Robert Niegelsky Awarded Robertson Fellowship from the Bush School of Government and Public Service

COLLEGE STATION, TX (10/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Robert Niegelsky from Greensboro, North Carolina was awarded a prestigious Robertson Fellowship from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Niegelsky is a first year student in the Masters Program in International Affairs.

Robertson Fellowships are awarded to students who have shown exceptional academic achievement and service during their undergraduate education. When added to funds normally provided to Bush School students, the Robertson Fellowship covers approximately all expenses associated with completing a master's degree over two years. In addition to the financial support, the Robertson Foundation also helps graduates secure federal employment as well as internships, often by linking current Fellows to Robertson alumni.

Established by the family of the late philanthropists Charles and Marie Robertson and named in their honor, the Foundation's mission is to strengthen the United States by supporting educational and training programs for men and women who will enter government service. The program was recently extended at the Bush School through 2017-2018.

"We're very pleased that the Robertson Foundation has extended its generous support for the fellowship program at the Bush School," said Sam Kirkpatrick, executive associate dean. "As in the past, each of our Robertson Fellows more than meets the Foundation's criteria. Their academic achievements are impressive and are enhanced by the broad range of experiences they have had during and after their undergraduate education," he added.

Robert Mark Niegelsky graduated with highest distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012 with a B.A. in Global Studies (Russia and Eastern Europe concentration) and minors in both English and Russian culture. He made the Dean's List all eight semesters and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in 2011. In the summer of 2009, Mark studied in the Balkans and Austria as part of UNC's Burch Field Research Seminar, examining the role of international organizations in the former Yugoslavia. During his time on campus, Mark spent four years as a staff writer for The Daily Tar Heel, assisted incoming students during summer orientation, and interned for Orange County Emergency Services.