A Thomas More University student was awarded the English-Speaking Union (ESU) scholarship to attend the University of Oxford.
Grace Brogan, a junior at TMU studying political science and law, received the scholarship from the English-Speaking Union Kentucky Branch.
Brogan, of Cincinnati, will study history, politics, and society at the prestigious English university this upcoming semester.
She was selected for the scholarship following review of a competitive essay and interview process.
The English-Speaking Union of the United States (ESU US) is a nonprofit, non-political educational service organization whose mission is to promote scholarship and the advancement of knowledge through the effective use of English in an expanding global community, a news release said.
Scholarships awarded include tuition, lodging, and meals for three-week courses at the recipient’s chosen institution.
“We are excited about Grace being awarded an opportunity to study in the United Kingdom through the English-Speaking Union,” said John T. Spence, Ph.D., AICP, Thomas More professor of political science. “Grace exemplifies the characteristics of the ideal student: she is scholarly engaged, naturally curious, and self-motivated to learn more and experience as much as possible in her undergraduate education. I was pleased to be asked to sponsor her application and provided a reference letter to the Kentucky Section of the English-Speaking Union indicating my support for Grace’s application without reservation.”
Brogan spent time during high school as an exchange student in Germany, which was an experience that sparked her interest in studying abroad at Thomas More.
“Dr. Spence knew of my interest in studying in Germany and believed that while it was not the same place, that it was a unique opportunity in which I would find success,” said Brogan.
She spent most of August and September 2020 working on her application, while adjusting to the unforeseen circumstances of the academic semester brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Having the ability to study at such a well-known university and being able to study in buildings that date back to the 1300s is part of what I am most excited about for this program,”said Brogan. “In addition to everything I am set to gain from this experience, part of receiving this scholarship requires me to become an ambassador for the program on campus after I return. I am also excited to be able to be this ambassador and to hopefully help other students become a part of this program in the future.”
The Kentucky Branch of the ESU was chartered in 1923 by local business and civic leaders. Since 1964, more than 500 Kentucky teachers and college students have been awarded scholarships by the Kentucky Branch.
-Staff report
