Four Auburn University students — Trynnady Aldridge, Jacycie Clapp, Masha Turkic and Sally Price — have been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship for study abroad.
The nationally competitive scholarship program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students to pursue academic studies around the world.
Gilman awardees
Aldridge, a sophomore in the Harbert College of Business, is originally from Demopolis, Alabama, and is majoring in marketing with a specialization in management and minors in organizational leadership, communication, music business and public relations. Aldridge plans to utilize the scholarship by studying in London and Paris, giving her firsthand experience with how international brands connect with diverse audiences, which will be invaluable for her future in brand strategy and marketing.
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“Being selected for the Gilman Scholarship means validation,” said Aldridge. “As a first-generation student from a small rural town, opportunities like this remind me that my goals are bigger than my environment. It confirms that my hard work, leadership and commitment to growth are creating opportunities that can change my future.”
Clapp is an Honors College senior in the College of Liberal Arts. Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Clapp is majoring in neuroscience with minors in biological sciences and French. She will study in France, which closely aligns with her academic interests and long-term goals of bridging her neuroscience major with her French minor.
“I’m most excited for the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the French language and experience daily life within another culture,” said Clapp. “I hope to pursue a research career, and I believe that the language skills and international perspectives I will gain from this opportunity will help me engage more meaningfully in collaborative, global scientific work.”
Turkic, a sophomore in the College of Liberal Arts, is originally from Gulf Shores, Alabama, and is majoring in speech, language and hearing sciences with minors in studio art and Asian studies. Turkic will study in Germany, allowing her to develop greater cultural awareness, adaptability and communication skills essential for her major.
“Being selected for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship is a huge honor for me; it is something that I am truly grateful for. Studying abroad in Germany will allow me to grow through cultural immersion, travel and lifelong friendships. The international perspective I gain abroad will stay with me throughout my career and shape me into a more compassionate and knowledgeable professional.”
Price, a junior in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, is originally from Cullman, Alabama, and is majoring in software engineering with a minor in industrial and graphic design processes. Price will study in Germany and is excited to gain new experiences, broaden her perspectives and grow both academically and professionally within her major with the help of the Gilman Scholarship.
“Opportunities like this are available to anyone who's willing to take a chance and apply, you never know what can happen unless you put yourself out there,” said Price.
A transformational opportunity
“The Gilman Scholarship continues to be one of the most transformational opportunities for Auburn students, shaping their academic, professional and personal growth,” said Margaret Healey Mathison, coordinator for Auburn Abroad. “Auburn Abroad is incredibly proud of our recipients and looks forward to seeing how this award enhances their academic and cultural experiences abroad.
Students interested in applying for a Gilman Scholarship are encouraged to attend an information session hosted by Auburn Abroad this fall. More information can be found on the Auburn Abroad website as the date nears or by contacting Mathison via email.
The Institute for International Education, which oversees the Gilman Scholarship program, is an independent, nonprofit organization based in New York and founded in 1919. Its mission is to advance international education and access to education worldwide.
