K-State students receive prestigious Gilman scholarship for education abroad
Friday, Sept. 20, 2024
MANHATTAN — Six Kansas State University students have been awarded the nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship for international study opportunities.
The selected students are Hannah Macke, senior in agribusiness, Baileyville; Kadin Waterman, sophomore in park management and conservation, Fontana; Thomas Worstell, graduate student in architecture, Blue Springs, Missouri; and Richard Charlton, junior in wildlife and outdoor enterprise management, Tyner, North Carolina. Two other recipients declined to be identified.
The Gilman scholarship provides up to $5,000 to help U.S. undergraduate students at two-year or four-year colleges or universities participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Gilman scholarships are congressionally funded, and they were established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000.
Macke traveled to the United Kingdom this summer to study animal health. While in the United Kingdom, she toured sheep and beef farms, veterinary practices and the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine. Following her K-State faculty-led study abroad experience, Macke continued her international experience through a service project encouraging high school students to explore study abroad opportunities.
"I applied for the scholarship with the hope that it would assist me in funding my study abroad opportunity, which is now a reality," Macke stated. "The Gilman Scholarship holds great significance for me as it enables me to pursue my studies abroad without the financial burden."
At K-State, Macke is a member of the Collegiate Cattleman's Club and completed an undergraduate research project on livestock pricing influencers. She is a recipient of the Applied Learning Scholarship Award and the Morgan Family International Study Scholarship. Macke is a graduate of Nemaha Central High School and the daughter of Steven and Jessie Macke of Baileyville.
Waterman will travel to Ireland to study environmental science at the University College in Dublin during the spring 2025 semester.
"Receiving the Gilman International Scholarship is an incredible honor that supports my passion for global learning," Waterman said. "I applied for this prestigious award to immerse myself in diverse cultures and gain invaluable insights, enhancing my academic and personal growth. With this scholarship, I am excited to further my studies abroad, broadening my horizons and bringing back a wealth of knowledge to share with my community."
A member of Chi Omega sorority and the George Wright Society, Waterman has also been awarded the university's Land Grant Promise grant and the 1863 Landmark Award. She is a graduate of Prairie View High School and the daughter of Frank and Candace Waterman of Fontana.
Worstell is currently studying abroad in Orvieto, Italy, where he is completing coursework through the Kansas State University in Italy program. He will experience the country through art, history, food and culture.
A highly engaged student, Worstell is a student ambassador for the College of Architecture, Planning & Design and a representative of the college's Pilot Club. He is also a member of K-State's American Institute of Architecture Students and the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students. Worstell also serves in the Kansas Air National Guard.
He is the recipient of the Dean's Italian Studies Scholarship, the Wildcat Opportunity Grant, the Transfer 1863 Landmark Award and the Vanier Family Scholarship. Worstell is the son of Tom and Nikki Worstall of Blue Springs, Missouri, and he graduated from Belton High School.
Charlton's award allowed him to intern abroad with Craig Boddington Endorsed Outfitters in South Africa this summer, where he advocated for sustainable hunting and human rights.
"Studying abroad has always interested me, and having the opportunity to do so while also doing something I am passionate about is an opportunity I couldn't squander," Charlton said. "Being able to be actively involved in communities abroad helping bring awareness to the human rights struggles in rural Africa brought on by hunting bans in the United States and Europe is an opportunity I don't take lightly."
Charlton currently serves as vice president for Kansas State Ducks Unlimited and the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management student organization. He has also received the Flint Oak and Ruth-Wolfe scholarships.
A graduate of John A. Holmes High School in Edenton, North Carolina, Charlton is the son of Robert and L Annette Charlton of Tyner, North Carolina.
Interested students can contact the Office of Education Abroad or Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research to learn more about the Gilman opportunity, or attend a workshop to brainstorm, review and get feedback on application materials. Register online to attend the sessions. The next national deadline for the Gilman scholarship is Oct. 10.
