Nearly 120 UW–Madison students preparing to embark on a variety of international experiences in the coming months received words of encouragement and financial support at the fall 2014 International Studies Scholarship Award Ceremony on Wednesday, December 2, at the Gordon Dining and Event Center.
The event – hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of International Studies, International Internship Program, and International Academic Programs – brought together students, parents, donors, UW faculty and staff. More than $320,000 was awarded to students who will be traveling abroad for academic programs or internships.
“Scholarships and financial awards are key ways to help remove the financial barriers that some students face when looking to study abroad,” says IAP Director Dan Gold, who served as master of ceremonies. “We are committed to making these wonderful opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth accessible to all students and are grateful to all those who support these efforts.”
In remarks at the event, UW–Madison Provost Sarah Mangelsdorf and alumnus Tom Sternberg, chair of the Division of International Studies External Advisory Board, reflected on their student experiences abroad. Two recent returnees – Olivia Wisden, who had an internship in England, and Trish Paskov, who studied in Peru – also shared their experiences.
“With our scholarships, we try to instill the idea of ‘give back,’” Gold says. “Once students return from their transformative experiences, we expect them to follow UW–Madison’s rich tradition of sharing Wisconsin with the world, and bringing global perspectives back to campus and the greater Wisconsin community.”
– by Kerry G. Hill
Read the full story from the International Division