Students Awarded National Study Abroad Scholarship

Omaha – Two University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) undergraduate students have been selected from a group of thousands to receive a prestigious U.S. Department of State scholarship designed to help them study abroad.

The two students will receive Gilman Scholarships, which are worth up to $5,000 towards a study abroad program in the Fall of 2016. More than 850 American undergraduate students from 324 colleges and universities across the U.S. received scholarships.

“It’s two dreams mixed into one, to be back in college and study abroad in Italy,” said Kayleigh Hegarty, a studio art major who will study in Florence, Italy.

Hegarty is a non-traditional student, returning to finish her degree after almost a decade.

“I can’t wait for the learning I will experience in the classroom, throughout Italy, and within myself.”

“It’s really great that UNO provides study abroad options for a diverse population of students,” Hegarty said.

She plans to share her experiences with her peers at UNO upon completion of her program abroad.

“I want others to know that no matter how old you are or what obstacles you’ve overcome, there’s support for you to study abroad.”

Sara (Rosie) Sullivan, a civil engineering major, also received the Gilman Scholarship and will be studying abroad this fall in Cork, Ireland.

The Gilman Scholarship program aims to diversify the students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions who will be studying abroad or participating in a career-oriented, international internship for academic credit are eligible to apply.

Through the scholarship, recipients 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 scholarship is named after Congressman Benjamin Gilman, who retired in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives for 30 years and chairing the House Foreign Relations Committee.

“Study abroad is a special experience for every student who participates,” he said. “Living and learning in a vastly different environment of another nation not only exposes our students to alternate views, but also adds an enriching social and cultural experience. It also provides our students with the opportunity to return home with a deeper understanding of their place in the world, encouraging them to be a contributor, rather than a spectator in the international community.”

The Gilman Scholarship program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). A full list of students who have been selected to receive scholarships, including students’ home state, university and host country, is available on their website: www.iie.org/gilman.

“International education is one of the best tools for developing mutual understanding and building connections between people from different countries,” said Allan Goodman, president and CEO of IIE. “It is critical to the success of American diplomacy and business, and the lasting ties that Americans make during their international studies are important to our country in times of conflict as well as times of peace.”

To learn more about how you can start your international journey, visit our website or stop in our office, Arts and Science Hall, Room 220. You can also like us on Facebook and check out amazing photos of students abroad on Instagram.

For media requests, please contact:

Sam Petto, UNO Media Relations Coordinator
unonews@unomaha.edu
402.554.2704

or

Charley Reed, UNO Associate Director of Media Relations
unonews@unomaha.edu
402.554.2129

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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About the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) mission is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations. In an effort to reflect the diversity of the United States and global society, ECA programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of American and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Artists, educators, athletes, students, youth and rising leaders in the United States and more than 160 countries around the globe participate in academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges. For more information about ECA programs, initiatives, and achievements, visit http://eca.state.gov.

About the Institute of International Education (IIE)

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is the world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1919, the Institute is the world’s most experienced global higher education and professional exchange organization. IIE has a network of 19 offices worldwide working with more than 1,200 member institutions and over 6,000 individuals with a commitment to the internationalization of their institutions. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government and private sources. These programs include the Fulbright and Humphrey Fellowships administered for the U.S. Department of State. The Institute is a resource for educators and institutions worldwide (http://www.iie.org), publishing the Open Doors Report and operating www.IIEPassport.org andwww.studyabroadfunding.org search engines for study abroad program and study abroad scholarships. For more information, please contact Lindsay Calvert, Director, Gilman International Scholarship, at 832-369-3481 or lcalvert@iie.org.