Victoria Landa, a senior International Affairs with a European Concentration major and Public Administration & Public Service and Spanish minor, has been awarded the inaugural Dr. Barry Friedman Scholarship in Political Science & International Affairs.  

The $1,000 grant comes courtesy of our first-ever PSIA Department scholarship which seeks to make learning more affordable, reward students that study hard, and show our students that the PSIA department truly cares about them. The scholarship is named in honor of Professor Emeritus Dr. Barry Friedman, professor of political science from 1992-2021.   

The Scholarship Selection Committee, headed by our Associate Department Head, Dr. Viman-Miller selected Victoria after receiving multiple high-quality submissions. When asked about the selection process, Dr. Viman-Miller said that that because of the number of high-quality applications “It was not an easy process making a final decision on who should be our first recipient of the Berry Friedman scholarship.” 

When asked how she felt about being awarded the Dr. Barry D. Friedman Scholarship, Victoria said “I am extremely honored to be the first recipient of the Friedman scholarship and am so excited to use the funds to assist me in finishing my academic career at UNG strong.” 

“My experience with the PSIA department at UNG has been incredible. My professors have been so supportive and encouraging, not only in my academics but also in my personal endeavors. If I was only interested in political science and international affairs when I began my academic journey, I have fallen in love with the subject by the end. I truly appreciate the entire department for showing me the amazing impact the study of PSIA can have on the world and all the exciting opportunities that lie in my future. Thank you to the scholarship donors, scholarship committee, and to the PSIA department as a whole.” 

Congratulations to Victoria on becoming the first-ever recipient of the Dr. Barry D. Friedman Scholarship! 

[Editor’s note] The Department is excited to provide this award to Victoria and would like to thank all those who have contributed so far to the scholarship fund. If YOU would like to join our growing list of donors and help us continue to provide future students assistance via this scholarship, please visit our Friedman Scholarship donation page. 

[Author: Orla Fennell, IA’23]