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Young Harris College Names 2016 Woodward Scholar
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Young Harris College senior business and public policy and history major Diana Di Marco, of Alpharetta, Ga., was recently awarded the Beverly Barrow Woodward, ’53, Endowed Scholarship, established by Leonard and Beverly Woodward, of Rome, Ga., and granted annually to one YHC student to study abroad in England at Harlaxton College.
“It has been a dream of mine to visit and study in Europe, as well as fully experience all of the rich history that I have learned about while growing up and studying at YHC,” said Di Marco. “I will be the first person in my family to undertake such a wonderful opportunity.”
Di Marco was selected for the scholarship from an impressive pool of applicants by members of the selection committee chaired by Coordinator of the Scholars Consortium and Academic Fellowships and Assistant Professor of English Matthew Bruen, Ph.D., and comprised of Assistant Professor of Art History Mary Slavkin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Literary Theory and Criticism and Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Claudie Massicotte, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry Amanda Song, Ph.D., and Professor of Chemistry Margaret Forrester, Ph.D.
“Diana represents the best that Young Harris College has to offer,” said Dr. Bruen. “She is a superb student, leader and vigorous pursuer of opportunities for her institution and herself. She has also dedicated herself to public service, helping those less fortunate than her find their way and their voice. For these and a host of other reasons, the Scholarship/Fellowship Committee selected her to represent YHC at Harlaxton this coming summer.”
Not only is Di Marco a double major in history and business and public policy, but she is also a standout member of the women’s tennis team. She juggles several leadership roles on campus including serving as president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, vice chair of the Peach Belt Conference Student Advisory Committee, vice president of the Pre-Law Club, and president and founder of the Multicultural Club. She is also a member of the Student Alumni Ambassadors Program, the Business Club and the Scholars Consortium.
Di Marco recently received the Who’s Who in American Universities & Colleges award, was nominated for the NCAA’s Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship Program and was named to Capital One Academic All-District III Division II Women’s At-Large Team.
“Diana impressed us all with her intellectual curiosity, poise, and readiness to explore other cultures,” said Director of the Study Abroad Program and Professor of English Ruth Looper, Ph.D. “Her goal to be an immigration lawyer will be well-served by her study at Harlaxton, and she will be an exemplary ambassador for the College.”
Di Marco also recently returned from a semester-long internship with the Council of State Governments (CSG) in Washington, D.C., where her responsibilities included helping to plan the 2015 State International Development Organizations, Inc. (SIDO) Conference, attending congressional hearings and reporting on them for CSG members, and compiling various reports on current members of Congress. She also attended events representing the organization, such as a report launch at the Japanese Embassy and a dinner at the Bahraini Embassy.
After work, Di Marco took advantage of her time in D.C. by visiting every museum and monument on the National Mall, taking the time to learn about and discover new places—something she intends to do during her experience in Europe.
“My internship experience in Washington, D.C., sparked my interest in learning about the various capitals of the world, and when I discovered there was a class titled ‘The Capitals of England and Europe’ at Harlaxton College, I jumped at the opportunity to apply for the Woodward Scholarship,” Di Marco explained.
The course will teach students about the culture, economics, and political structure of various capitals in England and Europe and provide them with the opportunity to visit these cities on the weekends.
“I am ecstatic about visiting various historical sites within the capitals, such as London and Paris and learning more about them,” Di Marco said. “I am a strong advocate for experiential learning and I believe that this experience will extensively promote my personal growth.”
Upon graduation and following her study abroad experience in England, Di Marco plans to take the LSAT exam and attend law school in the fall—preferably at Emory University School of Law—with the intention of becoming an immigration lawyer.
“My experiences at Harlaxton College will further develop my ability to be self-sustainable and heighten my appreciation for the beautiful world we live in,” Di Marco said. “Young Harris College has provided me with extensive knowledge and opportunities, and has allowed me to make numerous personal relationships that I will cherish for many years. If it were not for my experiences at YHC and the individuals who have surrounded me, I may not have discovered all of my potential and capabilities. I couldn’t be more thankful for this amazing opportunity.”
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private, baccalaureate degree-granting college located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through the highest quality liberal arts education. The College currently has more than 1,200 students across five divisions—Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Mathematics and Science, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The historic campus in Young Harris, Ga., is currently undergoing major campus improvements to accommodate the College’s growth. Recent LEED-certified campus improvements include the 121,000-square-foot Rollins Campus Center, new residence facilities, and a 57,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center. In 2014, the College was granted active membership in NCAA Division II and is a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. YHC is among fewer than 300 colleges and universities nationwide named to the 2015-2016 list of Colleges of Distinction. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
YHC senior history and business and public policy major Diana Di Marco, of Alpharetta, Ga., accepted the Beverly Barrow Woodward, ’53, Endowed Scholarship alongside Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Keith DeFoor (far left), Chair of the English Department Assistant Professor of English Dr. Eloise Whisenhunt (second from left) and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gary Myers (far right).
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