BOONE, N.C. — The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS), a division of University College at Appalachian State University, announces four Appalachian seniors have been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad during the 2019–20 academic year.
Scholarship recipients Raine Lo, from the College of Arts and Sciences, Javon Nathaniel, a student in the Walker College of Business, and Kevin Garcia Bautista and Sara Sallam, students in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, are among 912 undergraduate students from 345 colleges to receive the prestigious Gilman Scholarship.
The Gilman International Scholarship Program — funded by the U.S. Department of State in honor of the late Benjamin A. Gilman, a former U.S. Rep. from New York — increases the number of students who study or intern abroad by providing financial support to undergraduates who could not otherwise afford to travel internationally. The scholarship makes it possible for recipients to experience international cultures and to learn languages of their choice.
Each Gilman Scholar receives up to $5,000 in funding to study or intern abroad. Applicants who intend to study a critical need language while abroad can apply for a supplemental Gilman Critical Need Language Award of up to $3,000, for a combined scholarship total of up to $8,000.
Raine Lo, one of Appalachian State University’s four 2019–20 Gilman Scholars, is a senior from Connelly Springs majoring in languages, literatures and cultures with a concentration in East Asian languages and cultures. Photo submitted
College of Arts and Sciences
Javon Nathaniel, one of Appalachian State University’s four 2019–20 Gilman Scholars, is a senior international business major with a minor in Japanese from Charlotte. Photo submitted
Walker College of Business
Kevin Garcia Bautista, one of Appalachian State University’s four 2019–20 Gilman Scholars, is a senior communication, public relations major originally from Chicavasco, Mexico. He now resides in Boone. Photo submitted
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Sarah Sallam, of Coram, New York, is one of Appalachian State University’s four 2019–20 Gilman Scholars. She is a senior industrial design major with a concentration in product design. Photo submitted
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Since its inception in 2001, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship has provided funding for 28,000 award recipients, from 1,324 U.S. institutions, to study or intern in 149 countries.
Gilman encourages applications from first-generation college students, students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, those in the military, students attending community colleges and minority-serving institutions and any student interested in traveling abroad.
For more information about the Gilman Scholarship Program and how to apply, contact Appalachian’s NCS Office at ncs@appstate.edu or visit https://ncs.appstate.edu.
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About Nationally Competitive Scholarships
Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS) works with the Appalachian community to recruit and support students for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships, including those that support research, teaching and critical language learning. This is achieved with outreach, mentorship and advising throughout the entire application and selection process. NCS is committed to helping undergraduate and graduate students find ways to connect their Appalachian education to their future endeavors through scholarship opportunities. Learn more at https://ncs.appstate.edu.
About University College
Formed in 2007, University College consists of the university’s general education program, faculty and student support, and co-curricular programming and support – all designed to support the work of students both inside and outside the classroom. All students at Appalachian begin their education in University College and benefit from its programs until they graduate. Learn more at https://universitycollege.appstate.edu.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences is home to 16 academic departments, one stand-alone academic program, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and unique location. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. There are approximately 6,100 student majors in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing Appalachian's general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at https://cas.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://faa.appstate.edu.
About the Walker College of Business
The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact our community, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling approximately 3,000 undergraduates in 10 majors and 175 graduate students in three master's programs, the Walker College is accredited by AACSB International – the premier global accrediting body for schools of business. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 20,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
