The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE), will host a reception on Thursday, December 15, 2011, at 6:00 p.m., to mark the tenth anniversary of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The reception will be held at in the Columbus Club at Union Station in Washington, DC. During the reception, Gilman Program alumni and U.S. campus study abroad advisors will be recognized for their contributions to the program’s success. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Adam Ereli will make formal remarks.

Members of the press are invited to attend. Interviews with Gilman alumni or campus Gilman Scholarship Advisors can be arranged at 5:30 p.m. in advance of the reception, upon request. Please RSVP to James A. Lawrence or Carla Coolman (contact information below).

For additional details on the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program visit http://exchanges.state.gov/globalexchanges/gilman-scholarship-program.html.

Media Contacts: James A. Lawrence, lawrenceja@state.gov, (202) 632-3241, or Carla Coolman, CoolmanCH@state.gov, 202-632-3356.