Charlie Cummings

2025 Gilman Scholarship Recipient

Hometown

Nappanee, IN

Major

Animal Sciences

College

College of Agriculture, John Martinson Honors College

 

Established in 2001, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is committed to sending American students of limited financial means from all backgrounds to study abroad.

 

A self-described hands-on learner, Charlie Cummings was awarded the Gilman Scholarship for a Maymester program, and more specifically, the opportunity to work alongside Chileans, including regional farmers, veterinarians, and wildlife rehabilitation and conservation professionals. Seeking to gain cross-cultural insight into the human-animal bond, Charlie will use skills from a minor in Spanish to build meaningful relationships while visiting animal facilities and absorbing Chilean culture through the arts, including music and dance. Equipped with the interdisciplinary mindset cultivated at the John Martinson Honors College, Charlie is further prepared to succeed overseas with previous work experience as a cashier at a local supermarket where many of the regular customers spoke Spanish. Likewise, upon returning from this study abroad program, Charlie aspires to use lessons learned abroad in the next job of working at the Animal Sciences Research and Education Center at Purdue University. The culmination of a long-held ambition, Charlie’s enthusiasm for this opportunity to study abroad shows: “I will be sure to put full effort into everything I do. It is with this drive and commitment to serving, learning, and contributing in any possible way that will enable me to excel in the program.”