Grand Valley named a top Gilman producer, 11 students selected for awards

Grand Valley has been named the Top Producing Institution for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program in Michigan, as well as the top producer of award recipients who are student veterans. The university was also recognized as having the greatest growth among students who have a disability.

The recognition was recently shared by the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, who compiles the list.

For the 2018-19 academic year, 11 Grand Valley students have been awarded prestigious Gilman Scholarships, which help fund study abroad opportunities. 

"We remain profoundly grateful for the doors that Gilman opens – for instance, permitting a student who had never left the state of Michigan to begin formal study of Farsi in Tajikistan, permitting Navy and Marine Corps vets to intern in Australia, supporting a student who survived a stroke and required medical assistance to fulfill her dream of Spanish immersion– among many others," said Elizabeth Lambert, director of the Office of Fellowships.

Gilman Scholars receive up to $8,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs. The award is open to students who receive a Federal Pell Grant and who will be studying or interning abroad for 21 days or longer in host countries with Level 1 or 2 State Department Travel Advisories.

Gilman Scholars 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.

The students were awarded the scholarships from a pool of highly competitive applicants.

These Grand Valley students were awarded the scholarships, and are listed with their hometown, major(s), and country of study:

Fall/Academic Year 2018-19 Recipients:

Chance Colter; Wyoming, MI; Mathematics; South Korea

Jaylene Salas; Detroit, MI; Communication Studies; Spain

Antonio Reeves; Spring Lake, MI; Multimedia Journalism; Germany

Spring 2019 Recipients:

Myesha Dills; Calumet City, IL; International Relations; Japan

Early Summer 2019 Recipients:

Kaitlyn Yarnell; Battle Creek, MI; Communications; Japan

Capriana Calavachi; Traverse City, MI; Anthropology/Biology; United Kingdom

Anthony Cotton; Lapeer, MI; Information Systems; Germany

Paul Villa; Benton Harbor, MI; Biomedical Sciences; Spain

Richard Vegh; Haslett, MI; Philosophy/English; Peru

Chloe Church; Berkley, MI; Teaching/Special Education; Tanzania

Rachel Kornoelje; Caledonia, MI; Writing; South Africa

The Gilman Scholarship (https://gilmanapplication.iie.org/) program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). 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 diversify the students who study and serve internships abroad, as well as the regions where they work and study.

To date, 174 GVSU students have received Gilman Scholarships.

The next application deadline for Gilman Scholarships is October 1. The October deadlines is for Spring 2020 (GVSU Winter Semester) and Early Summer 2020. This priority summer deadline is highly recommended for any students considering study abroad in summer 2020 since they will receive notification of funding prior to deadlines for deposits/application through the Padnos International Center. In addition, Early Summer applicants have a second chance to apply for summer funding in March.

Applications must be certified by the Office of Fellowships and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. For more information or to begin an application, faculty, staff and students can contact [email protected].