CAS News  Back to CAS News

CAS student receives two prestigious scholarships
[05.08.2013]

TAMPA, Fla. -- Hiram Rios of the University of South Florida has been awarded a Boren Scholarship and a Gilman Scholarship to fund his study of Mandarin Chinese abroad in China during summer 2013. Rios is one of just 700 students who received a Gilman Scholarship for summer and one of only 161 U.S. citizens who will study abroad during the 2013-2014 academic year through the Boren Scholarship. The Boren and Gilman Scholarships will cover the costs of round trip transportation to China and maintenance for the summer 2013.

Rios is an Honors College sophomore double majoring in economics and mathematics and minoring in Mandarin Chinese language. He represents the College of Arts and Sciences where his achievements have been noted inside and outside of the classroom. Rios is a recipient of the Honors College McCorkle Scholarship and is a Stuart Silverman Endowed Scholar. He is a Returning Network Leader for the Office of New Student Connections and a student assistant for the Office of National Scholarships. Rios is a USF Ambassador and a Founding Father and Treasurer for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. This spring, he was selected as USF’s first Student Employee of the Year.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Rios is fluent in English and Spanish. He plans to earn a Ph.D. in Economics and work for the Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer under the Economic Officer track, which will fulfill the government service requirement of the Boren Scholarship. His ideal job would be working in a U.S. Embassy in China.

The Office of National Scholarships identifies, recruits and mentors high achieving students to apply for national merit scholarships across all disciplines. The scholarships and fellowships are for creative, motivated and academically strong students who are leaders in and out of the classroom.

Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Boren Scholarships are funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), which focuses on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security. Boren Scholarships provide American undergraduate students with the resources and encouragement they need to acquire skills and experiences in areas of the world critical to the future security of the nation, in exchange for their commitment to seek work in the federal government.

Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply towards their study abroad program costs. Recipients of the scholarship have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages, and economies -- making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector. All recipients are required to carry out a Follow-on Project to share information about the Gilman program within their university and community.

-USF-

Filed under:Arts and Sciences Economics Mathematics and Statistics Student Success  
Credits
Author:
Contact: