Four Loyola students win Gilman Scholarships to study abroad for spring 2020

Four Loyola University Maryland students—Olivia Hickey, ’21, Caoimhe Mannion, ’21, Shay Ryan, ’21, and Jade Wehner, ’21—have each been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. The scholarship will support their study abroad experiences in spring 2020.

Hickey will study in Auckland, New Zealand, Mannion will be in Copenhagen, Denmark, Ryan will go to Leuven, Belgium, and Wehner will study in Newcastle, England.

“The number of Gilman Scholarship recipients has continued to increase. We’ve received double the number of applicants since the last round of recipients were announced,” said Andrea Giampetro-Meyer, J.D., professor of law and social responsibility and a faculty member on the National Fellowships Committee, who provides mentorship for Gilman Scholarship applicants. “Gilman Scholars receive an affordable study abroad opportunity that facilitates a well-rounded academic experience.”

Hickey, who is originally from Wakefield, Mass., is a mechanical engineering major with a minor in mathematics. She is involved in the Art Club and Environmental Action Club, and she is the treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers.

“A big part of my career path is constant innovation,” said Hickey. “By studying in a different country, the exposure to different aspects of the world will spark creativity and an alternative way to problem solve.”

Mannion is an elementary education major and urban education minor at Loyola, where she also serves as a resident assistant and vice president of the Environmental Action Club. Mannion was also selected as a recipient of Katherine and Larry Jennings Scholarship for summer study and research abroad.

“I am so excited to step outside of my comfort zone and explore a culture different than my own,” said the Phoenixville, Pa., native. “Scandinavia is renowned for its school system and philosophy on childhood development so I’m excited to explore this next semester.”

Ryan is originally from Poolesville, Md.

“The process of applying for this scholarship and studying abroad will help my personal and professional development,” said the psychology major. “I am most looking forward to getting to know Belgian culture and improving my French and Dutch.”

Wehner is a biochemistry major from Scranton, Pa. 

“I always wanted to study abroad because I love to travel and learn. There's no better way to do both than through this opportunity,” said Wehner, who is an Evergreen, a volunteer in Loyola’s Center for Community Service and Justice, and a lab assistant. “This experience will not only help me in my future career but also widen my understanding of the world and other countries.” 

Three Loyola students have also been selected as alternates for the scholarship.

About the Gilman Scholarship:

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship eases the financial burden for exceptional U.S. undergraduate students who study or intern abroad. The Gilman International Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education through its office in Houston, Texas.