IU student named George J. Mitchell Scholar

Jan. 23, 2001

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- IU senior Elisabeth (Lisa) Yu of Indian Head Park, Ill., is one of 12 American college students named as George J. Mitchell Scholars by the U.S.-Ireland Alliance.

The Mitchell scholarships, named in honor of Sen. Mitchell's contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, are awarded to individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who have demonstrated intellectual distinction, leadership potential and commitment to community service. The recipients were chosen from more than 200 applicants nationwide.

The award presented by the non-partisan, non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., will provide Yu a tuition and housing waiver and a living stipend to study at the Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, next academic year. While in Ireland, Yu, a human rights activist, will research comparative ethnic conflict, which will support her interest in international affairs.

Yu has had previous international experiences holding internships at the American Embassy in Madrid, Spain, and in the office of the Right Honorable Chris Smith in the British House of Commons in London. She also has taught English in Indonesia.

Yu, who will graduate in May with bachelor's degrees in political science and Spanish, serves as the coordinator of the Bloomington chapter of Amnesty International. Her other service activities include volunteering at a local shelter for battered women.

(Kevin Gray, 812-856-5682, keagray@indiana.edu)