Two SMU students receive Gilman International Scholarships

DALLAS (SMU) — Students in the Lyle School of Engineering and Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences are studying abroad this summer after winning Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships.

Marcial Sanchez, a junior from Dallas majoring in mechanical engineering, is studying in China.

Mayra Pratz, a junior majoring in Spanish with a minor in education, is studying in Madrid.

Pratz, who transferred to the Hilltop from a community college, credits her SMU professors for preparing her for a career as a Spanish teacher. “What I really want to say is ‘It is never too late,’ ” she says. “To be a student, to learn and to have awesome professors at SMU is the best gift I have ever received.” Pratz is blogging about her summer abroad.

The Gilman Scholarship program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. The scholarships are awarded to two-year and four-year university and college students who receive federal Pell Grants and wish to study overseas.

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