Old Dominion welcomes Presidential Global Scholars

BY JAMES J. LIDINGTON

The first two recipients of Old Dominion's Presidential Global Scholarships, Jessica Vance of Alexandria, Va., and Laura Frawley of Charleston, S.C., have taken their places this fall in International Hall as members of the 2002-03 freshman class.

The new scholarship program, created by John Heyl, executive director of international programs, and announced by President Roseann Runte at her inauguration last October, is an outgrowth of the need to have globalism "deeply imbedded in our curriculum," according to Runte.

Offering a four-year set of experiences to help students understand global issues and build global competence, the scholarship program also includes a study abroad component. The scholarships were designed for outstanding graduates of high school international baccalaureate programs and cover tuition and fees, room and board, books and a personal computer.

Vance, a graduate of J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, will major in foreign languages. She was a member of the Fairfax County Police Explorers and the Fairfax Choral Society. At Stuart High, she was a member of the Art Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the National Honor Society and was named Spanish Student of the Year (2001-02).

"Jessica Vance brings to Old Dominion the kind of background and achievement that promise outstanding success here," said Heyl. "Not only is she a terrific student, but she is very excited to join in the intercultural discussion that is part of this very diverse campus."

"It's an opportunity I would not have had elsewhere, the opportunity to go abroad and study another language," Vance said. "Everybody here has been so incredibly helpful with the whole program. It's been a little confusing as a pioneer in the program, but I'm happy to be the guinea pig."

Frawley, who was a soccer team captain at James Island High School and a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society, plans to decide later on her major at Old Dominion. She said she was thrilled to be selected for the new scholarship, adding, "This gives me the opportunity to go to Europe if I want to."

"As a member of the first class to graduate with an international baccalaureate in James Island's history, Laura Frawley excelled in her studies of the Spanish language and culture," said Karen Rostov Kendall, university scholarship coordinator. "Her maturity and excitement toward furthering her education are very inspirational. She will be a great asset to the international community at Old Dominion University."

Presidential Global Scholars may take part in a funded study abroad experience for a semester or a year at one of more than 100 universities worldwide. At Old Dominion, they can choose to study foreign languages and literatures, international studies, international business, international and intercultural communication, or pursue a major in the College of Engineering and Technology with a minor in global engineering.