Twenty-nine University of Nebraska–Lincoln students were awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship in the 2024 application cycle to support studies or an internship abroad.
The nationally competitive program is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and managed by the Institute of International Education, with awards announced twice annually.
The Gilman program supports American students to gain proficiency in a variety of languages and cultures, skills that are critically important to their academic and career development. The program prioritizes studying and interning in a variety of countries. Recipients may receive up to $5,000 for program costs, with an additional $3,000 available for those studying critical languages.
According to the U.S. Department of State, 65% of Gilman recipients are from rural areas and small towns across the United States, and half are first-generation college students.
Marnie Nelson, director of global experiences at Nebraska, said the university’s successful applications stem from collaboration between staff in the Global Experiences Office and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, with overwhelming campus support.
“The application process for the Gilman award is intense, and we are extremely proud of our students and their efforts,” she said.
Courtney Santos, director of undergraduate research and fellowships, added that the university’s Gilman Scholars exemplify readiness to embrace new challenges and build career-ready skills through participation in cross-cultural exchange.
“I am delighted that they will represent our university and Nebraska on the international stage,” she said.
The university’s newest Gilman Scholars include the following students, listed alphabetically by hometown, with their majors(s), intended city/country of study and the 2024 application cycle for which they were awarded:
Nebraska
Grand Island:
- Monica Samaniego Alamilla, interior design, Italy (March).
- Nayla Torres Ruiz, anthropology, Spanish and history, Montevideo, Uruguay (October).
Kearney:
- Milli Ciprian, women’s and gender studies, Heredia, Costa Rica (October).
Lincoln:
- Shahla Abrahim, political science and global studies, Jordan (March).
- Ahmed Alsayid, global studies, Morocco (March).
- Myka Blake, fisheries and wildlife (pre-veterinary medicine), South Africa (October).
- Mary-Kate Boyle, philosophy, Berlin, Germany (October).
- Alaa Ismail, global studies and computer science, Morocco (March).
- Lenda Khalaf, international business and Spanish, Bilbao, Spain (October).
- Annaliese Kohrell, fisheries and wildlife, South Africa (March).
- Liam Kreikemeier, hospitality, restaurant and tourism management, India (October).
- Dalena Mai, psychology, Vietnam (March).
- Yamen Seanwan, business administration, Spain (March).
- Adam Shihab, biological Sciences (pre-dentistry), Rwanda (October).
Omaha:
- Zachary Corey, civil engineering, Madagascar (October).
- Yasmin Ramirez, finance and international business, Australia and New Zealand (October).
- Nawal Zahid, fisheries and wildlife, United Kingdom (March).
Papillion:
- Madalynn Janousek, economics, United Kingdom (March).
- Pam Tanghanwaye, biological sciences, France (March).
Plattsmouth:
- Wyatt Cook, biochemistry (pre-medicine), Geneva, Switzerland (October).
Elsewhere in the U.S.
Parker, Colorado:
- Emma Provence, political science, Brussels, Belgium (October).
Warrensburg, Missouri:
- Cheyenne Storms, architectural studies, Singapore (March).
For more information on the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, click here. The next Gilman scholarship deadline is October 2025. Interested students and campus community members should email globalexperiences@unl.edu for details.
