Six University of Richmond Students Awarded Competitive Gilman Scholarships to Study Abroad

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Six University of Richmond students have been offered Gilman scholarships to support their study abroad experiences.  

The Gilman Scholarship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduate students who might not otherwise go abroad due to financial constraints.

“Gilman scholarships allow students to gain vital experience in diverse languages and cultures,” said Ethan Knight, associate director of the Office of Scholars and Fellowships. “The study abroad experiences through this program aim to foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and the rest of the world and help students develop critical skills that will support their future careers.”

UR’s latest Gilman scholars are:

• Lay’la Harmon, a senior from Chester, Pennsylvania, who will study abroad in France. She is majoring in leadership studies and sociology.
• Redet Lemma, a senior from Richmond, Virginia, who will study abroad in South Africa. She is majoring in health studies.
• Josie Mastandrea, a junior from Milton, Massachusetts, who will study abroad in Italy. She is majoring in leadership studies and philosophy, politics, economics, and law (PPEL).
• Madelaine O’Blenis, a junior from Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, who will study abroad in the United Kingdom. She is majoring in economics.
• Janissa Soto, a junior from Westbury, New York, who will study abroad in New Zealand. She is majoring in health studies.
• Nikoloz Gvelesiani, a junior from Tbilisi, Georgia, who will study abroad in Hungary. He is majoring in computer science and mathematics.

This cohort of Gilman scholars will study or intern in over 90 countries and represents more than 500 U.S. colleges and universities. Since the program started in 2001, 101 University of Richmond students have been offered Gilman scholarships.

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