University of Tulsa triple major Courtney Spivey has received a Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Viterbo, Italy, this summer. The sophomore from Jenks, Oklahoma, is pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in art along with bachelor of science degrees in computer simulation and gaming and math.
Spivey’s mother is from China and her father is from Italy. She was born in Oklahoma but lived in China for seven years during her childhood. She said her upcoming study abroad experience in Italy will help prepare her for a career in the digital/gaming industry.
“I have always loved books, movies and art, and I want to create my own works,” Spivey said.
From late June to early August, she will study in Viterbo and take class field trips to Rome, the Tuscan Coastline and southern Italy. Spivey will have the opportunity to visit museums and exhibitions featured in classroom instruction.
“The Gilman Scholarship is helping me decide my future on whether I would like to live and work abroad and increase my ability to adapt to different cultures and experiences,” she said.
Spivey said support from friends and family helped her navigate the application process.
“I would like to thank everyone who pushed me to apply for the Gilman, including my study abroad adviser Laura Semenow, my friends here at TU and most importantly, my mom,” she said. “Without her constant stability and approval I would have had a much harder time making up my mind. I’m also very happy to be a TU student and will continue to strive for excellence.”