Two VCU Students Receive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships

By Mike Porter

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

Stuart Jackson, a junior pursuing a degree from the Department of Music, received the scholarship to study abroad in the fall at the University of Limerick, Ireland. Jackson is from Williamsburg, Va.

Olivia deSoria, a senior pursuing a degree from the Department of Craft and Material Studies, received the scholarship for study abroad in the fall at VCU Qatar.  She is from Washington, D.C.

Both 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.