Three Wabash College students have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to pursue their studies abroad. Elijah Greene ’25, Hunter Otto ’26, and Olivier Tuyishime ’25 received scholarships to study in Thessaloniki, Greece; Heidelberg, Germany; and Kigali, Rwanda, respectively. These scholarships mark a significant achievement for the students and contribute to Wabash College’s strong track record in producing Gilman Scholars.
Elijah Greene, a double major in Biology and Classics, serves as the photo editor for The Bachelor, the school newspaper. He had an immersion learning experience in Greece in May, and winning the Gilman Scholarship is described as an honor and privilege.
Hunter Otto, a double major in PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) and German, is actively involved on campus, holding positions such as philanthropy chair for the Independent Men’s Association, president of the Bass Fishing Club, secretary of the Wabash Republicans, and member of the rugby team. This will be Otto’s first trip abroad, and he views the Gilman Scholarship as a nationally competitive opportunity that provides a sense of purpose.
Olivier Tuyishime, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Black Studies, is a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies. He previously participated in an immersion learning experience in Havana, Cuba, and expressed gratitude to his support network for their assistance during the application process.
The Gilman Scholarship, supported by the U.S. Congress, is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implemented by the Institute of International Education. Aimed at encouraging under-represented students to participate in study abroad programs, the scholarship supports a diverse cohort of American students studying abroad.
Susan Albrecht, Wabash College fellowship advisor, highlighted the success of all three applicants from Wabash, emphasizing their diligent work on their applications. With a national success rate of around 30%, the achievement is significant, and Albrecht looks forward to the impactful experiences the Gilman Scholarship will enable for Olivier, Elijah, and Hunter.
Wabash College has a strong tradition of producing highly competitive fellowship recipients, including Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Obama Voyager, Yenching, Goldwater, and Point Foundation Flagship Scholars. Additionally, the college has seen success in securing Fulbrights and Gilman Scholarships, reflecting the commitment to supporting students in pursuing diverse and enriching educational experiences.
