We hope by now that word is getting out about UR’s stellar reputation for encouraging students to experience the world. But what about being known for those same students earning competitive international fellowships? Because we have that, too.

M. Tyler York, ’19, is one of four recent Spiders to earn the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious Gilman International Scholarship. Winners receive up to $5,000 for their study abroad experience, and York is using his funds to participate in the Jepson at Cambridge program at the University of Cambridge this summer.

Students in this program, which is co-organized by the Jepson School of Leadership Studies and the Richmond School of Law, will spend five weeks at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, attending classes and traveling to explore law and leadership in an international setting, while also learning England’s history. This program perfectly aligns with York’s majors in leadership studies and philosophy, politics, economics, and law (with a concentration in politics), and an American Studies minor, to boot.

“I am hopeful to attend law school at UR, and I believe the law classes I’ll be taking at Cambridge will provide me with meaningful exposure to a legal education,” York said. “I also know Cambridge has a rich history of educating prominent political figures, which was an immediate draw to me.”

York, who also received financial aid through Richmond’s Promise to Virginia, said he’s ecstatic that this scholarship is giving him the opportunity to study abroad. 

“Study abroad experiences are a hallmark of a Richmond education,” said Dana Kuchem, director of the Office of Scholars and Fellowships. “This award allows a wider range of students access to international opportunities, which serve a formative role in students’ understanding of themselves and the world around them.”

Congratulations, Tyler! We’re thrilled to support your summer studies in Cambridge.