Two Evangel students to receive $19,000 Rotary Scholarships

Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications (417) 865-2815 ext. 7292 or cellular 838-0425

Springfield, MO. — Evangel University students Shannon Davis and Valerie Seaman have been awarded Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Cultural Scholarships to study abroad for one semester.

Davis will be studying the Arabic language at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, and Seaman will be studying the German language in either Austria or Germany.

The scholarships will reimburse the students’ expenses — up to $19,000 each — for roundtrip transportation, tuition, fees, room and board, and some educational supplies.

During the study period, students are expected to be outstanding ambassadors of goodwill to the people of their host countries through appearances before Rotary clubs and districts, schools, civic organizations and other forums. After the study has been completed, they will share their experiences with the people here in their home country and with the local Rotarians who sponsored their scholarships.

To receive this outstanding scholarship, they completed a rigorous application and interview process, which included writing three essays. After being selected as a finalist, they traveled to Osage Beach where they were interviewed along with other candidates from Central and Western Missouri district.

Davis is the daughter of Richard and Pamela Davis of Baldwinsville, N.Y. She is pursuing a degree in elementary education with minors in international relations, music, and biblical studies.

Seaman is the daughter of William and Debra Seaman of Johnson City, N.Y. She recently graduated from Evangel, summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in social studies education and missions studies. She was named Outstanding Graduate in Social Studies Education and received a Twila Brown Edwards Women of Distinction Award. She is also listed in the 2005-2006 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.