August 22, 2005

Study-abroad scholarship to be awarded in honor of Purdue alumnus

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The second scholarship given in honor of a Purdue University alumnus who died in a boating accident will be awarded at a welcome-back reception for Purdue students who have studied abroad.

The reception will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 24) in the North Ballroom of the Purdue Memorial Union. About half of last year's 1,026 study-abroad students are expected to attend.

The Andrew Roccella Memorial Scholarship will be presented by Edward and Eileen Roccella of Vienna, Va., in honor of their son, Andrew, who died in a water taxi accident in Baltimore in 2004.

Andrew was a 1999 Purdue honors graduate of the professional writing program and had studied in Milan and Florence, Italy, and traveled throughout Europe. While in Florence, he met Corinne Schillings, also a 1999 Purdue graduate. Andrew planned to propose to her on March 6, 2004, the day a storm overturned their water taxi. Both Andrew and Corinne died in the accident. The first scholarship, which was established by the Rocellas, was awarded last year. This year, the Roccellas have issued a matching challenge to fund the endowment. They have agreed to provide $25,000 a year – $100,000 over four years – if the challenge is met. Purdue has met this year's challenge, said Liza Boffen-Yordanov, director of development for international programs.

The total scholarship endowment is now nearly $100,000, she said. The scholarship will be awarded from earnings from the endowment, and the principal will remain intact forever.

This year's recipient of the award is Elizabeth Gale, a junior majoring in management from Colleyville, Texas. Gale has traveled abroad extensively in the past and is currently beginning a year's study at Paul Valery University in France. April Robillos, a Purdue study-abroad adviser who helped Elizabeth prepare for her visit to France, will accept the scholarship on her behalf.

"Elizabeth is the embodiment of what this scholarship stands for," Robillos said. "She is well-traveled and extremely enthusiastic about and interested in the world around her. She has that certain spunk that is evident in everything she does. I know from my experience with Elizabeth that she will make this study-abroad experience to France and other travels she is sure to take in the future fruitful and educational visits."

Brian Harley, director of study-abroad programs at Purdue, said two additional scholarships will be awarded this year. He said the goal is to award 10 next year, and depending upon fund-raising success, even more in years to come.

The criteria for the Andrew Roccella Memorial Scholarship include a demonstrated interest and ability in one or more foreign languages, an explanation of how studying abroad will further the student's long-term goals, a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average, and a promise that the recipient will positively represent the values and culture of the United States while abroad.

Contributions to the scholarship fund may be sent to the Purdue Foundation, Dick and Sandy Dauch Alumni Center, 403 W. Wood St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2007.

In addition to the awarding of the scholarship, the study-abroad reception will include a welcome by Provost Sally Mason and faculty leaders, who will recognize the students who studied abroad during spring and summer of this year. Some of this year's class of about 120 incoming exchange students from various universities around the world will also be in attendance.

Another event includes a photo contest in which students submit photos they have taken during their visits abroad. About 350 submissions were received, and final judging of the 20 finalists in each category – most cultural experience and most picturesque – will be made by Bradley Dancer, a 1995 Purdue graduate who is the vice president of research at the National Geographic Channel. Irvine Travel will provide travel vouchers for the overall winner in both of the categories.

Purdue's Study Abroad program has more than 200 programs in 45 countries. More than 1,000 Purdue students study abroad annually.

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Sources: Brian Harley, (765) 494-2383, bharley@purdue.edu

Liza Boffen-Yordanov, (765) 494-7798, boffenl@purdue.edu

April Robillos, (765) 494-2383, robillos@purdue.edu

Mary Lehew, assistant in the Office of Programs for Study Abroad, (765) 494-2370, lehew@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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