Student Spotlight: Michael Lopez selected for prestigious Gilman Scholarship Program

Michael Lopez, one of our undergraduate fellows, has been awarded the U.S. State Department’s Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program and Critical Need Language Award. This prestigious program allows its students to serve as student ambassadors in their study abroad programs and to complete a follow-on project at their respective universities. Michael will be using the Critical Need Language funding for intensive language study in Moscow, Russia.

Michael was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He has always felt passionate about a career in public service, due to the necessity of self-sacrifice. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S army as an infantryman. At the age of 18, he was conducting combat jumps out of C-130 airplanes in the famed 82nd Airborne division. His greatest accomplishment was successfully completing the Army’s premier leadership course, Ranger School. After completion of his service, he believed his skill-set would be best served in a federal law enforcement position.