ISSUED: 29 June 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — A Shepherd University global studies major is the recipient of a $4,000 U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad. Madalaine Fleming of Greenbank plans to use the scholarship to attend University College Cork in Ireland in fall 2021.
“I’m looking forward to participating in courses within University College Cork’s Celtic Civilisations program,” Fleming said. “I’m interested in the history and culture of the region, such as folklore, the changes within Ireland throughout history into contemporary times, and the connections that may be found between Ireland and the Appalachian region.”
Fleming comes from a rural area in West Virginia and is looking forward to traveling independently. As a rural Appalachian, Fleming has always been curious about and wanted to visit Ireland, especially the areas where Celtic influences have taken root.
“The aspect I’m most excited about is embarking on the journey and learning not only about another place and culture, but also learning much more about myself and how I relate back to my home culture while abroad,” she said. “I’m eager to see where the experience takes me and share that experience with fellow students in Ireland.”
“I am delighted that Madalaine’s hard work on her academics at Shepherd and on her Gilman application has been recognized with her award,” said Dr. Samuel Greene, assistant professor of political science and global studies and director of study abroad. “This opportunity to experience Irish culture firsthand will be a fantastic culmination to her excellent work in the field of global studies, where she has excelled in her study of global history and culture.”
Fleming said if travel advisories remain at the present level, she may have to postpone her trip to spring semester because the Gilman Scholarship requires the travel advisory in a country to be at level one or two.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It is an undergraduate program for U.S. citizens of limited financial means to enable them to study abroad. The scholarship is named for the late Congressman Benjamin Gilman, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 30 years and chaired the House Foreign Relations Committee.
The Paul and Lisa Welch Distinguished Awards Program at Shepherd University was established to provide targeted assistance to Shepherd students and faculty preparing for competitive prestigious scholarships, fellowships and award programs such as the Gilman Scholarship. For more information, contact Dr. Sam Greene, assistant professor of political science and director of study abroad at sgreene@shepherd.edu.
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