Photo Caption: Two WKU students have been recognized by the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program for the fall. Cache Tyler Tomlinson (left) received a scholarship to study in Germany. Haley Danielle Taylor (right) was selected as an alternate to study in Italy.

Two WKU students have been recognized by the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program for the fall.

Cache Tyler Tomlinson of Shelbyville received a scholarship to study in Germany. Haley Danielle Taylor of Tompkinsville was selected as an alternate to study in Italy.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, more than 2,700 Gilman scholarships will be awarded this academic year for U.S. citizen undergraduates to study or intern abroad. The program is intended to increase diversity in study abroad by funding the travel of underrepresented groups including ethnic minorities; students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and students with disabilities. The strongest applications are written by students who will earn credit applicable to their academic and career goals while abroad.

Tomlinson, a third-year sports management and international business major, is the son of Mike and Vicki Tomlinson. He is also a student in the Honors College at WKU. He plans to participate in the exchange program at Reutlingen University in Reutlingen, Germany. Tomlinson’s goal is to attend law school and become a sports agent for European footballers.

Taylor, a fifth-year middle grades math and math and science education major, is the daughter of Kaye and Terry Taylor. She also participates in the SKyTeach mathematics and science teacher education program at WKU. If selected, she will complete four weeks of student teaching in Italy.

Both of the students worked with the Office of Scholar Development at WKU in preparing their Gilman Scholarship application and with the Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning to find the best academic program abroad to fit their goals.

“They were extremely helpful in helping me with all my applications and the opportunity to study abroad,” Tomlinson said.

Taylor said the OSD helped her perceive teaching “in a different light” by opening the possibility of doing her student teaching abroad.

About the Office of Scholar Development: The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in nationally competitive scholarships.

About the Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning (SAGL): SAGL serves the WKU community by engaging students, faculty and staff in diverse, educational, and cultural experiences through faculty-led, exchange, consortia and other study abroad opportunities. For information about the Office of Study Abroad, visit www.wku.edu/studyabroad. The office can be contacted via e-mail at study.abroad@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5334.

Contact: Cheryl Kirby-Stokes, (270) 745-4191