USF Sees Record Number of

USF SEES RECORD NUMBER OF GILMAN SCHOLARS

AUniversity of South Florida record 61 students were recognized as recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad in 2020, more than any other university in Florida. Selected from nearly 12,000 applicants nationwide, the students were offered scholarships totaling $195,500 to support courses, internships, and language training in 16 different countries. An additional 30 USF students were recognized as alternates for an award, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Following recognition as a “Greatest Growth” institution by the Gilman Scholarship in 2018, USF continues to be one of the top-performing universities in the nation for Gilman Scholarship recipients.

Despite most 2020 study abroad programs being canceled or delayed due to Covid-19, many recipients will still have the opportunity to utilize the funding to go abroad in 2021 thanks to the flexibility of the Gilman Scholarship. Students are eager, as they now have the ability to make new plans knowing they have funding secured in advance. The USF Office of National Scholarships and USF World teams have worked closely with the recipients to help make sure they are able to utilize their awards in ways that support their academic and professional goals. Two USF recipients – Alexia Boykin and Janna Ramos Ramos – were recognized as Gilman-McCain Scholars. This special scholarship provides awards to undergraduate child dependents of active duty service members. “As an active duty military dependent and one of four siblings, I am humbled to be considered for this opportunity to study marketing in Italy. It will undoubtedly allow me to gain a valuable perspective,” said Ramos Ramos. “I am passionate to take the marketing skills I learn as a McCain Scholar and promote environmentally and socially responsible initiatives globally in my future career.”

The combined 61 awardees are from a variety of different majors and will travel to six of the seven continents (all but Antarctica).

“I am so proud of these remarkable students and their perseverance to obtain study abroad experience despite the challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Honors Dean Charles Adams. “International education can change perspectives and futures in a way that no other experiential learning can, and I look forward to hearing about these students’ amazing experiences upon their return.”

61USF students recognized as recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Applicants nationwide Continents where Gilman Scholars will travel and study abroad.

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Photos: Pg. 40, left to right, Laila Schulz, Ryan Leist, Nic Page, and Paul Warren in Exeter

Pg. 41: Honors student and Gilman Scholar, Laila Schulz, in Malta during her spring 2020 semester abroad.