Oglethorpe student awarded prestigious scholarship to study abroad

Valeri Cruz '23
October 4, 2024

Oglethorpe University student Caleb Murphy ’26 has been recognized with a competitive U.S. Department of State scholarship, providing him with exciting opportunities to study abroad and deepen his academic and cultural experiences.

Murphy has been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship for spring 2025. This scholarship, also from the U.S. Department of State, supports students who receive Federal Pell Grants in their pursuit of study abroad programs. Murphy will receive $3,500, which will support his overseas academic experience next year at the Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Caleb Murphy during his time with AmeriCorp poses in front of a lake with his thumb up. — Caleb Murphy while working with AmeriCorps over the summer.

A communication studies major with an interest in public health, Murphy credits his time at Oglethorpe for opening his eyes to communities affected by food insecurity and gentrification. He’s currently working on a research paper exploring how his experiences at OU shaped his aspirations for a career in service.

The business administration minor has set his sights on joining the Peace Corps after graduation. Over the summer, he served as a team leader with AmeriCorps, traveling across states and dedicating over 400 hours to community service. His next adventure takes him to the Netherlands, where he’ll continue building connections with new communities.

“There are so many things about leaving home that help broaden your horizons and expose you to new ideas,” says Murphy. “Studying abroad will help expose me to classes I haven’t had access to here and connect me to a vibrant, global community.”

Murphy is one of many Oglethorpe students to receive the prestigious Gilman Scholarship. Oglethorpe’s Global Education Office offers resources and seminars for students interested in studying abroad and applying for this scholarship. For those considering applying, now is the time—the fall application cycle for the Gilman Scholarship for spring or summer 2025 programs is open through October 10.

“Getting this scholarship helped remove some of the financial question marks that come with studying abroad. This scholarship made this invaluable experience actually possible for me.”