K-State student from Salina using scholarship to study mandarin language and culture, history and politics of China

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Source: James Hohenbary, 785-532-6904, jimlth@k-state.edu
Pronouncer: Phuong Vu is FUNG VOO
News release prepared by: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, 785-532-6415, ebarcomb@k-state.edu

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

K-STATE STUDENT FROM SALINA USING SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDY MANDARIN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE, HISTORY AND POLITICS OF CHINA

MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University student from Salina has received a study abroad scholarship that he will use to study language and culture in China.

Phuong M. Vu, junior in political science, has earned a David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarship from the National Security Education Program. The scholarship, worth up to $10,000 per semester, gives undergraduate students from the United States the chance to study abroad in areas critical to U.S. interests and national security including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Vu plans to attend Nanjing University to study Mandarin language and Chinese culture, history and politics. Vu was one of 141 scholarship recipients out of 729 applicants, making him the third K-State student to receive the Boren undergraduate scholarship.

"We are pleased that the National Security Education Program is recognizing one of our talented students with a Boren scholarship," said Jon Wefald, K-State president. "By using this scholarship to study the Mandarin language along with Chinese culture, history and politics, Phuong Vu is showing that our students can adapt to a marketplace where speaking languages other than English is vital."

A 2000 Salina High School South graduate, he is the son of Hoang and Tho Hoang Vu, Salina.

The National Security Education Program was designed to provide people in the United States with the resources and encouragement to acquire skills and experience in areas of the world that are critical to the nation's future security. In exchange, participants commit to seeking work in the federal government, particularly in areas of national security and national interest.