LACEY, Wash. — Two Saint Martin’s University students have been awarded the highly competitive U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, recognizing their academic excellence and commitment to global learning.
The Gilman Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based award that supports students of limited financial means in pursuing international study and internship opportunities. During this award cycle, approximately 7,000 students applied nationwide, with only about 1,500 selected.
The two Saint Martin’s recipients are Ernestina Herrera-Agustin and William Curtis Jr., whose academic and professional goals reflect the transformative impact of international education.
Herrera-Agustin is a second-year nursing major who will spend the summer studying in Granada, Spain, where she will focus on Medical Spanish and earn a medical translation certification. She works on campus in Admissions and Campus Ministry.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Gilman Scholarship for selecting me as a recipient,” said Herrera-Agustin. “Thanks to this support, I will be able to study in Spain and earn my medical translation certification. I am truly thankful for this opportunity.”
Curtis is a Business Administration student, a military veteran and the Associated Students of Saint Martin’s University (ASSMU) senator representing non-traditional students. He participated in the Buenos Aires study abroad program during winter break.
“I am honored to be selected as a Gilman Scholar and look forward to representing the Gilman Program and Saint Martin’s University abroad. This opportunity will broaden my global perspective, strengthen my leadership abilities, and support my continued growth as a student and emerging professional, benefiting my family, my university community, and my future career,” shared Curtis.
Roger Douglas, Ed.D., dean of International Programs and Development, said the awards highlight both student excellence and the University’s commitment to access and global engagement.
“This recognition speaks to the determination and talent of our students and to the power of international education to change lives,” Douglas said. “Having two Gilman Scholars in the same award cycle is a proud moment for Saint Martin’s University and underscores our mission to provide globally focused opportunities to students from all backgrounds.”
Emma Hatton, director of Study Abroad Programs, emphasized the collaborative effort that supported students through the application process.
“William and Ernestina are outstanding representatives of Saint Martin’s, and we are thrilled to see their hard work rewarded,” Hatton said. “Through intentional advising and scholarship workshops, we are helping students see that study abroad is not only possible, but attainable. We look forward to continuing this momentum and supporting even more Gilman applicants in future cycles.”
For more information about study abroad opportunities and scholarships at Saint Martin’s University, visit the Office of International Programs and Development or Study Abroad.
About Saint Martin’s University:
Saint Martin’s University is an independent coeducational university, with undergraduate and graduate offerings, located on a wooded campus of more than 380 acres in Lacey, Washington. Established in 1895 by the Catholic Order of Saint Benedict, the University is one of 13 Benedictine colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. Saint Martin’s University empowers students to pursue a lifetime of learning and accomplishment through its 31 majors, 11 master’s programs, one doctorate program and six certificate programs spanning the arts and sciences, business, counseling, education, engineering, nursing, and leadership. Saint Martin’s welcomes more than 1,300 undergraduate students and 250 graduate students from many ethnic and religious backgrounds to its Lacey campus, and more students to its extended campus located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
About the Gilman International Scholarship Program:
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) supports students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. The Gilman Program is a competitive, merit-based scholarship. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.
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