GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Two Thiel College women will spend a summer abroad after earning Vira I. Heinz Scholarships for Women in Global Leadership.
Katie Allgeier (photographed left, above) of Erie, Pa. will receive $5,000 and Ivey Shorts (photographed right, above) of Saegertown, Pa. will receive $5,500 from the Heinz Endowments to fund their study abroad experiences during summer 2015. Allgeier will participate in a five-week program in Galway, Ireland while Shorts will study in several locations throughout India.
Allgeier, a junior, studies English writing and English literature. “I’m excited to learn about the Irish way of life. I will be taught by all Irish professors, so that I will also get their perspective on things,” Allgeier said. “I’m hoping that I’ll be able to come out with a renewed understanding of who I am as a person and how to handle certain situations.”
Shorts, also a junior, studies psychology and philosophy.
“I hope that the Vira Heinz program will push me to become a better leader,” Shorts said.
Funded by the Heinz Endowments, the Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership prepares women for tomorrow's global challenges by offering a unique opportunity for international experiences, leadership development and community service. Each year, three women of sophomore and/or junior status are selected from each of 14 regional colleges and universities and admitted to the two-year leadership program. In addition, they participate in a series of retreats designed to cultivate leadership and intercultural skills and perform a community engagement experience.