Psychology Major Wins Gilman Scholarship

Five Eastern Kentucky University students were awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a highly competitive study-abroad grant that receives thousands of applicants per year.

The winning Colonels were among 23 named recipients in Kentucky. It was the highest number of winners at EKU in any one year, and EKU tied with Western Kentucky University for most summer semester awards of any college or university in the state.

Named for former U.S. Rep. Benjamin Gilman, the congressionally funded program is administered by the U.S. Department of State. Around 1,000 scholarships were awarded this summer out of 5,000 students who applied throughout the country. Winners of the scholarship can receive up to $5,000 to study or intern abroad — EKU’s Gilman winners were awarded $2,000 to $3,500 each.

EKU Psychology Winner:

Brookelynn Brindley

Destination: Kenya

Hometown: Augusta, Kentucky

Major: Psychology

For Brookelynn Brindley, visiting Africa has been a lifelong dream. Her scholarship award was still pending a review from the U.S. Department of State, as Kenya is not a pre-approved location. However, even if she declines the award, she plans to travel to Kenya anyway.

“I’m so grateful to be a recipient and elated to be spending my summer in Kenya, and fulfilling a lifelong dream,” she said.

**Story also published at https://stories.eku.edu/students/five-students-win-study-abroad-scholarships

Published on May 30, 2019