International Chancellor’s Scholarship recipient starts at STU

Quynh Giao Dang, of Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, chose St. Thomas for its focus on liberal arts, commitment to social justice, and close-knit community.

Just a few weeks into her first semester, Dang is seeing the benefits of her decision.

“Everyone is so friendly and helpful,” she said. “My residence is like a new family for me and my professors are really approachable. Some of them already remember my name,” she said.

Dang graduated from the Le Quy Don School for the Gifted and came to St. Thomas as one of two International Chancellor’s Scholarship recipients. The scholarship, which covers the cost of international tuition and residence, is one of the highest awarded by the university.

“I was over the moon excited to receive the scholarship. Here I can pursue my dream majors, receive support from professors, staff, and peers, and enjoy opportunities for self-development like volunteer work, travel studies, and clubs,” Dang said.

“I tried my best in school with the goal of earning a scholarship and I’m glad I can lessen the burden for my parents.”

“After my four years at STU, I want to be remembered as someone who was involved.”

Dang, who plans to study International Relations, Political Science, and Economics, was an active member of her community in Vietnam. She spearheaded the Model United Nations association at her high school, participated in the Provincial Creative Youth Competition, established a Facebook page that promotes tourism in her province, and volunteered at local hospitals.

She hopes to continue being involved now that she’s at St. Thomas.

“I really hope to continue similar activities at STU, because I enjoy the feeling of being helpful and dedicated to my community,” she said. “After my four years at STU, I want to be remembered as someone who was involved.”