Opportunities to study overseas will now be easier to come by for Grand Valley students, thanks to a gift for scholarships supporting international studies. The Barbara H. Padnos International Scholars program, founded by longtime GVSU benefactor Stuart B. Padnos in honor of his late wife, is now accepting applications for academic year 2000-2001.
Faculty and staff members are asked to encourage students interested in an international study program to apply for one of the endowed scholarships. Grants in the $5,000-$10,000 range will be awarded, depending on the length of overseas study and the cost of the program. The application deadline is March 15.
I think this will help broaden people's thinking by letting them study out of the country, said Padnos, senior executive vice president of the Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Company of Holland. The idea of this scholarship is to encourage people who will likely stay in west Michigan to gain a global perspective.
The program, established to provide study abroad stipends, primarily in the Arts and Humanities, will enable students to have an in-depth, substantive experience in another country. The scholarships are intended for long-term overseas study experiences lasting for a semester or academic year. No funding will be provided for short-term study.
These scholarships may enable overseas opportunities for students who hadn't considered studying in another country, says Dean of International Affairs Brenda Robinson. I want to encourage students to put a lot of thought and planning in the application process.
Students interested in this opportunity should contact Rebecca Chomos for guidance in developing their proposals, says Robinson. Chomos can be reached at the Padnos International Center at x3898.
