(Posted April 27, 2009)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Connor Ross, a junior at Juniata College from Mechanicsburg, Pa., studying biology, is currently studying abroad at the Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the island of San Cristobal after receiving the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

Ross, the son of Patrice Ross and Rhody Ross, both of Mechanicsburg, received the Gilman Scholarship in fall semester 2008 and spent the spring semester studying abroad, taking marine ecology, marine conservation and introduction to ichthyology.

The Gilman Scholarships, named for Benjamin Gilman, a Republican U.S. Representative from New York, offer grants for undergraduate students of limited financial means to study abroad. More than 1,200 scholarships of up to $5,000 were awarded this academic year. The program also encourages students to choose non-traditional destinations for their study-abroad experience.

The program is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of State.

Ross is a member of Habitat for Humanity, Java, the Caving Club and participates in intramural bowling. He also was a member of the Juniata baseball team as a freshman.


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