WASHINGTON, PA (Nov. 16, 2016) – For the third year in a row, the German American Business Circle of Pittsburgh (GABC/Pittsburgh) has chosen a Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) student as the winner of its annual scholarship award.
Victoria Healy, a sophomore majoring in German and International Business, is the 2016 recipient and received a $2,500 scholarship from the organization. Through Lewis & Clark College’s Year of Study in Munich program, Healy is currently studying German and international business at Ludwig Maximilian University until July 2017. The GABC scholarship is helping her pay for living expenses and travel that will strengthen her knowledge of the country’s cities and culture.
The product of a partnership between the GABC and the Pittsburgh Rotary Club Foundation, the scholarship assists Western Pennsylvania college students who exhibit exceptional academic abilities and a strong interest in German-American affairs.
Previous W&J recipients are seniors Aric Brown and Angela Neid.
Judith Atzler, Ph.D., assistant professor and chair of W&J’s German program, said Healy exemplifies the traits a recipient of the scholarship should possess.
“She is a highly motivated student with a thirst for all things German, but also connections between cultures such as Germany and the USA. She knows that learning a language takes time and effort and is willing to go beyond the materials covered in class,” Atzler said. “I often see her sitting around campus reading books – and of course they are always in German.”
Healy first became interested in studying German in high school, when she participated in an exchange program that allowed her to live with a host family in Germany for a month.
“Seeing the way of life in Germany and being immersed in the language and culture for one month really inspired me to want to keep learning the language and traveling back at every chance I could,” Healy said. “I went back to visit my host family every year for the next four years, and I realized that I needed to involve German and Germany in my future.”
When Healy applied to W&J, she already knew about the College’s extensive study abroad program and planned to make that part of her college experience. She sees herself potentially working for a German-American business after graduation, and said her current experience abroad is helping her gain important knowledge of German cities, culture, and customs.
“No matter where I work, I hope to use my German skills in strengthening the ties between our countries,” Healy said. “In the past two months, I have learned so much German, and I can only imagine how much I will learn by the time that this 11 month program is over. It has already boosted my confidence with the language. I could definitely see [living here] in my future.”
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.
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