Borghesani prize recipients present projects

Three former recipients of the Borghesani Prize described their experiences and encouraged others to apply at the Fall 2003 Colloquium.

The Anne E. Borghesani Memorial Prize enables the recipient to undertake a project, activity, or plan of study in any field regarding international issues.

"[The Borghesani Prize has] become a wonderful tradition, a wonderful occasion for students to have study projects, research projects, and internships that take them anywhere in the world," said Professor Christiane Zehl-Romero, Director of International Relations.

One of the Colloquium's goals was to give prospective applicants examples of international projects so part of the prize is the opportunity for the past year's winners to share their international experiences with other students.

The presenters at the Fall Colloquium were 2002-2003 winners senior Sarah Sliwa and senior Jenna Sirkin, as well as 2001-2002 winner senior Sadaf Gulamali.

The three past winners shared many of their accomplishments and difficulties throughout the projects.

Sliwa studied printmaking as an intern at a print shop in Poland. She helped coordinate an international print show and met Polish artists. She also observed the relationship between the United States and Poland from a Polish perspective. "It was an excellent experience. I learned about who I was as a Polish person," said Sliwa.

Sirkin spent her time abroad studying reproductive health in Mexico and Cuba. She split time interning at a maternity hospital in Mexico and a non-governmental organization within Cuba. She attributed great personal growth to the prize. "My experiences abroad have provided invaluable insights to a subject I care about," Sirkin said.

Sirkin was blown away by the Cuban environment. "It was shocking how old everything looks, I felt like I was in the 1950's," she said, "The experience was educational, but sometimes very challenging and frustrating."

Gulamali studied tolerance and pluralism in Islamic societies in the United Kingdom.

The three prizewinners and Zehl-Romero also discussed eligibility and the application process.

While students have broad projects in mind before writing the application, a large part of the project comes together during the process. "You do have to have a project to apply, but there's flexibility," said Zehl-Romero.

Second semester sophomores and juniors with a 2.8 grade point average or above are eligible for the Borghesani Prize. The students can be from any department at Tufts. Preference is given to US citizens but students of any nationality are encouraged to apply. Ultimately it is the value of the project that decides the prizewinners.

The prize aims to encourage personal growth and independence as well as increase the student's understanding of all peoples and encourage a commitment to the world community.

The award is a memorial to Anne Borghesani, a 1989 Tufts graduate with a degree in international relations. Borghesani's mother, Betty, opened the Colloquium with words about the life of her daughter. "I thought I would say a few things about Anne because over time the prize seems to get separated from the person," she said. "It seemed natural to have a prize here, because of her great experiences [at Tufts]."

During her years at Tufts, Anne studied abroad at the University of Grenoble and visited both Russia and Berlin. "She was always concerned about freedom for others," said Mrs. Borghesani. As a memorial to Anne, the Borghesani Prize facilitates individual growth and understanding of other cultures.

All three students seemed to have enjoyed their experiences, but also learned a great deal as well. Sliwa said, "I could have sat in the library every day this summer, and still wouldn't have learned as many things."

The deadline for the Anne E. Borghesani Memorial Prize 2003-2004 application is next January 29. For more information see the Tufts International Relations Department website.