Four Baruch College Students Receive Freeman-ASIA Scholarships

July 20, 2020

International study and travel are on the horizon for four Baruch College students who are recipients of a Freeman-ASIA award allowing them to continue their academic studies in East and Southeast Asian countries.

The Institute of International Education has postponed study abroad opportunities for fall 2020 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic; however, students will use their scholarships in spring 2021 semester or summer 2021.

Freeman-ASIA, sponsored by the Freeman Foundation, seeks to stimulate a working relationship between the United States and countries of East Asia. Through education and educational institutes, the foundation hopes to develop a greater appreciation of Asian culture, histories, and economies in the United States. The Foundation’s goal is to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia, its people, and cultures.

Meet the Students

 Joel Delacruz:

Joel Delacruz (’22) is studying economics at the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences. He plans on going to Japan’s renowned business school, Waseda University, with his Freeman-ASIA award.

“I am looking forward to establishing an international network with people in the fields of the industries I am interested in pursuing, and taking on rigorous niche economic courses. In addition to academic goals, I hope to build on interpersonal and communication skills,” Delacruz stated.

Delacruz was inspired to study abroad after speaking with Peter Javonvich, the former president of McGraw-Hill School Publishing. Javonvich expressed how courses he took at Princeton University as an undergraduate student were extremely beneficial to his career.

“My future career goals are to enter law school to complete a Juris Doctorate degree, as I am interested in practicing law in the areas of the technology industry, with a focus on intellectual property and internet commerce,” Delacruz added. “I see the Freeman-ASIA Award as a means to get closer to the technology developments in Asia in the areas of artificial intelligence, robotics, and electronic entertainment.”

Victor Deng:

Victor Deng (’21) is an undergraduate in the Zicklin School of Business with a major in finance.

Deng, who wants to learn a new language, applied for the Freeman-ASIA scholarship since it includes a partner institution in Japan—a country high on his list for traveling.

“Throughout my experiences in Japan, I hope to bring back a global perspective after learning about Japanese capital markets from a local professor,” Deng explained. “This is important to my career goal as a global manager who works with international clients and coworkers. I believe understanding the culture of Japan would be a unique skill when communicating with leaders of foreign businesses.”

Jenny Liu:

Jenny Liu (’21) is a digital marketing major at the Zicklin School of Business who is also minoring in graphic design.

Liu is looking forward to studying abroad in either Singapore or Hong Kong during her spring 2021 semester. She wants to experience Asian culture firsthand.

“As a marketing major, I think it is important to be knowledgeable in eastern culture and values in order to make smart marketing decisions—especially in the consumer packaged goods industry,” Liu said. “I believe that this international experience will allow me to be independent and grow into a well-rounded individual.”

The fourth recipient of a fall 2020 Freeman-ASIA scholarship is Oliviae Odunaike (’22), who is a marketing major at the Zicklin School of Business.

Baruch College’s Office of National & Prestigious Fellowships Advising supported all these students throughout the Freeman-ASIA application process. Office staff are available to assist students who are interested in applying for fellowships and scholarships. Learn more about the office’s resources here.

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