Press Release: Pace University Students Awarded Prestigious Gilman Scholarships to Study Abroad

Five Pace students among 3,500 recipients nationwide recognized by the U.S. Department of State

Five Pace University students have been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship by the U.S. Department of State to study or intern abroad during the 2025–2026 academic year. They join a competitive national cohort of 3,500 recipients selected from over 17,000 applicants.

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The scholarship, established by Congress and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is designed to support high-financial-need students in expanding their global engagement. Additionally, over 70 percent of recipients come from rural areas or small towns, and 55 percent are first-generation college students.

"Winning the Gilman Scholarship means everything to me as someone who works three jobs to be able to fulfill my dreams,” said Glerrys Flores Pacheco, who is studying acting abroad in Barcelona as part of the Sands International Performance Ensemble in Fall 2025. “Studying acting in Spain while collaborating with fellow artists is more than an opportunity, it's a step towards the life I’ve been working so hard to build since coming from Puerto Rico. This award brings me closer to turning my passion into a reality, and I’m beyond grateful."

Additional Gilman recipients from Pace include:

• Tageena Reserve, Computer Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Honk Kong
• Mikayla Fischer, Directing, Sands International Performance Ensemble, Barcelona
• Andrea Machovec, Business Analytics, Richmond American University, London

These students represent a wide range of disciplines and colleges at Pace and will pursue international academic experiences throughout the upcoming year.

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“As a sophomore at Pace University, I’m beyond thrilled and grateful to receive the Gilman Scholarship,” said Mikayla Fischer, who is studying abroad in Barcelona as part of the Sands International Performance Ensemble in Fall 2025 “This award is making it possible for me to study Theatre Directing in Sitges, Spain, a place full of artistic inspiration and cultural richness. Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, and I’m so excited to grow as both a student and a storyteller through this incredible experience.”

Fischer’s opportunity is one example of how the Gilman Scholarship empowers students to pursue academic and artistic passions abroad, experiences that foster both personal and professional growth.

“The Gilman Scholarship is more than a financial award, it’s a gateway to global citizenship,” said Jonathan H. Hill, DPS, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Pace University. “We are incredibly proud of our students for earning this distinction. Their drive to engage with the world reflects Pace’s commitment to preparing students not only for meaningful careers but also for impactful lives. These experiences broaden their horizons, deepen their learning, and reinforce our role as a university of opportunity.”

Pace University hosts a vibrant international community, welcoming students from over 117 countries who collectively speak 98 languages. This global diversity enriches the academic environment and underscores the university's commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and global engagement. Through its Study Abroad program, Pace offers students the opportunity to study abroad in more than 30 countries, with over 75 approved semester and academic year programs.

The next Gilman application cycle will open in August 2025. Students interested in exploring scholarships for studying abroad are encouraged to connect with the Pace Study Abroad by email.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About the Gilman International Scholarship Program

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) supports students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. The Gilman Program is a competitive, merit-based scholarship. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.