Paul Smith's College student wins $5K to study in Central America - 2008-01-28

PAUL SMITH'S STUDENT WINS $5,000 TO STUDY IN CENTRAL AMERICA Jonas Borkholder receives Gilman International Scholarship

DATE: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008

CONTACT: Kenneth Aaron, director of communications, (518) 327-6297

A Paul Smith's College sophomore has won a $5,000 scholarship to participate in an ecologically oriented study-abroad program this spring.

Jonas Borkholder, of Oakfield, N.Y., was awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education. Of more than 1,350 applicants, only 400 received a scholarship, which is named after the former Congressman from New York State.

Borkholder will study in Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua with the Center for Ecological Living and Learning, a Maine-based organization that gives students hands-on experience dealing with environmental issues and solutions. While in the field, Borkholder, who is majoring in natural resources environmental science, will participate in community service projects aimed at promoting sustainable practices, such as installing a solar-electricity system in a remote Nicaraguan village and restoring sea turtle habitats in Costa Rica.

"Ever since I went to Paul Smith's, I've always wanted to help the earth.
It's important for animals, which I love, but it's also important for all of us," Borkholder said. "When I find a career, I don't want to be in it just for me. It's not just about money. I really want to help."

Borkholder participates in TRiO-Student Support Services (TRiO-SSS) at Paul Smith's. TRiO, a federally funded academic-assistance program, also helps students apply for scholarships such as the Gilman. That aid is specifically aimed at students who are typically underrepresented in study-abroad
programs: those who lack financial resources, for example, or students in fields such as the sciences and engineering.

"We are just thrilled that Jonas was selected for this prestigious award,² said Thomas Huber, director of TRiO-SSS at Paul Smith's. ³It was a very competitive selection process, but we knew Jonas had a good shot given his outstanding academic record. He is a kind-hearted and dedicated individual who will fully realize this great opportunity."

Dave Oakes, director of the Center for Ecological Living, congratulated Borkholder on his award. "He is a very committed young man who cares deeply about sustainability," Oakes said. "We know he will add a lot to our program, and we look forward to what he will be doing to implement what he learns when he returns back home."

Paul Smith's College is the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondack Park. The school, on the shores of Lower St. Regis Lake, encompasses 14,200 acres of forests, streams, lakes and mountains that are available for students to explore and study. The College offers both bachelor¹s and associate degree programs which focus on experiential learning in a variety of majors including biology; fish and wildlife sciences; natural resources; environmental science; forestry; surveying; recreation, adventure travel and ecotourism; hospitality, resort and culinary management; liberal arts; and business.