Five VCU Students Receive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships

By Mike Porter

Five Virginia Commonwealth University students have been awarded scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program for study abroad in the coming academic year.

Gabrielle Almani Alexander, a senior majoring in foreign languages, received a scholarship to study during the fall 2010 semester at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. Alexander is from Oxen Hill, Md.

Bailey Emilia Bierhuizen, a senior majoring in biology, received a scholarship for study during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters at the University of the West of England in Bristol, England. UWE is one of VCU’s International Partnership Universities. Bierhuizen is from Culpeper.

Tova Gold, a sophomore majoring in international studies, received a scholarship for study during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters through the International Studies Abroad program in Meknes, Morocco. Gold is from Virginia Beach.

Aishah Opawoye, a junior majoring in chemistry, received a scholarship for study during the fall 2010 semester at The University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. Opawoye is from Beltsville, Md.

River Webb, a junior majoring in mathematics and biology, received a scholarship for study during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters at Beijing Language and Culture University in Beijing, China. Webb is from Richmond.

The students are participating through VCU Education Abroad which is operated by the Office of International Education.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports undergraduate study abroad and was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.

The scholarship program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Institute of International Education.