Clayton Snyder Receives Prestigious Benjamin A, Gilman International Scholarship

LHU Student Will Study in South Korea

LOCK HAVEN, PA (12/19/2011)(readMedia)-- Lock Haven University student Clayton Snyder has been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship in the amount of $4000. Snyder, a senior Recreation Management major from Lebanon, Pa., will attend Chungnam National University in Daejon, South Korea, where he will study Korean language and culture.

The Gilman International Scholarship Program is sponsored by the by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). In offering grants for U.S. undergraduates to study abroad, the program seeks "to prepare students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world."

Gilman award recipients are chosen by a competitive selection process. For the spring 2012 semester, the Gilman Scholarship Program received over 2,700 applications for 900 possible awards. According to Rosanna Campbell, assistant director of international studies, "This makes Clayton the eighth LHU student to receive a prestigious study abroad award since 2006." She added, "I am very proud of Clayton's achievement."

Campbell stated that "Clayton won the Gilman Scholarship because he is looking for a unique academic experience outside the United States." She explained, "U.S. study-abroad students usually want to go to Western Europe or Australia. Clayton wanted to get out of his comfort zone. And one of the Gilman program's goals is to diversify the destinations students choose."

Clayton has been preparing for study abroad for a long time. "I have been prepared to reach out to other cultures through Lock Haven's distinct programs and opportunities." He added, "I want to experience a place completely foreign from my own so I can better respect where I live and the host country. I have always been interested in Korean culture."

He also expressed his gratitude to the Gilman Scholarship Program: "Thanks to the Gilman Scholarship, I will be able to fund my trip, furthering my knowledge and understanding of the world.

Dr. Mary Rose-Colley, interim dean of the College of Education and Human Services, said, "The CEHS is very proud of Clayton's accomplishment. He joins a cadre of students from our college who have had the opportunity to study abroad. He will be an excellent representative of Lock Haven University."

Clayton Snyder is a 2008 graduate of Cedar Crest High School. His parents are Robert and Kim Snyder.

Further information about the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is available at www.iie.org/gilman.

Lock Haven University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 405,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.