Donor generosity enhances study abroad experiences
Among her many experiences during her semester abroad in South Africa, Nicole Krawczewicz heard a talk by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She is one of 32 Tulane students who received donor-funded study abroad grants this academic year. (Photo from Nicole Krawczewicz)
Amazing opportunities awaited Tulane University junior Nicole Krawczewicz during her semester abroad in South Africa last fall. She enjoyed her challenging engineering classes as well as sitting in on a talk by legendary social rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu about the intrinsic value of human worth.
“I learned so much inside the classroom, but also outside the classroom,” says the engineering physics major. “It was the best semester of my life.”
Krawczewicz"s study abroad experience was enhanced by a scholarship established by Dr. Robert I. Grossman, a 1969 Tulane graduate who majored in biology.
His own junior year abroad in London inspired Grossman to give back.
“My experience influenced my career and enriched my life,” says Grossman, whose neuroscience courses in England sparked his interest in the subject. He became a neuroradiologist and is now dean and CEO of NYU Langone Medical Center.
Toby Darden, a 1975 economics major, established the Darden Study Abroad Scholarship.
“I think global travel is a vital part of living in this world today,” says Darden, the founder of Darden Energy Group, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. “Understanding other cultures is very important to understanding our own culture.”
Darden"s award has allowed junior Timothy DeCotis, a political science and French major, to travel throughout Morocco.
“Interestingly enough,” says DeCotis, “studying abroad has taught me a lot about the United States.”
Krawczewicz and DeCotis are among 32 students who received donor-funded study abroad grants this academic year, according to Joanie Vicknair, assistant director of study abroad.
The Office of Study Abroad, housed in Newcomb-Tulane College, awards both the Darden and Grossman Scholarships to multiple students every year. The grants, in addition to several other donor-funded study abroad scholarships, have enriched numerous intellectual and cultural experiences.
The deadline to apply for fall 2015 study abroad awards is April 30.
Mary Sparacello is a communications specialist in the Office of Development Communications.
“Understanding other cultures is very important to understanding our own culture.”—Toby Darden, alumnus who established the Darden Study Abroad Scholarship
