Two students in the Honors College have won National Security Education Program (NSEP) Boren scholarships for undergraduate study abroad.

Richard Jason Fairbanks of Greer will study in Egypt during the 2006-07 academic year, and Christopher Welch of Swansea will study in Turkey this summer.

The Boren scholarships through NSEP provide U.S. undergraduates with the resources needed to acquire skills and experience in areas of the world that are considered critical to the future security of the United States. The NSEP granted 148 scholarships for undergraduate students.

Fairbanks is majoring in international studies and philosophy, and his career interests include security issues and international affairs. He is conducting nanoscience research with Ann Johnson, an assistant professor of history, and also conducts research with Peter Sederberg, a professor of political science. He has been vice president of Phi Sigma Tau, the philosophy honor society. Fairbanks' award is valued at $20,000.

Welch is a member of the Army ROTC and was a participant in the Army Ranger Challenge for two years. He plans to pursue a career in the U.S. Army and work in the areas of civil affairs and languages. At USC, Welch is a member of the Professional Society for International Studies and Campus Crusade for Christ. His award to study in Turkey is valued at $10,300.

NSEP candidates were supported by the Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs, which was established in 1994 to assist students for national fellowship competitions, and the Office of International Programs for Students. Go to www.sc.edu/ofsp for more information about national fellowship programs. To access the NSEP Web site, go to www.iie.org/nsep.

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