Education student Derrick Lemon has won a prestigious scholarship from the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which will help him pursue his dream of studying abroad in Costa Rica. The scholarship was created to help students study or intern abroad and, in turn, provide them with skills critical to supporting U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

Overall, Lemon said he believes studying abroad in Costa Rica will allow him to learn while continuing to pursue both his academic and professional goals.

Melissa Fiori, associated professor of Spanish applied linguistics at Daemen University, said, “Being a bilingual educator where a common language is paramount in establishing a dynamic that facilitates productive and successful support, advocacy, and assistance is a critical and desired skill that Derrick is keen to develop. His dedication and determination are being rewarded through receiving the prestigious Gilman award, a merit-based award granted for language study critical to national security and economic prosperity. Derrick is a deserving recipient who is carefully constructing a pathway for success.”

Fiori also explained that Lemon recognizes there is a need for bilingual educators and that Lemon is “investing in himself by working to become a bilingual professional, and in turn, is investing in the communities he’ll serve.”

To help support his goal of studying abroad, Lemon explained that Daemen’s Global Programs Office has been very helpful along the way.

Global Programs Coordinator Elizabeth Renner said that Lemon truly put in the time and effort to find a program that best fit his personal and professional goals and when the opportunity to apply for the Gilman Scholarship presented itself, Lemon jumped at it.

“He wrote three thoughtful and informative essays that touched on his reasons for studying abroad, how he plans to work with members of the community in Costa Rica, and how his experiences will impact the community here at Daemen,” Renner said. “I am confident that Derrick will be a great representative of the university and I cannot wait to hear all about the experience!”