GRANVILLE, Ohio—Daniel Persia, a Denison University student from Spencerport, has received a place on a Fulbright Summer Institute to study at King’s College London on one of the most prestigious and selective summer scholarship programs operating worldwide.
Persia is one of only six students in the United States selected to participate in this three-week summer program. The theme for the Institute is “Getting a Head Start: Learning about Leadership through the 2012 Olympic Games.” While in London, the participants will take part in an academic program at King’s College London, cultural trips around the city, Fulbright Master classes and the celebration of the London 2012 Festival.
As a participant in the Summer Institute, Persia hopes to explore the intersection of language, culture and community in London. “London is undergoing a remarkable transformation,” he said. “The energy level will be high, stories will be shared and created, and people will be coming from across the globe. To be in such a vibrant city as it hosts the nations of the world is an incredible opportunity. I’m excited to take an interdisciplinary approach to learning more about the UK and its role in the 2012 Olympic Games.”
Raised in upstate New York, Persia graduated as valedictorian from Spencerport High School, where he was captain of the varsity tennis team and an active member of the Service Club. At Denison he has served as the events captain for the Denison Community Association, co-chair of Heritage Middle School Companions and coordinator of the Denison Service Orientation. He also is a Writing Center consultant and a tour guide for the university.
Created by treaty in 1948, the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission is the only bi-lateral, transatlantic scholarship program, offering awards and summer programs for study or research in any field, at any accredited United States or United Kingdom University. The Commission is part of the Fulbright program conceived by Senator J. William Fulbright in the aftermath of World War II to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange.
The Commission selects participants through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards the Commission looks not only for academic excellence, but for a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Program and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.
