Pacer Selected for State Department Scholarship

Aiken, SC (07/16/2020) — University of South Carolina Aiken junior, Ithzel Contreras, was selected for the U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The needs-based scholarship, named after the late congressman from New York, gives students the opportunity to study abroad.

"A Gilman Scholarship enables American students to gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures, skills that are critically important to their academic and career development," according to the program's website.

Contreras, a junior originally from Eagle Pass, Texas, is majoring in finance with a minor in political science. She hopes to go to law school after graduation. The scholarship would afford her the chance to go to Lille, France, to study at the IÉSEG School of Management.

"I feel honored for this opportunity," she said.

Unfortunately, due to domestic and international restrictions related to COVID-19, Contreras will not be able to accept the award or travel as planned.

"This is a very competitive national award," said Liz Dille, assistant director of student life-international programs at USC Aiken.

"I'm extremely proud of Ithzel and wish that the coronavirus pandemic had not precluded her from enjoying the full benefits of this amazing international educational opportunity."

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