Two CCU students awarded the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to national security and economic prosperity. Awards range up to $5,000, with an additional $1,000 if students conduct STEM research and an additional $3,000 if they study a critical language as part of their experience.
Rose Jackson, a first-generation college student from Batesburg-Leesville, S.C., is a junior pursuing a major in finance and a minor in real estate. As a Gilman Scholar, she will participate in Business and Culture in Spain and Italy, a 2024 spring break study abroad program led by Jacob Voegel, Ph.D., associate professor, and Cari Borisuk, MBA, lecturer, of the Department of Management and Decision Sciences. Jackson will visit Madrid, Milan, and Modena and learn about the countries’ culture and business practices.
“I am thrilled to have won this prestigious award,” said Jackson. “Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine but seemed impossible. Winning the Gilman International Scholarship will allow me to not only follow my dream but give back to my community by sharing what I learn while abroad and encouraging others to follow their dreams, too. I am beyond grateful for all the support I received in this endeavor.”
Jackson is a mentor for the Dalton and Linda Floyd Family Mentoring Program and serves as a mentor ambassador, supporting and supervising new mentors. She is also a S.N.A.P. (Students Navigating and Advising Peers) mentor on campus. Her other leadership roles include president of the CCU African American Association, Orientation Leader, and residential support for the LIFE program. Jackson is involved in the Social Justice Club and Delta Sigma Pi, and she serves as a donor ambassador for the American Red Cross.
“Rose Jackson is an outstanding mentor who consistently demonstrates initiative, leadership, and commitment to children,” said Rebecca Masters, director of the Dalton and Linda Floyd Family Mentoring Program. “She shows her mentees that their futures are unlimited and inspires in them a sense of hope and excitement about school. I’m so happy for Rose for being selected for this esteemed scholarship.”
Jackson plans to earn an MBA and a DBA and pursue a career as a wealth manager. She hopes to work internationally to educate disadvantaged communities on financial literacy. One day, she envisions establishing a mentoring program for K-12 students that would instill in them the importance of education and support them in whatever they may need.
Charles "Alex" Wiggins, a Myrtle Beach native, is a senior pursuing a double major in accounting and finance and a double minor in applied mathematics and Chinese. He will graduate in December 2024. This summer, he will attend National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei to advance his Mandarin Chinese language skills and gain a deeper understanding of the Taiwanese culture.
“I am honored to receive the Gilman Scholarship,” said Wiggins. “This experience will further my understanding of Mandarin Chinese, which I intend to use in my future career in finance. I could not have done this without the support of my advisors, Dr. Shengsheng Zhou, Dr. Xinyi Tan, and Ms. Judith Zang. I hope to make them all proud with my studies in Taiwan.”
Wiggins is the Chinese Language Officer for the Chanticleer Intelligence Brief, president of the Finance Club and the Chinese Club, and secretary for Beta Alpha Psi. He tutors students in accounting and Chinese and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society. Wiggins was recognized as Chinese Student of the Year in April 2023, and, last fall, he served as the master of ceremonies for “Song of Silk,” a Beijing opera and Chinese music concert at CCU.
Wiggins plans to earn an international MBA and pursue work as an analyst in emerging markets, with a focus on investments and promoting cultures worldwide.
“As educators, we measure the success of our days with the many little signs that show the enthusiasm of our students: nodding heads, lit-up eyes, eager questions, and quick responses,” said Zhou, lecturer of Chinese in CCU’s Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies. “But sometimes, a student will come along whose energy and determination transform every class and inspire us all. Charles Wiggins is such a student, and I am so fortunate that our paths have crossed.”
Students interested in the Gilman Scholarship and other nationally competitive awards should email the Office of National Scholarships at ons@coastal.edu.
Written by Judith Zang, Office of National Scholarships