Texas State students earn 15 P.E.O. International Peace Scholarships

Student Achievements

Staff Contributor | May 12, 2021

Fifteen graduate students at Texas State University have been awarded the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) International Peace Scholarship.

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship supports women from other countries who are studying at the graduate level in the United States and Canada. Eleven of last year’s recipients have been awarded funding again this year.

“Being selected for this fellowship is a tremendous academic achievement and a testament to the outstanding academic abilities of our students,” said Andrea Golato, dean of the Graduate College. “I would also like to thank the research coordinators in The Graduate College who provide support to students who are seeking external funding. As a former international graduate student myself, I am particularly happy to see so many international females winning this prestigious award.”

The scholarship is based upon demonstrated need. The award, however, is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. The maximum amount awarded to a student is $12,500. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs.

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Olufadeke “Fadeke” Adeniyi

Olufadeke “Fadeke” Adeniyi, a student from Nigeria pursuing her master’s in data analytics and information systems, was one of eleven graduate students awarded the scholarship again this year. “Receiving this scholarship for a second time gives me a sense of accomplishment that a prestigious organization like the P.E.O. recognizes my talents and contribution as a graduate student,” she said. “Apart from the funding, they shower me with love and frequent check-ins to ensure that I don’t feel alone in my academic journey.    

“I felt it was more difficult to show that I have achieved something substantial in a year since the last award, especially since last year was just a challenging one for us all. Texas State’s external funding support team mentored me through the process to ensure that I had a strong application,” Adeniyi said.

The 15 Texas State P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship recipients are:

  • Olufadeke “Fadeke” Adeniyi, Nigeria, master’s, Data Analytics and Information Systems, McCoy College of Business
  • Tanjina Ahmed, Bangladesh, doctoral, Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization (MSEC), College of Science and Engineering
  • Noushin Azami, Iran, doctoral, Computer Science, College of Science and Engineering
  • Maria “Camila” Belduque Correa, Colombia, master’s, Engineering, College of Science and Engineering
  • Isha Desai, India, doctoral, MSEC, College of Science and Engineering 
  • Blanca Estevez Posadas, Mexico, master’s, Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering
  • Dixizi Liu, China, master’s, Engineering, College of Science and Engineering
  • Mei Yang, China, doctoral, Geographic Information Science, College of Liberal Arts
  • Luise Noé, Germany, master’s, Literature, College of Liberal Arts
  • Gail Sylvester-Conrad, Trinidad & Tobago, master’s, Educational Technology, College of Education
  • Nika Teiler, Russia, master’s, Public Health Education and Promotion, College of Education
  • Regina Alabere, Nigeria, alumna, master’s, Communication Studies, College of Fine Arts and Communication
  • Catalina Gonzalez Cruz, Colombia, master’s, Business Administration, McCoy College of Business
  • Sojung Huh, Republic of Korea, doctoral, Geographic Education, College of Liberal Arts
  • Mar Moretta Urdiales, Ecuador, doctoral, Aquatic Resources and Integrative Biology, College of Science and Engineering

For more information, contact University Communications:

Jayme Blaschke, 512-245-2555

Sandy Pantlik, 512-245-2922