, research or internship.

The UO tied for 12th in Gilman Scholarship recipients with Arizona State University (ASU), Spelman College, University of Georgia, and University of South Florida.  

The rankings do not factor in the total student population of each campus.  Given that most universities ranked higher than UO are much larger, some double UO’s size, if these awards were ranked per capita, UO would shoot up to the top five in the U.S.

“Gilman Scholarships are all about access – bringing the numerous career and personal benefits to students who are first generation in college, students from families of modest means, and students of color.  UO is not only a leader in global education, but a leader in making sure that every student has access to deeply enriching international experiences,” said Dennis Galvan, vice provost for international affairs.  

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.

 

2015 UO Gilman Scholars, their destinations, majors, and hometowns:

Hailey Anderson, Japan, Architecture, Elkins, WV (OR resident now)
Shirley Chan, Ghana, Journalism, Renton, WA
Josie Christensen, Palau, Art and Anthropology, Portland, OR
Madeline Frye, Palau, Anthropology, Eugene (alternate recipient)
Benjamin Gilberts, Austria, Business Administration, Fredericksburg, VA
Alfredo Gonzalez-Cruz, Italy, Architecture, Silverton, OR
Zak Johnson, Japan, Landscape Architecture, Decatur, IL (OR resident now)
Kevin Loder, Brazil, Journalism Public Relations, Salem, OR
Amanda Oliver, Palau, Digital Arts, Gran Rapids, MI (OR resident now)
Priscilla Olson, Morocco, Pre-International Studies, Orange Park, FL (OR resident now)  
Tarik Richardson, Tanzania, History, Eugene, OR  
Karina Shea, Nepal, Family and Human Services, Honolulu, HI
Elizabeth Troolines, United Kingdom, Journalism, Forest Grove (alternate recipient)



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.

During the 2015 summer term, UO Gilman recipients will participate in study abroad programs, research, and internships in Austria, Brazil, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Nepal, Palau and Tanzania.


Top 12 U.S. universities for Gilman recipients:

1. University of California, Berkeley—49
2. University of Arizona—29
3. University of Texas at Austin—26
4. University of California, Los Angeles—23
5. Texas A&M University, College Station—20
6. University of California, San Diego—19
6. University of Florida—19
7. Michigan State University—18
8. Northwestern University—16
9. Albany State University—15
9. University of California, Davis—15
10. Temple University—13
10. University of Nebraska, Lincoln—13
10. University of Washington—13
11. University of Maryland, College Park—12
12. University of Oregon—11
12. Arizona State University—11
12. Spelman College—11
12. University of Georgia—11
12. University of South Florida—11

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.



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Media Contacts:

Dennis Galvan
Vice Provost for International Affairs
Office of International Affairs
dgalvan@uoregon.edu

Kathy Poole
Executive Director of Global Education Oregon (GEO), the UO’s study abroad office
Office of International Affairs
kpoole@uoregon.edu