The Botstiber Scholars

amar Amar Ganbold, Mongolia, '14

I’m Amar and this is my sophomore year at Lehigh University. A year ago, I was literally a “fresh” man who had been, for the first time, away from his home country for more than a week. This past year was the most challenging and at the same time most interesting and memorable year of my life. With the help of Lehigh’s wonderful professors and awesome fellow students, I was able to grow both intellectually and personally.

At the end of last semester, I declared my major as Computer Science and Engineering, a field that I have been extremely interested in since I was a middle school student. Taking computer engineering classes in one of nation’s top engineering schools is a lifetime opportunity; therefore I try to absorb as much knowledge as I can. Also, I was able to get two jobs on campus: one as a computer consultant, and one as a photographer at the international office. Both can be of great benefit and experience for me in the fields that I am interested in.

None of these magnificent experiences would have happened if it wasn’t for the Botstiber foundation. For that, I can never be thankful enough.

Deniz Cetin, Turkey, '12

At Lehigh, I have chosen to major in IDEAS (Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts & Sciences) Chemical Engineering and Molecular Biology. I worked on a research project in the Chemistry Department for three years. During the summer of 2011, I began to work in Chemical Engineering Department on a project about drug delivery systems attacking to cancer cells and I still continue on that. This year, I divide my time between working in the research lab and serving as a member of the Rossin Junior Fellows. Being in this knowledge-thirsty Lehigh community enriches my eager search for information and helps me to take a step further towards my future academic career. I am grateful to the Dietrich W. Botstiber Scholarship for providing me such a unique opportunity to wake up to stormy days with bright sunshine inside.

Eric Aguilar Milian, Guatemala, '11, Presidential Scholar

My name is Eric Aguilar and my hometown is Guatemala City in Guatemala. As of right now, I am enrolled in my senior year at Lehigh and my field of studies is mechanical engineering. Besides obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering, I also became interested in enhancing my education with a degree in business. This is why I enrolled in the business minor program—a program that allows non-business students to pursue their interests in this area. Additionally, I am completing the necessary requirements for a minor in economics. The whole Lehigh experience has been inspiring and challenging, and I have had the chance to develop my potential, both academically and personally. I have been involved in the South American and Latin Student Association and intramural sports, among others. Overall, my experience at Lehigh University, thanks to the generous contribution of the Dietrich W. Botstiber Foundation, has been one of the most exciting stages in my life and I have been able to fulfill my dreams and to learn with details how science and technology really work.

Linh Nguyen, Vietnam, ‘15

I have been studying here at Lehigh for roughly two months. Two months seems to be a short period of time, but it is more than enough for me to realize how college can change one’s perspective. Having come from Vietnam, which is a developing country, I know I am very lucky to be able to study in one of the top engineering institutions in the USA. I hope to bring the knowledge as well as the perspective back to my country and help improve people’s life there. I am planning to major in either Civil Engineering or Information and System Engineering, which are currently needed in Vietnam. I feel extremely excited and ready to face new challenges, both intellectually and socially.

Coming to Lehigh University was one of the most important decisions in my life. Without the scholarship from the Dietrich W. Botstiber Foundation, I would have never been able attend Lehigh. Thanks to the foundation that I am having a golden chance to probably change my life forever.

Ceci Maria Cecelia Ballesteros Gonzales, Bolivia, ‘13

I can barely believe that this is my third year at Lehigh University. When I look back on my life before I came to Lehigh, I know that many things have changed since then. I came to Lehigh with only academic goals in mind, but I found something greater still. These two years have helped me to know myself better and to think of my purpose in life. I am currently doing a double major in Electrical Engineering and Engineering Physics. What’s more I am able to be part of other activities outside the academic range. I am volunteering in the America Reads/America counts program which works to improve the reading and math proficiency of children; I am also part of a Christian Organization (RUF or Reformed University Fellowship) which has been a family for me. Even the fact that I am far away from my family has helped me to mature and grow personally and emotionally. However, the greatest gift of all was to meet Jesus Christ. Before coming to Lehigh, I didn’t believe much in God and worse in Jesus. It was only after I came to Lehigh and became part of RUF that I realize what Jesus’ sacrifice in the cross meant for humanity and especially what it meant and means for me. I thank God that through the Botstiber Foundation He has given me the grace to come here and received the gift of salvation. Everything comes to an end. Richness and success will come to an end when our time on earth reaches its end. However, there are things that last forever and never perish like the love of God. I know now that no matter what happens from now on I am with him and He is with me in everything I do. What else can I ask for?

maria q Maria Qirjollari, Greece, ‘14

My name is Maria Qirjollari and I was born in Thessaloniki, Greece; although I actually hail from Albania. Although universities in Greece are qualified, studying in the United States has always been my preference. The effort proved worth trying for since not only did I get accepted into a wonderful academic institution, but I was selected to become a recipient of the prestigious Dietrich W. Botstiber scholarship. I am really proud to be attending Lehigh University, where I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Energy Engineering. Presently, my on campus activities include the Society of Women Engineers, Engineers Without Borders and the Community Service Office. As an international student I faced no difficulty adjusting to Lehigh, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania or the USA. I give my thanks to the Lehigh community and the Botstiber scholars, as well as members of the foundation.

noah Noah Ongoro, Kenya, ’14

Before I came to Lehigh, I read articles about Lehigh students and alumni. The most conspicuous feature was that everyone had a great deal of pride and a love for the campus as a whole. Arriving here, I realized the beauty of the campus reflected the inhabitants. I settled in quickly, because everyone is friendly and has a sense of community.

It has been a year since I joined Lehigh, and there have been more learning experiences and opportunities. I am fully settled and enjoying all the activities I am involved in, and have decided to be a Mechanical Engineering major and an aerospace minor. As a sophomore, I have developed leadership skills and exploited some of my talents. Currently, I am the secretary of Aerospace Club; a position which has helped me develop leadership skills further. I am also part of Intervarsity Club and Intramural soccer which have been equally productive.

My experiences will live to be remembered, thanks to the opportunity offered by the Botstiber Foundation. I have already learned a great deal and it has increased my global awareness vastly. I had a memorable first year at Lehigh, and I am looking forward to the next three years of being part of the Lehigh community.

Nyimyathkine Linn, Myanmar, '12

Around this time a few years ago, I was struggling in my home country of Myanmar, dreaming about coming to the United States to further my education. Now, I still cannot believe I am right here, realizing all the dreams I have had since childhood, thanks to the Dietrich W. Botstiber Foundation. Studying at Lehigh not only fulfills my highest academic goals, but also lets me explore all the things one can only imagine in a lifetime. I am pursuing a major in Chemical Engineering. Since my freshman year, I have worked in the chemistry lab, under the supervision of Lehigh professors, on a hands-on research project called Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas—known for its emerging applications in biomedical, optical and electronic fields. My perspectives are growing significantly through Botstiber-sponsored programs, including trips to historic places in the U.S., dinners with fellow students, seminars on American presidential elections, globalization & nationalism, and international human trafficking.

Rodrigue Somda, Burkina Faso, ‘15

My name is Rodrigue Tcherepaor Somda. Tcherepaor means “never let yourself be intimidated and keep looking forward”. I am the first West African student from Burkina Faso to be accepted at Lehigh University and I hope that I won’t be the last one. I am really ecstatic to be a recipient of the wonderful Botstiber scholarship and I would like to address my sincere acknowledgements to the Botstiber Foundation for how it helps students make their dreams come true, and the Lehigh Admission Office for having trusted me and given me this unique opportunity to be part of a new family, the Botstiber. I am looking forward to achieving great goals and building a strong personality here at Lehigh as I know that it is just the right place for it. I am going to have a thoughtful experience here at Lehigh by getting to know people who came from all over the world to seek a strong education that I am having thanks to Dietrich W. Botstiber. Burkina Faso is ranked among the poorest countries and the improvement of its infrastructures and applicable technology in different domains such as health services, are all strongly essential for its development. Fortunately Lehigh provides all the resources I would need to possibly help ameliorate the conditions in my country. I pray the lord to keep me on the right path and help me get the most out of my studies at Lehigh.

Sherwood Benavides, Ecuador, '12

About three years ago, I was given the chance to enroll at Lehigh University. Ever since, I have faced many challenges and accomplished things that I did not consider possible. I have met people from all over the world and learned how fiercely truth resists simplicity. The curriculum flexibility and liberal arts policy that Lehigh encourages have given me the opportunity to get involved in other areas besides engineering. I finished a business minor where I had a rich and meaningful overview of finance, marketing and management concepts. Also, I have taken, and I am currently taking French classes which I hope will give me a conversational French level. Moreover, I was able to apply and qualify for two internship programs over the last two summers. Two years ago, I worked at Lehigh facilities in a research project. In this project, we studied the feasibility of fabricating nano porous membranes by bead depositions and some applications of these membranes. Last summer, I joined another research team. We worked in Jamaica and Barbados collecting behavioral data of native fish and tissue samples for further genetic analysis. These two experiences were enriching and opened my curiosity for research and the development of new technologies. As my last year of college begins, the obvious woes of what my future will be or what path should I take hover my thoughts, however thanks to all the experiences, solid academic background, and diverse skills that Lehigh has given me, I am confident that I will be just fine.

Wintana Stefanos, Ethiopia, ‘13

Being a Lehigh student is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I have had so far. Thanks to the Dietrich W. Botstiber Scholarship program, I am privileged to be able to have this experience. I am a pharmaceutical chemistry major with minors in Economics and Health Medicine and Society. Coming to Lehigh, I did not know what to expect. I have been integrated into the Lehigh community through both formal and informal learning styles, whether it is working with outstanding faculty, attending seminars, or hearing various speakers from all around the world talk about their great achievements. In addition, the availability of numerous extracurricular activities has helped me become a well-rounded individual. I am currently enrolled in clubs such as Schools for schools (a program established by American schools to help Ugandan children receive basic education), the African Caribbean Cultural Club, and the American Medical Women’s Association. These extracurricular activities, in combination with the rigorous and challenging academics, will enable me to grow and fulfill my goals.

The Dietrich W. Botstiber Foundation • 200 E. State Street • Suite 306-A • Media, Pennsylvania 19063 • cnumi@botstiber.org