Students Receive UA Away Scholarships to Work, Serve and Study

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Division of Student Affairs has named five students as recipients of the summer UA Away scholarships.

The scholarships are part of a new initiative that enables students to explore work and study opportunities beyond the state of Alabama by providing funding to those who need financial support to make these experiences a reality.

Dr. Mark Nelson, vice president for student affairs and vice provost, says the initiative provides students with unique learning opportunities for studying in different environments, serving others and experiencing on-the-job training.

“Opportunities to work, serve or study away help students gain a unique perspective they may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience. These experiences enhance global citizenship and cultural understanding for each student, which is critical to their development,” Nelson said.

Each recipient has committed his or her summer to participating in a different academic or internship program.

The UA Away summer scholarship recipients are:

Hannah-Marie Hatter of Centreville, a junior majoring in Japanese studies who will be studying in Tokyo, Japan, this summer at the KCP International Japanese Language School. Hatter plans to pursue a career as a Japanese translator and interpreter for foreign businesses.

Ashley McCurdy of Birmingham, a junior majoring in criminal justice who will be working at the Black Entertainment Television Network legal affairs department in Los Angeles, Calif. McCurdy plans to apply to law school.

Samantha Ray of Selma, a junior majoring in international studies who will be in Florence, Italy, in June as part of the summer program “UA in Italy: Language and Culture.” She plans to gain fluency in Italian.

Jameson Sanford of Tuscaloosa, a senior majoring in theater who will be working at a professional theater design studio in Evanston, Ill., this summer under Tony-winning set designer and Northwestern University professor Todd Rosenthal. Sanford is preparing for graduate studies in scenic design.

Kasi Smart of Portland, Ore., a senior majoring in history who will be in Havana, Cuba, in May as part of “UA in Cuba: Art, Culture and Patrimony.” She plans to learn about the Cuban culture and will be applying to graduate school.

For more information about study away and work away, visit Capstone International online at international.ua.edu. To learn about serve away opportunities, visit the Community Service Center online at volunteer.ua.edu. UA Away scholarship applications for spring 2013 will be available in the fall semester at sa.ua.edu.

Learn more about the UA Division of Student Affairs by visiting sa.ua.edu and connecting with Student Affairs on Facebook at facebook.com/bamastudentlife and on Twitter at twitter.com/bamastudentlife.