The International Center is delighted to announce the first Bond International Scholar Award recipients. This award is made possible by a generous endowment from the friends of retired U.S. Senator Christopher S. “Kit” Bond, in honor of his exemplary public service.

About the award

Bond, a sixth generation Missourian, was elected to the United States Senate in 1986, where he served four terms. He began his public service as Assistant Attorney General for the state of Missouri in 1969. He was elected Missouri State Auditor in 1971, and Missouri Governor for two non-consecutive terms, in 1973 and again in 1981. He has been a great friend to the University of Missouri and to the people of this state.

Bond is also recognized for his work on global trade and economic development. Born in St. Louis and raised in Mexico, Mo., he gained a global perspective at a young age as he joined his father on many international trips for their family business. Bond’s commitment to international exchange led to the establishment of this award, which will provide selected students the funds to study abroad, allowing them to gain a better understanding of different cultures and economies.

Dozens of students applied for this award. After rigorous review, including final personal interviews with the selection committee, five awardees were selected to receive a $5,000 study abroad scholarship, to be used in spring 2019. The International Center congratulates the recipients of the first Bond International Scholars Award. Their experiences abroad will equip them with skills necessary in influencing the next generation of global citizens.

About the recipients

Since running through the Columns freshman year, Alex Beattie has taken advantage of many of the incredible opportunities Mizzou has to offer, including Marching Mizzou, undergraduate research and career advancement. He is excited for the opportunity to study computer science this spring at Linnaeus University, one of Sweden’s premier modern higher education institutions. At Linnaeus, Alex looks forward to gaining new insights on modern computer science problems, which will help him craft the solutions of the future. The unique combination of academics, community and local business partnerships that Linnaeus offers will propel him forward to serve as a global leader.

Caroline Been is majoring in Russian and international studies with an emphasis in peace studies. She is excited to have the opportunity to study at the GRINT Centre for Education and Culture for the spring 2019 semester in Moscow, Russia. While abroad, Caroline’s studies will be focused mainly on Russian language, history and culture. She will be enrolled in three language courses, a Russian literature course and a course focused on cultural immersion activities outside of the classroom. Caroline is excited for an immersive experience and educational semester in Moscow.

Sewit Belete is a Kansas City native and sophomore studying clinical and diagnostic sciences with an emphasis in clinical laboratory science and a minor in psychology. Sewit will be studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and taking courses focused in psychology. She chose Buenos Aires because people there have a cultural attitude that accepts seeking psychological help. Her career goal is to become a psychiatrist educated on how cultures discuss mental illnesses. Sewit plans to utilize what she learns abroad to influence American culture and the way she practices medicine.

Madison Czopek is a junior double majoring in journalism and political science. Her love of politics and journalism has led her to study abroad in Brussels, Belgium. In Belgium, she will have the opportunity to work full time as an intern at a news organization in Brussels — the political heart of Europe, which is home to both the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. During her time abroad, she hopes to learn more about European democracies, the EU and the global impacts of international organizations while also improving her skills as a journalist.

Olivia Hunt is a junior majoring in French and sociology. She is from St. Louis and is very excited to study outside of Missouri for the first time. Active on campus with the RSVP Center and MizzouRec, she believes an interdisciplinary approach to life fosters success. She will continue her French studies at the University Jean Moulin-Lyon III. Going abroad has always been a priority for her, and she is very grateful to Senator Bond and the International Center for their help securing this opportunity. Read more about Olivia’s Mizzou experience.