MACON – Mercer University junior Donald Williams Jr. was recently selected to participate in this year’s Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program in Washington, D.C.
The six-week summer program is designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers.
As a Rangel Scholar, Williams will live at Howard University, attend classes and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals at Howard and at diverse locations around the nation’s capital.
“Being accepted into the Rangel Summer Enrichment Program is truly an exciting opportunity,” said Williams. “I am grateful to have the chance to study at Howard University in D.C., all while being a part of such a prestigious program, expanding my international perspective and knowledge.”
Williams, from Columbus, is double-majoring in international business and economics with a minor in marketing. His interests include international trade and development, real estate and sales, and he aspires to become a U.S. Foreign Service Officer.
At Mercer, he is president of the Alpha Tau Chapter of the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi and vice-president of the Residence Hall Association. He has been selected as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar and a Fund for Education Abroad Scholar.
“Donald’s repeated success in pursuing his passion for global learning illustrates his extraordinary ability to take full advantage of the opportunities Mercer makes available to our students,” said Dr. Ashley Lynn Buchanan, study abroad coordinator.
“Watching Donald mature and develop his goals through the Office of International Programs, first as a study abroad participant, then as a student worker, and finally as a study abroad scholarship advocate, has been a true pleasure. We have celebrated with him as he traveled to Spain on a Gilman Scholarship, to Japan with a grant from the Japanese government and now as he beings his journey toward the U.S. Foreign Service as a Rangel Scholar. We look forward to having him back in our office next year to serve as an expert to other students who share his interests in international education and global affairs.”
