Each year, the U.S. Department of State awards the nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships, which enable undergraduate scholars across the United States to participate in study abroad programs. The University of Tulsa is proud to announce two scholarship recipients: Xayda Alexander and Alexa Miranda.
Vice Provost of Global Engagement Vivian Wang congratulated the two well-deserving students on their awards. “Studying abroad is one of the most enriching experiences a student can have during their college career,” Wang said. “The Gilman Scholarship makes these opportunities possible for many, broadening access to truly remarkable global learning experiences.”
Xayda Alexander
Junior Xayda Alexander is double majoring in psychology and Spanish and minoring in historical trauma and transformation. She spent the past two summers as a D’Arcy fellow thanks to UTulsa’s Kendall College of Arts & Sciences. Alexander was an intern at Take Control Initiative one year and was a practicum student at Youth Services of Tulsa the next. She currently holds a work-study position in the Psychology Department and serves as president of UTulsa’s Running Association.
Alexander’s passions include working with youth, volunteering with Reading Partners at Kendall-Whittier Elementary School, and serving as an Ignite Fellow for Teach for America, where she tutors fourth-grade students. Her passion for education and mentorship extends beyond the classroom and inspires her to seek learning opportunities globally.
“I’m honored to be a Gilman Scholarship recipient,” said Alexander. “Studying abroad has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl, and this scholarship makes my dream possible.”
With her scholarship, Alexander plans to travel to Santiago, Chile, this summer as a student or an intern under the Council on International Educational Exchange’s Summer in Santiago program. “I’m most excited to potentially connect with my pen pal in Santiago, who I met in my Conversation in Spanish course with Professor Lindsey Manduano,” she said. Additionally, Alexander is eager to sharpen her Spanish language skills and step outside her comfort zone.
Alexa Miranda
Alexa Miranda is an energy management senior pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration. At UTulsa, she serves as the AAPL liaison officer for the Tulsa Energy Management Student Association, participates in the TU Business Society, and is the president of the Latin American Student Association.
The Gilman Scholarship will allow Miranda to study abroad for a third time. “Receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor that reflects my commitment to academic excellence and global citizenship,” she said. “It represents an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue similar transformative experiences.”
Thanks to her scholarship, Miranda traveled to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kamakura in January for UTulsa’s Politics and Culture in Japan course. She noted that what excited her most was the chance to immerse herself in a new culture and connect with new people. “I am honored to be named a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “This experience broadened my global perspective and enriched my academic and personal journey.”
International Intellect
From Chile to Japan, Alexander and Miranda have plenty to look forward to and countless new experiences to share with students who have a similar passion for expanding their education beyond the borders of a familiar classroom.
Along with supporting international students, campus internationalization efforts, and outgoing study abroad programs, UTulsa’s Center for Global Engagement offers nationally competitive scholarship advising for prestigious international grants/fellowships such as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.