Augustana students receive prestigious Gilman awards for study away

Augustana College students Morgan Janes ’25 and Marlene Cabada ’26 have been awarded nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships for study away. Additionally, Augustana’s Director of International and Off-Campus Projects, Steven Duke, has been recognized for his contributions to the program’s selection panel. 

“The Gilman Scholarship Program is one of the largest study abroad scholarship programs in the country,” said Duke. “What I love the most about the Gilman scholarship is that it provides substantial U.S. federal funding to help lower-income students who might not have a chance to study abroad without this scholarship.”

Students awarded Gilman funds receive up to $5,000 for up to one academic year of undergraduate study abroad. Funds are designated for eligible study abroad program costs, including expenses related to tuition, housing and meals, travel visas and passports, local transportation costs and required immunizations. 

Duke served as a reviewer for the national board last year and earned recognition for his expertise and assistance with the application process. He said he is always impressed with the quality of applicants from across the country, and Augustana students in particular stand out.  

Duke said Janes was awarded the Gilman last winter and Cabada received hers in May.They are Augustana’s most recent recipients, but the college has a long history of Gilman awardees.

Cabada said she could not believe her award notification, and she felt truly grateful.

“Studying abroad is costly, which is why I have been trying my best to lower the cost and make it as affordable as I can for my family and me,” she said. “Thanks to the Gilman Scholarship, I am hopeful and optimistic that even a student like me can receive the help and funds they need to make a once-in-a-lifetime experience like studying abroad come true.”

Janes said he was also extremely thankful for his award, which allowed him to study in Japan after he persevered through personal challenges.

For more information about study abroad at Augustana and available funding options, visit studyabroad.augustana.edu.

– Written by Grant Carkner ’26