Three Thiel College Students Earn Vira I. Heinz Scholarships

Jan. 6, 2010

GREENVILLE, PA – Three Thiel College women will study abroad this summer thanks to the Vira I. Heinz Scholarships for Education Abroad, which were awarded in December.

The three scholarship winners—sophomores Kylie Czulewicz of West Alexander, Pa., Amy Jane Matchett of Bulger, Pa., and Monica Smith of Emlenton, Pa. —will each receive $5,000 to fund their study abroad experiences. 

Czulewicz, a biology/pre-physical therapy major with a minor in religion, will participate in Australearn’s “Tropical Marine Ecology” summer program, during which she will study tropical marine biology through formal lectures and practical field experiences around Queensland, Australia.

Czulewicz is a graduate of McGuffey High School in Claysville, Pa. She is the daughter of Michael and Debra Czulewicz of West Alexander, Pa.

Matchett, an English literature and psychology major, will attend the Freie Universität Berlin where she will take arts and political science courses while practicing language skills and exploring Germany.

Matchett is a graduate of Burgettstown Jr./Sr. High School. She is the daughter of Dave and Jane Matchett of Bulger, Pa.

Smith, a sophomore elementary education major, will use her scholarship to study in Florence, Italy. She will study Italian art and culture.

Smith is a graduate of Allegheny Clarion Valley High School. She is the daughter of Albie Smith and the granddauther of Dorothy Ritts.

The Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership is funded by the Heinz Endowments. Each year, three women of sophomore status are selected from each of 15 regional colleges and universities to receive an award in the amount of $5,000 for summer study abroad. In addition, they participate in a series of retreats designed to cultivate leadership and intercultural skills. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to fully realize the motto of the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship for Women in Global Leadership, “Preparing women leaders for tomorrow’s global challenges,” and to increase its visibility on campus and in the community.

The Heinz Endowment supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center of learning and educational excellence, and a home to diversity and inclusion. Committed to helping its region thrive as a whole community—economically, ecologically, educationally and culturally, the Foundation works within Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the nation to develop solutions to challenges that are national and international in scope. One of the largest and most innovative independent philanthropic foundations in the country, the Endowments awarded more than $84 million in grants in 2007.

About Thiel College

Founded in 1866, Thiel College is a liberal arts, sciences and professional studies institution located in Greenville, Pa., that provides a great balance of academic challenge, personal and social involvement, and exceptional value to its 1,000 students. For more information about Thiel College, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, visit www.thiel.edu or call 800-24-THIEL.

–30–