Four VCU Students Receive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships

By Mike Porter

Four Virginia Commonwealth University students have been awarded scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program to study abroad during the spring semester 2009.

Thomas Hedgepeth, a sophomore majoring in International Studies in the School of World Studies, has been offered the scholarship to study abroad through the International Student Exchange Program at the University of Hyderabad in India.  Hedgepeth is a native of Ashland, Va.

Brian McDaniel, a junior majoring in business in the School of Business, will be studying abroad through the International Student Exchange Program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. McDaniel is a native of Chester, Va.

Mario Salinas, junior majoring in graphic design in the School of the Arts, will be studying design at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar.  Salinas is a native of Lima, Peru. 

Kinh Ai, a junior majoring in interior design in the School of the Arts, will also be studying at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar. Ai is from Hampton, VA.

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 the Institute of International Education.