8 students awarded prestigious Gilman scholarships

Eight Grand Valley students have been selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship out of more than 1,000 applicants from 332 colleges and universities across the country.

The scholarships, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, are awarded to high-achieving students to help fund study or internships abroad during the summer 2015 academic term.

Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs. The program aims to diversify the students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions who will be studying abroad or participating in a career-oriented international internship for academic credit are eligible to apply. Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies, making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector. 

These Grand Valley students were awarded a combined total of $22,500 in scholarship money, and are listed with their major, their country of study, and their hometown:

     -Erika Bakeman, biology/pre-veterinary, France, Grand Rapids

     -Brody Cragg, economics/honors, Norway, Oakley

     -Lindsey Dopheide, psychology/honors, Ghana, Lawton

     -Kamarie Evink, English/elementary education, Netherlands, Zeeland

     -Brenda Garcia, legal studies, Argentina, Grand Rapids

     -Christian Knighten, psychology, Ghana, Chicago

     -Mason Villanueva, allied health sciences/pre-PA, Eaton Rapids

     -Victoria Hart, history, Ghana, Grandville

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) mission is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations. In an effort to reflect the diversity of the United States and global society, ECA programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of American and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Artists, educators, athletes, students, youth and rising leaders in the United States and more than 160 countries around the globe participate in academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges. For more information about ECA programs, initiatives, and achievements, visit http://eca.state.gov. 

For more information on competitive scholarships and fellowships, please visit gvsu.edu/fellowships