Five UTEP Students Receive Prestigious Gilman Scholarship to Study Abroad
Last Updated on December 18, 2020 at 12:00 AM
Originally published December 18, 2020
By UC Staff
UTEP Communications
EL PASO, Texas – Five undergraduates at The University of Texas at El Paso will study abroad with the support of the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
The Gilman Scholarship supports U.S. undergraduate students who plan to study or intern abroad through the end of 2021.
“We’re so proud of this group of talented students for securing this prestigious scholarship, and are looking forward to seeing these students take on these life-changing and impactful educational experiences,” said Catie McCorry-Andalis, Ed.D., associate vice president for student engagement and dean of students at UTEP.
This year's five Gilman Scholars were awarded a combined $22,000. They include:
- Annette Escarcega, freshman media advertising major, who will study in Spain.
- Marian Loaeza, sophomore civil engineering major, who will study in South Korea.
- Safia Raja, sophomore biological sciences major, who will study in France.
- Lesley Torres-Quintana, senior criminal justice major and general business minor, who will study in Spain.
- Gerado Vargas, junior biochemistry major who will study in South Korea.
The Congressionally funded Gilman program broadens the U.S. student population studying abroad by providing scholarships to outstanding undergraduate Pell Grant recipients.
“We always encourage UTEP students to pursue these educational opportunities, and are pleased to have prestigious programs like the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship recognize the talent of our students,” said Melanie Meinzer, Ph.D., director of UTEP’s Office of Student Fellowships and Awards.
Due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, students are able to defer their program through the end of 2021, or can elect to participate in a virtual study abroad or international internship program.
