Written by Colin McEvoy | January 31, 2025 | SHARE
Ten Lehigh University students have been awarded nationally competitive Gilman Scholarships, enabling them to study abroad with support from Lehigh’s Office of Fellowship Advising
Ten Lehigh University students will soon be on their way to study abroad locations around the world after having been awarded nationally competitive Gilman Scholarships, with help from Lehigh’s Office of Fellowship Advising (OFA).
“I am incredibly honored to be a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship, which has enabled me to pursue my dream of studying abroad,” said Anisha Dasgupta, who is planning to study abroad in Ireland after receiving the scholarship.
“This opportunity not only allows me to explore new cultures and perspectives, but also empowers me to grow academically and personally,” Dasgupta said. “I am deeply grateful for this support as I work toward making a meaningful impact within my community and beyond.”
The next Gilman application round is now open. Visit the OFA website for more information or to contact the OFA office.
The Gilman Scholarships are a prestigious, nationally competitive program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, providing funds for students all over the country to apply for a credit-bearing study abroad program or internship.
All 10 winners were each assisted during the Gilman application process by OFA. Since the office began working with Gilman candidates in 2018, a total of 109 Lehigh students have won the scholarship, for an overall award total of $426,000.
The OFA helps students prepare the strongest application possible for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships, according to Bill Hunter, Director of Fellowship Advising and UN Programs.
“The Gilman Scholarship provides the financial resources to study or intern abroad for students who may have never before thought such an experience was possible,” Hunter said. ”When students win, we jump up and down with them. We really get to know the candidates well and it is exciting to share in their success.”
The average dollar amount awarded was $3,000, with 40% of Lehigh’s candidates this year exceeding that amount. The Gilman Scholarship recipients, as well as their areas of study and scholarship awards, include:
- Denny Aguirre (Portugal)
- Anisha Dasgupta (Ireland)
- Ivan Gatski (Hong Kong)
- Alejandro Guzman (Germany)
- Lynzie Hamilton (Japan/South Korea)
- Noah Kim (Ecuador)
- Matthew Marlowe (Iceland)
- Peindo Niangane (Ghana)
- Samantha Victor (Switzerland)
- Chloe Witt (Italy)
Dasgupta was Lehigh’s first Gilman STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) awardee, and Aguirre was the university’s first Gilman Portuguese language awardee.
Lehigh had a 40% win rate among Gilman applicants this round, and the university has an overall win rate of 48% since 2018, compared to a national average win rate of approximately 30%, Hunter said.
All Gilman Scholarship applicants are recipients of Pell Grants, which is money the government provides for students with exceptional financial need.
OFA and Lehigh’s Study Abroad office – both of which are part of Lehigh’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) – work with the university’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity to identify students who could apply for Gilman Scholarships. They also collaborate with Lehigh’s Financial Aid office, which certifies the students as Pell grantees.
“The system we’ve developed through our partners over the past six years or so is fluid and effective,” Hunter said. “It’s a true collaborative effort.”
Students who previously applied and did not win are eligible to apply again.