The achievements of forty-eight students from Northern Ireland were celebrated at the annual Study USA Graduation, which took place at Belfast City Hall today.
The students spent the last academic year studying in the US on the flagship scholarship programme, managed by British Council Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for the Economy.
There was stiff competition among the Class of 2024, to be named as this year’s Study USA Student of the Year - an accolade open to the eight students who all achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA, equivalent to an A grade across all subjects.
The top prize went to James Hatchell, who is studying Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast. The 22-year-old from Lurgan spent a year at Ohio Northern University (ONU) and reflecting on his time in the US he highlighted how the experience has boosted his employability skills. He said:
“My year in the US was nothing short of incredible. I feel so fortunate to have attended Ohio Northern University - a college that fitted me and my interests so well. Their international student program was excellent and provided me with everything I needed to get the most out of my year in the US. I’m truly grateful to everyone who made this experience possible, from the faculty at ONU, to the Study USA team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to give students like me access to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Before visiting the US, I was unsure of the field I wanted to enter after graduating. My time at ONU helped me to realise that a career in the automotive industry would be perfectly suited to me, whilst I chase my dream goal of working in Formula 1. Through both clubs and classes at ONU I’ve been able to gain valuable experience in this field and I now have a great foundation for my future career and studies.”
Elle Ward from Malin Head, was named winner of the highly coveted Study USA Spirit Award, which recognises students who have positively contributed to campus life through dedicated efforts in student organisations, sport, voluntary service, or the arts. Elle swapped Law at Queen’s University Belfast, for a year studying Law and Business at Arcadia University in Pennsylvania.
Commenting on her experience Elle said: "Study USA has profoundly impacted my career aspirations and personal growth. My time at Arcadia, including a business trip to South Korea, opened new pathways in international business. The experience has taught me resilience, broadened my worldview, and provided me with a global network. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and confident that the skills I've gained will drive my future success in business.”
Francesca Gannon from Ballyclare who studied Law at DeSales University in Pennsylvania, and Belfast Metropolitan College student Katie Murphy, who studied Fashion Production at Ohio Wesleyan University, were named as runners-up for the Student of the Year awards, sponsored by Study USA alumnus John Greer, Head of UK Industry Engagement at Bank of Ireland. He commented:
"It’s been wonderful to see the growth of the Study USA programme over the last thirty years. What better time to sponsor the Student of the Year award, and I’m thrilled to present it to James who has done extremely well in maximising the experience of studying in Ohio. I’ve no doubt he will go on to achieve great things. Congratulations to James, runners-up Francesca and Katie and all the participants for their outstanding achievements."
A highlight of the graduation ceremony was the Student Spotlight feature, hosted by alumna and international leadership consultant Tessa Breslin, which captured a unique aspect of each student’s Study USA journey: from Aoife O’Hagan singing at the memorial service for former First Lady, Roslyn Carter; to Shannon Mullan being crowned the winner of the American Model United Nations (AMUN) conference in Chicago in November 2023. Many of the students were also named on the Dean’s List at their US colleges in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement.
Now in its 30th year, Study USA has sent over 2,500 students from Northern Ireland to spend a full academic year at one of 140 partner institutions across 22 states in the US since its inception in 1994.
Highly regarded within the network of partner institutions in the US, the scholarship programme receives significant support, with annual funding from the US in excess of $2 million. US Consul General, James Applegate, attended the ceremony, alongside guests from the US, including student support advisor Dr Erin Hinson and US colleges representative Rev. Dr Tammy Gieselman, and Councillor Micky Murray, Lord Mayor of Belfast.
Study USA is open to pre-final year students studying at Northern Ireland Higher Education and Further Education institutions and has evolved over the past three decades to extend beyond business and STEM related subjects. Students can study a combination of subjects related to their home degree, as well as modules in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Communications, Human Resources and Modern Languages.
The immersive nature of the programme helps students to develop a broad range of academic and interpersonal skills, as well as a global outlook, which enhances their career prospects when they return to Northern Ireland.
Economy Minister Conor Murphy congratulated this year’s cohort and spoke about the future of the programme. He said: "Many congratulations to all the 2024 graduates. For 30 years, the Study USA programme has helped to strengthen cultural, educational and economic links with the US. It provides young people with employability skills and an international outlook that are vital in developing our economy.
“When applications open in the autumn of 2024, I would encourage all eligible full-time students attending FE and HE institutions across the north to apply for this generously funded scholarship. They could follow in the footsteps of the Class of 2024, spend a full academic year in the US, aimed at kickstarting their careers, and help build important connections with the US.”
Jonathan Stewart, Director of British Council Northern Ireland also congratulated the students and spoke about the long-term impact of the programme. He said: "Congratulations to James, Elle, and all of this year's Study USA graduates. As we celebrate 30 years of Study USA, we reflect on the thousands of students who have benefited from this life-changing experience. Each year, we find that those who take part in the programme not only enhance their employability skills but also develop important intercultural skills, which help prepare them for work in a global economy.”
He added, “Study USA students are great ambassadors for Northern Ireland during their time in the US, and bring an international outlook to the institutions they study in. It’s exciting to see where the 2024 scholars are headed next, and I wish them every success as they join the growing global network of Study USA alumni.
“As we look to the future, and in an era where global connections are more important than ever, this programme continues to build bridges, foster understanding, and create opportunities.”
Applications for Study USA for 2025-26 will open in the autumn of 2024. To find out more about the programme visit https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/study-usa
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For further information, interviews, and images contact:
Anna Christoforou, Senior Media and Campaigns Manager, UK, British Council
E: anna.christoforou@britishcouncil.org