Puget Sound Scholar Wins Prestigious Gilman Award
Julio Deloya-Garcia, a rising junior at the University of Puget Sound, has been awarded a highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to support his participation in the university’s signature Pacific Rim (PacRim) study abroad program.
A political science and Chinese language & culture major with a minor in Asian studies, Julio was accepted into PacRim—an immersive academic program that sends a small cohort of students on a semester of intensive study and travel across multiple Asian countries. Through coursework and experiential learning in diverse cultural, economic, political and religious contexts, the PacRim program is “designed to foster intercultural competence, personal growth, and intellectual autonomy” according to the university website.
Julio will spend the spring semester studying in Taiwan, China, India and Japan. His selection for PacRim reflects not only strong academic preparation—he has held roles as an undergraduate summer researcher and facility attendant—but also readiness to thrive in demanding, cross-cultural learning environments.
As a recipient of a Gilman Scholarship, Julio will receive up to $5,000 to support his study abroad. Established in 2001 and administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Institute of International Education, the Gilman Program has supported over 44,000 students studying in more than 170 countries.
The award underscores Julio’s leadership potential and commitment to global understanding. Through his upcoming academic and cultural immersion, he will gain firsthand experience in intercultural engagement, deepen his linguistic and analytical abilities, and broaden his perspectives—laying a foundation for future contributions in international relations, diplomacy, or cross-cultural scholarship.
