| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC November 14, 2002 State Department Honors Congressman Benjamin A. GilmanOn Tuesday, November 19, 2002, the Department of State will host a reception honoring Congressman Benjamin Gilman (R-NY) for his significant contributions in the field of foreign policy and international exchange, as part of the nation’s third annual celebration of International Education Week, November 18-22, 2002.
In July 2002, Congressman Gilman announced his retirement from the House of Representatives, where he has represented the citizens of New York’s 20th district for 15 terms. From 1995-2000, he served as the Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, bringing leadership and extensive foreign affairs experience to foreign aid and humanitarian issues. Known as a dedicated advocate for human rights, Gilman has served in many leadership posts, including Congressional Delegate to the United Nations session in 1981. Congressman Gilman has been a staunch supporter of international education. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers U.S. undergraduates financial support for study abroad programs worldwide. The program provides up to $5,000 for outstanding American students to pursue overseas study for college credit. Through Congressman Gilman’s leadership, students who would not otherwise have an opportunity to study abroad due to financial constraints have gained increased knowledge and awareness of peoples, cultures and languages and, in turn, the capacity to contribute to global understanding. By aiding undergraduates who face financial constraints, the Gilman program diversifies and broadens the American student population studying abroad. The State Department reception is part of a program of worldwide events co-sponsored with the Department of Education commemorating International Education Week. For additional information on the reception, contact Diana Berardocco, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, 202-203-7028 or email: dberardocco@pd.state.gov. For more information on International Education Week 2002, and on the Gilman Scholarships, visit http://exchanges.state.gov.
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