Alaina Majkrzak, a junior in East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music program, won the highly coveted U.S. Department of State’s Gilman International Scholarship. This prestigious honor will support Majkrzak’s study abroad experience at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick throughout this semester.
In recent years, numerous ETSU students have earned this award, which encourages travel to unique locations, intensive language study and hands-on internship experiences.
“Each cycle, our Gilman applicants put hours of effort into their applications and are challenged to reflect on the importance of education abroad opportunities,” said Cassidy Blackwell, ETSU’s campus Gilman award specialist, who conducts workshops and works closely with students throughout the application process. “Our goal is for students to leave the process with skills that contribute to their success at ETSU and beyond.”
Dr. Carson Medley, director of ETSU’s Office of Prestigious Awards, emphasized the program’s impact.
“Gilman Scholarship recruiting and advising represents some of the most important work we do,” he said. “It creates education abroad opportunities for students who might otherwise never have the chance.”
Gilman Scholars must complete a service project upon returning home, sharing the value of studying abroad and promoting the scholarship to future applicants. These service projects are a critical component of the award, designed to encourage community engagement and inspire others to explore international education opportunities.
ETSU has an impressive record of supporting students in pursuing nationally and internationally recognized awards.
Students have secured major awards, including a Goldwater Scholarship, two Critical Language Scholarships (Russian and Swahili) and several Gilman Scholarships. Last year, ETSU student Trent White won a coveted Truman Scholarship and was a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most prestigious merit scholarships in the world.
