Three VCU Students Receive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships

By Mike Porter

Three Virginia Commonwealth University students have been awarded scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program for study abroad in the spring 2011 semester.

Chioma Stephanie Urama, a junior majoring in business, received a scholarship to study at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. Urama is from Lorton, Va. Curtin University is one of VCU’s International Partnership Universities.

Feven Bizuneh, a junior majoring in international social justice and religious studies, received a scholarship for study at Stellenbosch University in Matieland, South Africa. Bizuneh is from Alexandria, Va.

Colleen Freeman, a senior majoring in craft and material studies and Spanish, received a scholarship for study at the University of Granada in Granada, Spain. Freeman is from Bellingham, Wash.

The students are participating through VCU Education Abroad, which is operated by the VCU Global Education Office.

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.