Fred and Paula Brothers wanted to establish an award to encourage study abroad. The University of Rennes 2 was chosen because that was where Gloria was awarded a Fulbright to study French Literature.
One Marshall student and one student at Rennes 2 will be selected each year to receive a $5,000 award for one year or $3,000 for one semester of study to help defray the cost of their participation in the exchange program. In addition, up to $2,500 will be available each year for a faculty member at Rennes 2 to travel to Marshall, and a faculty member at Marshall to travel to Rennes 2 to help develop academic and cultural interchange between the two institutions.
"The unique scholarship will make it possible for Marshall students to pursue their dream to study abroad and will foster transatlantic collaboration between two universities," Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp said in a prepared statement. "This recognition is a fitting tribute to Gloria Brothers, who was one of Marshall's first alumni to receive a Fulbright scholarship."
According to Dr. Clark Egnor, executive director of the Center for International Programs, the University of Rennes 2 has much to offer students and faculty at Marshall. "In addition to a program for learning French, Rennes 2 also has strong departments of Art, Geography, and History," Egnor said.
Persons interested in applying for the scholarship should be full-time, undergraduate students in their sophomore year or higher who have been accepted into Marshall University's reciprocal exchange program with the University of Rennes 2. First preference shall be given to 1) female students; 2) French majors; 3) students with advanced fluency in French; 4) U.S. citizens; 5) and students who are from West Virginia. Advanced written and spoken French language skills are preferred, but not required.
Award applicants must submit statement of purpose essays (1-2 pages) in both English and French describing the reason behind their decision to study abroad and the impact that it will have on them academically, professionally and personally. These essays, along with a cover letter describing their qualifications for the scholarship, and a completed application for study abroad, should be submitted by Aug. 15, 2006 for the spring 2007 term, and by Jan. 15, 2007 for the fall 2007 term. The deadline for spring 2007 may be extended if necessary.
More information about this program can be obtained by contacting Egnor at the Center for International Programs at Egnor@marshall.edu or (304) 696-2465
source: http://www.herald-dispatch.com
