International Student Receives Scholarship for Cross-Cultural Understanding

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 15, 2016) — Business management and equine science student Tiffany Molina was awarded the University of Kentucky 2016 Viji Jeganathan Scholarship for Cross-Cultural Understanding for her dedication to promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity through her involvement at UK.

As president of the International Student Council and member of the International Student Leadership Team, Molina has devoted herself to fostering cross-cultural understanding across campus. She has organized and executed campuswide events such as Global Paw Prints, a celebration of UK’s diverse cultures, as well as the upcoming Kentucky Derby Fest, introducing international students to one of the most famous Kentucky traditions.

“Tiffany’s passion for bringing students from around the world together to celebrate our diversity has made a significant impact on the UK community,” said Karen Slaymaker, assistant director for International Student and Scholar Services.

Not only has she encouraged cross-cultural involvement, Molina has also courageously spoken up against incidents of discrimination and bias on campus, drawing attention to ways we can better understand each other as a diverse community.

“UK is striving to become more inclusive, and I believe that I've been a part of that change even if it's in a small way,” Molina said. “ Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me, because I know it is awarded to students who make a great impact on the growth of cultural diversity.”

The Viji Jeganathan Scholarship recognizes a student who demonstrates leadership on campus and a strong ability to bridge cultural differences at UK and within the Lexington community.

The scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Viji Jeganathan, an outstanding student from Sri Lanka who lost her battle to cancer while attending UK. When she was diagnosed, UK rallied around her raising funds for a transplant. Though she was unable to receive the transplant, her family wanted to honor her memory by setting up this scholarship fund with money raised by the community here at UK.

For more information about international student scholarships, please visit www.uky.edu/international/Scholarships.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Hairston, 859-257-3302, gail.hairston@uky.edu