10 CofC Students Named 2025 Gilman Scholars

This past spring, 10 College of Charleston students received Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships, which enables American students to gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise have the opportunity due to financial constraints.

While six of the CofC students completed their studies this summer, four of them are currently participating in experiences this fall semester.

“I’m so excited for our latest Gilman recipients,” says Sidney Woram, associate director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, which is committed to raising the College’s national and international profile by helping students pursue prestigious opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, independent research projects, language acquisition and a variety of study abroad opportunities. “They all made a compelling case for why these programs would contribute not only to their personal development, but also to their growth as students and young professionals.” 

Take, for example, Alexa Seaman-Huynh, who is currently spending the year in Athens, Greece.

“Through trips and field studies, my goal is to discover more fully the value, worth and importance of historic locations and the roles they played previously compared to our modern age,” says the junior classics major. “I hope the experiences I have, namely practicing adaptability, will aid me in a future career or endeavors.” 

Faith Rooker has always been fascinated by Korean culture and is using this semester to immerse herself in it on a deeper level, exploring how Korean companies develop innovative, media-rich campaigns and engage with audiences both locally and internationally.

“My primary goal during my study abroad program is to gain firsthand experience with Korean marketing practices and understand how cultural values shape consumer behavior in East Asia,” says the junior marketing major, who will also be taking marketing courses and conducting independent research comparing Korean and Western marketing strategies. “These experiences will help me develop practical insights and cultural fluency, skills that are essential for my future as a global marketing professional.”

Junior psychology major Emily Rinkes spent the summer in London. It was her first time in Europe.

“I was excited to study psychology in London due to this program pertaining to my interest in psychopathology and abnormal psychology. There is so much history related to those fields,” she says, adding that she also got hands-on experiences at the Freudian Museum and the Broadmoor Institute.

Rinkes notes that the Gilman network of scholars is another great benefit of the program.

“These connections are a great way to receive mentoring and also professionally talk with like-minded scholars focused on the same field of study as you, whether they are farther in their journey, or just getting started,” she says.

Other CofC students joining the Gilman network of Scholars

• Hazer Mendoza Ayala, junior international business major (summer 2025)
• Savannah Barrett, senior art and architectural history major (summer 2025)
• Khadija Boutchich, senior history major (summer 2025)
• Benjamin Goldbach, senior accounting major (summer 2025; Navy veteran)
• Kadyn Jones, junior public health major (fall 2025)
• Juliet Rivera-Cedillo, junior hospitality and tourism management major (summer 2025)
• Olivia Swenka, junior elementary education major (fall 2025)

Mission of the Gilman Program

• Develop a generation of future American leaders with the career skills and international networks to advance U.S. national security and economic prosperity
• Support young Americans to gain the professional skills, language abilities and knowledge of the world needed for successful careers
• Expand the destinations where U.S. students study and intern abroad, in order to build relationships, foster mutual understanding and represent American culture and values critical to national security

Apply for the Gilman Scholarship

The next deadline for the Gilman Scholarship is Friday, Oct. 3, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Students who are interested in applying for a Gilman Scholarship or other external fellowships and scholarships should contact the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards at [email protected].