Lindenwood University was recognized as one of 1,300 higher-educational institutions across the country whose students have benefited from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs made the announcement November 1 at the Diversity Abroad Global Inclusion Conference in Chicago. 

The recognition is in honor of Krislyn Gilbertson, who became Lindenwood’s first successful Gilman Scholarship winner last year. She was just one of only 23 students from Missouri selected for the honor, and she spent a semester taking classes in Verona, Italy.

The Gilman Scholarship, which started in 2001 and is administered by the Institute of International Education, supports students with limited financial resources in pursuit of international internships and study abroad programming. More than 4,000 students across the nation apply for the award each academic year.

“At the Center for Engaged Learning, we work hard to make sure that our programs and opportunities support all of our students in their personal, academic, and professional journey,” Assistant Provost for Engaged Learning and Academic Affairs Dr. Mark Valenzuela said. “While the opportunities to study in over 20 different countries attract a lot of prospective freshmen, for many others, study abroad is often seen as being out of reach.”

The Gilman Scholarship highlights Lindenwood’s growing study abroad program, which aims to educate students on different cultures and experiences around the globe. It also spotlights Lindenwood’s commitment to real experience and real success by making its study abroad program an inclusive and affordable opportunity.

Through this scholarship, Lindenwood students who might not have had the means to study abroad are now able to do so. Additionally, students who receive this prestigious honor can gain invaluable real-world experience by studying in different parts of the world while learning about diverse cultures in an academic setting.

“Our manager of Global Student Mobility, Rachel Jagust, works hard to find ways to turn students’ dreams into reality, including promoting application to the Gilman International Scholarship,” Valenzuela added. “… We’re proud to join the 1,300 U.S. colleges and universities who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in study abroad.”