Two Appalachian State University seniors in the College of Fine and Applied Arts have been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study or intern abroad during spring 2019. Felicia Sutton, an art and visual culture major from Charlotte, is studying in Costa Rica and Kira Brisotti, a building sciences major from Greensboro, is studying in Italy.

The Gilman International Scholarship Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, offers grants of up to $5,000 to allow U.S. undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to participate in credit-bearing study abroad programs and career-orientated internships. The program seeks to support students that might not otherwise participate due to financial barriers.

Brisotti and Sutton are among 800 undergraduate students from 152 colleges to receive the prestigious Gilman Scholarship in spring 2019.

Sutton is grateful for the opportunity to study something she loves – art – in a new location.

“As someone who is passionate about community-building and strengthening through collaborative public art projects, I think that this experience will provide me with unique skills that will enrich my future endeavors,” she shared.

Brisotti is also thankful to have the opportunity to study architecture and business in Florence.

“Some of the world’s oldest and most famous works of architecture are located in Italy, and I am excited about the opportunity to visit and study many of these structures first-hand during my time abroad,” she shared. “Because of the Gilman Scholarship, this opportunity [has become] my reality and I could not be more grateful.”

For more information about the Gilman Scholarship Program and how to apply, contact Nationally Competitive Scholarships at ncs@appstate.edu or visit ncs.appstate.edu.

by Joanie Andruss