University of Mary Washington junior Shirley Martey is the recipient of the 2013 Ambassador Summer Scholarship from the Taiwan-U.S. Sister Relations Alliance (TUSA). Martey, chosen to represent the Commonwealth of Virginia, is the first UMW student to be awarded the scholarship.
A political science major, Martey is a member of UMW’s Finance Committee and is the treasurer of the Student Government Association. She also serves on the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee and has been active in Student Senate. Martey is a member of the Mortar Board national honor society and Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society. She has been named to the Dean’s List.
“Shirley personifies the spirit and values of UMW,” said Elizabeth Larus, professor of political science and international affairs. “A high achiever, Shirley has an infectious enthusiasm for learning and will bring a high level of energy and gusto to the TUSA program. Shirley will make an excellent ambassador because she is open to other cultures and her exuberant friendliness quickly puts others at ease.”
The Ambassador Scholarship provides funds for an eight-week study of Chinese language at the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. Recipients of the scholarship learn Mandarin Chinese and experience Taiwanese culture while representing the U.S. TUSA promotes peace in the world by creating closer friendships and understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of Taiwan.
“Shirley’s achievement speaks for itself: it is an outstanding accomplishment, consistent with her record of academic excellence that she has compiled at UMW,” said Jack Kramer, distinguished professor and chair of political science and international affairs. “It is also very welcome news because the United States desperately needs far more individuals fluent in Chinese as it seeks to understand and respond to a rapidly growing China that is emerging as a global challenger to the U.S. economically and militarily.”
For more information about the TUSA, visit http://taiwanusalliance.com/ambassador-summer-scholarship-program/.
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News release prepared by: Julia Davis
