Three students, Julio Deloya-Garcia ’27 of San Jose, California; Hayes Freeman ’26 of Crested Butte, Colorado; and Isabeau Fuller ’27 of St. Peter, Minnesota, have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships by the U.S. Department of State for study abroad trips through Spring 2026.
“We are proud of Isabeau, Hayes, and Julio for earning this recognition,” said President Isiaah Crawford. “Their achievements are a testament to how our study abroad and fellowships offices are preparing students for transformative international experiences. Gilman alumni return with expanded worldviews, foreign language proficiency, and a commitment to addressing global challenges—enriching both our campus and the world.”
Fuller is an art history major with minors in art studio and French. Freeman is a double major in psychology and neuro bioethics with a minor in education studies. Deloya-Garcia is majoring in Chinese language, culture, and politics, and government, with a minor in Asian studies.
The Gilman Scholarship program awarded 3,500 scholarships to U.S. undergraduates from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., for study abroad across more than 170 countries. Over 70% of recipients come from rural areas or small towns, and 55% are first-generation college students. All scholars demonstrate financial need as federal Pell Grant recipients. A record 17,000 applications were submitted for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Puget Sound’s Gilman Scholars will represent the United States abroad, gaining skills and connections vital to U.S. economic and national security. Additional funding for scholars was provided by the governments of France, Germany, New Zealand, and Wales, as well as Portugal’s Luso-American Development Foundation and Taiwan’s Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office.
Established by Congress and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Gilman Scholarship is implemented by the Institute of International Education. The next application cycle opens in August 2025. Learn more at .
Students interested in applying should contact Puget Sound’s Study Abroad Office at or Fellowships Office at .
