DSU junior Melissa Ramirez will study abroad in Costa Rica this semester thanks to a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University is proud to announce that Melissa Ramirez, a junior studying criminal justice and criminology, received a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in Costa Rica in Spring 2026. She is a DSU Honors Fellow and a McNair Scholar.
Ramirez is the third Gilman Scholar from Delta State. Hanadi Hariri (nursing major, psychology minor) received a Gilman Scholarship to study in London, Paris, Berlin, and Prague during Summer 2024. Jakori Johnson (CIS major) received a Gilman Scholarship to study in South Africa during Summer 2025.
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. The program is competitive and merit-based, and is administered by The Institute of International Education.
Established by Congress, the Gilman Scholarship is an initiative of the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Michelle Johansen, Assistant Coordinator of International Student Services at Delta State said, “This achievement reflects both Melissa’s dedication to global learning and Delta State University’s continued commitment to expanding access to international experiences. We are incredibly proud to see our students representing Delta State on a global stage.”
Dr. Donna Ossorio, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology said, “As one of Melissa’s instructors in Criminal Justice & Criminology, I have witnessed firsthand her exceptional drive, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to excellence. She consistently seeks opportunities to grow academically and professionally, going above and beyond expectations both inside and outside the classroom. Her achievements reflect her strong work ethic, leadership potential, and dedication to scholarly advancement. This national recognition is a well-deserved milestone and speaks to her determination to fully embrace the opportunities available to her at Delta State University and beyond.”
Eric Magner, JD, Program Manager for Student Conduct and Community Support said, “I had the distinct honor and privilege of having Melissa in my Judicial Process course during the Fall 2025 semester. Throughout the course, Ms. Ramirez was highly engaged and consistently contributed thoughtful, well-reasoned insights that elevated classroom discussion.”
Ramirez is grateful for the opportunity and expects to make the most of it. She said, “I am honored to be Delta State’s third recipient of the Gilman Scholarship, which allows me to study abroad in Costa Rica. This opportunity will strengthen my global perspective, expanding skills essential for my professional development. By engaging in Costa Rica’s culture, sustainability practices, and diverse communities, I will gain experiences that prepare me to contribute meaningfully to social advocacy and humanitarian work at home and around the globe.”
To learn more about study abroad opportunities at Delta State, visit the International Student Services Office in Union 200 or email Michelle Johansen at mjohansen@deltastate.edu.
