VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO AM) -- The University of South Dakota announced today that Lena Tran of Sioux Falls, S.D., a senior Communication Studies major, is a recipient of a $3,000 Gilman Scholarship sponsored by the Department of State and the Institute of International Education for the Spring 2015 term.
Each term, the Gilman scholarship review committee, which is comprised of distinguished panelists from higher learning institutions across the U.S., selects qualified students who are seeking to enrich their academic experience through the pursuit of academic studies or credit-bearing, career-oriented internships abroad.
The Gilman Scholarship is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world. USD students who receive these awards will become ambassadors abroad and are committed to sharing their experience and serving as ambassadors for the Gilman program upon return to their home university.
Tran selected the USD direct program in Pau, France and says, “my continued education in France will help me better understand culture, language and history. I will be able to gain a better understanding of people, not only in America, but also from all over the world.”
Tran’s post graduate aspirations are to pursue a field that inspires youth and to work for a non-profit organization.
“We would like to congratulate Lena on her achievement. Our office is committed to promoting the University’s strategic plan which includes increasing the number of graduates with global experiences,” stated Sarah Wittmuss, Director Center for Academic & Global Engagement. “We recognize the importance this plays as part of the liberal arts mission at USD and this award is an excellent extension of the university’s goal to graduate students who are globally aware.”