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VU senior receives year-long Michael B. Keegan Traveling Fellowship

Posted 4/25/2008

Discovering the meaning of freedom on a global and individual level is what Vanderbilt senior Stephanie Madden plans to do after graduation this May. It’s no small task, but fortunately she is the latest recipient of the university’s Michael B. Keegan Traveling Fellowship.

Graduating seniors are eligible for the one-year fellowship that supports the development of future leaders through world travel and hands-on experiences. Students apply for the program and are selected by a committee before receiving a $15,000 stipend for travel and maintenance costs. The winner also works with the Office of the Dean of Students and a faculty adviser before and during their travel and must submit a final report on the experience.

Madden’s plans are to travel July 2008 to June 2009 to Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Philippines to learn about definitions of freedom from those working in academia and journalism, and in nonprofit, religious, corporate and government organizations. She also will look at how issues relating to democracy, human rights, women’s rights, immigration and the economy affect notions of freedom.

A Communications Studies major with a minor in European Studies, Madden is from Wichita, Kan. She is a resident advisor with the McTyeire International House and is involved in the Vanderbilt Juggling and Physical Arts Club. She has also participated in Alternative Spring Break and served as a communications intern with the American Civil Liberties Union. Madden hopes to eventually work for a nonprofit organization in the field of international human rights.

To learn more about the fellowship and to follow Madden’s journey through blogs and photos, visit www.vanderbilt.edu/travelfellowship/index.html.


Contact: Princine Lewis, (615)322-2706
princine.l.lewis@vanderbilt.edu

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