The University of Tulsa has every reason to celebrate as it welcomes 2026 with extraordinary news. Eleven bright students have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships, marking the highest number of recipients in the university's history. Together, they've secured an impressive $34,500 in funding to support their international academic adventures.

This remarkable achievement represents far more than just numbers. It's a testament to the dedication and ambition of UTulsa students who are eager to expand their understanding of the world. The Center for Global Engagement at UTulsa has been instrumental in supporting these students through the highly competitive application process, and their efforts have clearly paid off in spectacular fashion.

The scholarship winners represent a wonderful diversity of academic interests and destinations. Seven students will embark on travel courses, while four others have earned support for semester-long, summer, or year-long programs. The destinations span the globe, including Spain, Peru, Thailand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, India, China, Japan, and Germany. It's an impressive geographic spread that promises rich cultural experiences and academic growth.

Adding to the excitement, two students received special supplemental awards recognizing their fields of study. One earned the Gilman-STEM Supplemental Award for pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Another received the Gilman-DAAD Supplemental Award, a partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service, highlighting the international collaboration that makes these opportunities possible.

Andrea Taylor, a sophomore double majoring in Spanish and biochemistry from Tulsa, captured the significance of this opportunity perfectly. She's heading to Spain and shared that winning the award is both an incredible honor and a meaningful affirmation of her academic and personal growth. For Andrea, studying abroad means expanding her perspective in ways that simply aren't possible within classroom walls. She looks forward to immersing herself in a new culture, challenging herself in unfamiliar environments, and developing independence, adaptability, and global awareness.

The Ripple Effect of these scholarships extends far beyond the individual students. When these eleven scholars return to Oklahoma, they'll bring with them fresh perspectives, international connections, and cross-cultural competencies that will enrich the entire UTulsa community. Their experiences abroad will inform classroom discussions, inspire fellow students, and potentially shape future career paths in ways that benefit not just the students themselves, but the communities they'll eventually serve.

The diverse backgrounds of the recipients, from nursing and engineering to psychology and music, demonstrate that global learning experiences are valuable across all disciplines. Whether it's Oswaldo Atilano studying nursing in Peru or Michelle Jones pursuing music studies in Italy, each student will gain insights that enhance their professional preparation and personal growth.

This record-breaking achievement by UTulsa students sends a powerful message about the value of global education and the determination of young people to broaden their horizons. It's a beautiful reminder that when we invest in education and international understanding, we're investing in a brighter, more connected future for everyone.