Elizabethtown College students Daniel Bellis ’26 and Ellayna Boyer ’27 were awarded the prestigious and competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship during the 2025-26 academic year.

The Gilman Scholarship is part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is supported by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The program looks to fund students in studying abroad, enabling students in the U.S. to gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures.

“Through the U. S. Department of State, the Gilman Scholarship enables our students to serve as citizen ambassadors supporting American economic competitiveness and national security while studying abroad,” Elizabethtown College Director Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships and Public Heritage Studies, Jean-Paul Benowitz said. “The mission of our College has strategically prepared these students for being named Gilman Scholars.”

Since the Gilman Program’s inception in 2001, more than 44,000 Gilman scholars have studied or interned in more than 170 countries around the globe. Since 2009, there have been 34 Etown students named Gilman Scholars.

Daniel Bellis ’26

Daniel Bellis ’26, Actuarial Science Major and Data Analytics Minor

During the spring 2025 semester, Bellis studied abroad at the American College of Greece in Athens. Bellis took courses in Ancient Greek History, Astronomy, Oceanography, Sculpture, and Modern Greece. He was also a member of the American College of Greece Investment Club, providing him with opportunities to exchange ideas about global economic perspectives with foreign students.

“Being named a Gilman Scholar is both an honor and a validation of the hard work I’ve put into making study abroad financially accessible for myself,” Bellis said. “As a first-generation college student, receiving this scholarship not only helped reduce financial barriers but also gave me the confidence to fully embrace the experience. During my time in Greece, I took every opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and explore the country beyond Athens.”

Bellis also participated in the American College of Greece Volunteer Club, focusing on community service, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship in Athens.

Ellayna Boyer ’27

Ellayna Boyer ’27, Japanese Language and Asian Studies Majors

Boyer will study abroad during the upcoming 2025-26 academic year at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Japan, through the Asian Studies program. Boyer was granted additional financial aid in the form of a Critical Need Language Award after the U.S. Department of State designated the Japanese language as a Critical Need Language.

“Being a Gilman Scholar means being a part of a community where we strive to make meaningful connections with people across cultures,” Boyer said. “The things I am most excited about going to Japan are visiting as many shrines and historical sites as possible and enjoying Japanese cuisine.”

About the Office of Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships

Elizabethtown College’s Office of Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships works with students to help them apply for competitive awards like the Gilman Scholarship. The office covers scholarships and fellowships that provide funding for a range of activities. Etown students who are interested in opportunities available through the office are encouraged to contact Professor Jean-Paul Benowitz, Director Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships and Public Heritage Studies (benowitzj@etown.edu / 717-361-1110) Myer Hall, Honors Center.