BOSTON, October 3 — Boston University has welcomed its inaugural class of Davis United World College Scholars, marking a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to international education and diversity. The scene on campus buzzes with excitement as these international freshmen begin their journey. By nightfall, students from across the globe are settling into their new surroundings, embracing the opportunities that await them.
This year’s cohort consists of international students representing numerous nations, enrolled in several BU schools and colleges. The Davis United World College program, based at Vermont’s Middlebury College, stands as the largest source of financial aid for international undergraduates in the United States.
These scholarships cover students’ full demonstrated need for the cost of attending BU, including tuition, housing, and fees. The program aims to grow substantially in the coming years. Each scholar is assigned a faculty or staff mentor for their undergraduate years.
These mentors advise small groups of Davis Scholars, bringing them together once a month in addition to individual meetings. All scholars will gather several times throughout the year for special events, including faculty dinners and a Boston cultural outing.
Leadership and Vision
The program is overseen by Laura Johnson, senior assistant provost for undergraduate affairs, and Anne Corriveau, director of international admissions. BU President Melissa Gilliam arranged BU’s admission to Davis’s participating network of American colleges and universities. She highlighted the importance of global engagement in BU’s mission, noting the university’s long history of being a global institution and its commitment to enrolling international students.
Kelly Walter, BU associate vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions, emphasized that the Davis Scholarships complement BU’s commitment to making a world-class education accessible to talented students from around the globe.
Student Perspectives
Two of BU’s inaugural Davis Scholars, both enrolled at the Questrom School of Business, shared their stories and hopes for their time at the University. Yasmine Geverk, a Davis Scholar, highlighted her multicultural background and her desire to meet people from all over the world, which influenced her decision to join BU and the Davis UWC program. Post-graduation, Geverk plans to pursue a career in business and is interested in activities such as Innovate@BU and Questrom’s Entrepreneurship Club.
The scholars are already forming connections that will likely extend far beyond their university years, building a network that spans continents and cultures.
