As recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, Exponential Honors co-presidents Nandipha DuBois and Aarinii Rhaiielle spent the winter and spring semesters studying at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences in Kerala, India, where they explored community initiatives focused on youth development, women's empowerment, and wellbeing.

Xavier University of Louisiana has reached a new milestone in international academic achievement, earning a record 13 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships during the 2025–2026 academic year — surpassing the university’s previous high of 12 recipients set just last year.

The federally funded Gilman Scholarship Program supports students with financial need by providing grants for study abroad and international experiential learning opportunities. Gilman recipients are Pell Grant recipients, reflecting the program’s mission to expand global education access to students who might otherwise face financial barriers to studying abroad.

Xavier’s success this year significantly outpaces national averages. The university posted a 46 percent success rate across both the October 2025 and March 2026 application cycles, with 13 of 28 applicants receiving awards. Nationally, the current acceptance rate stands at approximately 17 percent, with 2,100 scholarships awarded from roughly 12,200 applicants.

“These outcomes are a testament to the talent and ambition of our students, as well as the dedicated faculty and staff members who mentor, advise, and support them throughout the application process,” said Yu Jiang, director of Study Abroad and Exchange Programs at Xavier. “We are especially proud that these opportunities are helping more Xavier students gain transformative global experiences.”

The 13 Xavier recipients collectively earned $45,500 in scholarship funding, with individual awards ranging from $2,500 to $8,000. Students will study in countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean, pursuing academic experiences aligned with majors ranging from political science and psychology to bioinformatics, business, and pre-medicine.

October 2025 Gilman Scholars

• Alexia Anthony — South Africa
• Nandipha DuBois — India
• Efitu Feyisa — Switzerland and France
• Aliyah Jones — Italy
• Aarinii Parms-Green — India
• Taylor Rusher — Spain
• Arianna Walker — Taiwan

March 2026 Gilman Scholars

• Troy Cleaton — South Africa
• Melody Daniels — Costa Rica
• Jadyn Fleming — South Africa
• Jada Moore — Taiwan
• Lashall Richards — Taiwan
• Emani Summerville — Taiwan

The Gilman Scholarship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, aims to diversify the students who participate in study abroad opportunities and the destinations they travel to.

Xavier continues to expand opportunities for students to engage globally through study abroad, research, and international partnerships, reinforcing the university’s commitment to preparing graduates to lead and serve in an increasingly interconnected world.