Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Office of Sustainability has awarded its first scholarships for study abroad in sustainability to two UGA undergraduate students-Joanna “Joni” Troxel and Chadwick “Chad” Landon-as a part of the Brittney Fox Watts Memorial Endowment.
The endowment was established by the family of UGA alumna Brittney Fox Watts to honor her creative spirit, adventurous soul and loving heart and to empower UGA students to address the health and wellbeing of people and communities around the globe.
Troxel, a senior from Snellville majoring in early childhood education in the UGA College of Education, will receive $500 toward a winter semester study abroad program with UGA Discover Abroad. The program explores the relations between humans and the environment in Australia and New Zealand from a sustainable development perspective. Troxel hopes to apply this experience to her own classroom one day.
“Ever since my first day of kindergarten, I have wanted to be an elementary school teacher,” Troxel said. “I would like to spread my knowledge and enthusiasm for living a sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle with my future students.”
Landon, a junior from Roswell majoring in biological science/pre-medicine will receive $500 toward May semester study abroad courses at UGA Costa Rica. The program will focus on avian biology, allowing students to encounter many of the 860 migrant and native species of birds that Costa Rica has to offer.
“I feel confident that this trip will enhance my cultural experience through travel and allow me to gain knowledge in sustainable resources,” Landon said.
The Brittney Fox Watts Endowment for Study Abroad in Sustainability provides a $500 enhancement to select UGA undergraduate and graduate students attending a UGA-sponsored education abroad or exchange program focused on sustainability. These funds are provided through the Brittney Fox Watts Memorial Fund.
The family of Brittney Fox Watts joined with the Small Dreams Foundation Inc. to create a memorial fund designed to provide financial support to students who share the same passions as Watts-who loved traveling the world, experiencing different cultures and supporting sustainable practices. To learn more, see http://smalldreamsfoundation.org/.
“Brittney was a dabbler and explorer of the world around her and was wholeheartedly dedicated to doing her best work, no matter the cause, newest hobby or challenge at hand,” her family said. “We truly believe if there is a little of Brittney in all of us, this world will be a happier, more compassionate and loving place.”
To learn more about UGA Discover Abroad, see http://discoverabroad.uga.edu/. To learn more about UGA Costa Rica, see http://www.externalaffairs.uga.edu/costa_rica/. To learn more about the UGA Office of Sustainability, see http://sustainability.uga.edu/.