THREE THIEL COLLEGE STUDENTS EARN VIRA I. HEINZ SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2012

Jan. 23, 2012

GREENVILLE, PA – Three Thiel College women will study abroad this summer thanks to the Vira I. Heinz Scholarships for Women in Global Leadership, which were awarded in December 2011.

The three scholarship winners—Joslyne Cook of Washington, Pa., Emily Friedrich of Pulaski, Pa., and Leah Kook of Warren, Ohio—will each receive $5,000 to fund their study abroad experiences. 

Cook, a sophomore actuarial studies major with a minor in music, will participate in CIS Abroad’s internship program in New Zealand. Cook plans to undertake an internship that will allow her to explore the music of another culture. She is involved with Chi Omega sorority, the Thiel Choir and Handbell Ringers, and the Thiel Players, the student theater troupe, at Thiel.

“I seek to learn new ways of education and understanding how music is interpreted and taught in a different culture,” says Cook.

Cook is a graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School in Houston, Pa. She is the daughter of Joel and Mary Beth Cook of Washington, Pa.

Friedrich, a junior neuroscience major, will attend the Education Abroad Network’s Sydney, Australia, internship program.  The program will allow Friedrich to interact with professionals and other students, learning the techniques, methods and approaches to neuroscience research in another country. Friedrich is a member of the women’s golf team and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at Thiel.

“I would like to expand my view of the world by experiencing different cultures, learning new traditions and getting first-hand knowledge from experts in my field,” says Friedrich.

Friedrich is a graduate of Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage, Pa. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Brian Friedrich of Pulaski, Pa.

Kook, a sophomore early childhood/special education major, will use her scholarship to study at Veritas University in San Jose, Costa Rica, through International Studies Abroad. Kook will take classes at the university while exploring the culture and landscape of Costa Rica. She is involved with the Thiel Players, the Alliance (promotes acceptance of the LGBTQI community) and SPIRIT (paranormal interest group) at Thiel.

“As a teacher, tolerance for diversity and appetite for new perspectives are of utmost importance,” says Kook. “I believe that studying abroad will strengthen those qualities and prepare me for a successful teaching career.”

Kook is a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in Warren, Ohio. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kook of Warren.

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.

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.

About Thiel College

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 1,100 students. For more information about Thiel College, visit www.thiel.edu or call 800-24-THIEL.

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