USU Students Named Gilman Scholars for Spring Study Abroad

Utah State University students Harrison Cooper and Ashley Casperson were awarded Gilman Scholarships for spring semester study abroad. Cooper was awarded $5,000 and is currently studying a language immersion program in Mexico. Casperson was awarded $3,500 and is currently studying landscape architecture in Slovenia.  

Cooper and Casperson received assistance from academic and study abroad advisors in preparing for their essays and applications. Cooper said she was encouraged by a financial aid advisor to look into a Gilman scholarship which led her to a workshop led by Monika Galvydis, study abroad director in the Office of Global Engagement.

“Seven USU students have been awarded the prestigious national Gilman Scholarships in the 2017-2018 academic year,” said Galvydis. “We want more students to study abroad and have confidence that scholarships are attainable and available. Our office offers individualized support in workshops, advising sessions and essay reviews.”

Casperson went to study abroad fairs, met with her academic advisor and worked with study abroad peer advisor Mary Dowden. Dowden had previously studied landscape architecture in Slovenia. Casperson has also been appointed a Gilman scholar blogger for the Gilman scholar’s website. 

Gilman scholarships are awarded to Pell Grant recipients, for spring, summer, fall or academic terms. Students are required to submit a statement of purpose essay addressing the impact a study abroad program or internship will have on their academic, professional and personal goals.

The Office of Global Engagement is currently offering workshops for scholarship application tips. The next Gilman scholarship session is February 28 in the Military Science building, room 217, at 3 p.m. The Gilman scholarship deadline for summer, fall and academic year terms is March 6.

For more information on the Gilman Scholarship and other study abroad scholarships email studyabroad@usu.edu and visit the website for tips and deadlines.

Media contact and writer: Celestyn Hollingshead, Marketing Manager, Office of Global Engagement, Celestyn.hollingshead@usu.edu