(Posted November 8, 2021)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. — Juniata College, a private four-year liberal arts college committed to equipping students to become citizens of the world in an increasingly global and diverse community, was recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for having produced the most Gilman recipients over the past 20 years in the Small Institution 20-year overall Top Producer category.

Since the creation of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program in 2001, a total of 51 committed and creative Juniata College students have had the opportunity to study abroad and share their intercultural experiences in their communities through the Gilman award.

“We pride ourselves on the many and varied opportunities our students have to study abroad and immerse themselves in other cultures. We are committed to ensuring that all interested students can take advantage of this opportunity regardless of financial means,” said Lauren Bowen, Juniata’s Provost and senior academic officer. “It is a great experience for the students. Our campus is enriched when they return and share what they have learned on campus and in the community. To be recognized by the U.S. Department of State for the number of Juniata students receiving Gilmans is especially gratifying given our core values and longstanding commitments.”

Throughout its 20-year history, the Department of State’s Gilman Program has reshaped study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students by providing scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduate students who, due to financial constraints, might not otherwise participate. Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 34,000 Gilman Scholars from all U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories have studied or interned in more than 155 countries around the globe.    

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ethan Rosenzweig virtually announced the U.S. colleges and universities that have sent the most Gilman Scholars abroad over the past two decades. These institutions were recognized for their support of equity, diversity, and accessibility in study abroad for American students through the Gilman Program. The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, compiles the lists, which are organized by institution size and degree-awarding category.

Based on 20 years of data, the top 20 institutions in four categories are being honored: small, medium, and large institutions and associate-awarding institutions. Colleges and universities in 27 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, are represented, as well as 33 Minority Serving Institutions.

As the recent Department of State and Department of Education Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education noted, “All Americans need to be equipped with global and cultural competencies to navigate the ever-changing landscapes of education, international business, scientific discovery and innovation, and the global economy.”

To learn more about the Gilman and Gilman-McCain Scholarships and how their diverse alumni are pursuing impactful careers in the government, non-profit, and private sectors, contact eca-press@state.gov and visit www.gilmanscholarship.org.  The website includes a full list of the institutions by category, and additional information on the Gilman Program’s 20th anniversary.

The Gilman competition is administered at Juniata College through Caitlin Murphy, acting dean of International Programs, within Juniata’s Center for International Education.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.