Rotimi Abimbola Receives Vira I. Heinz Scholarship

Nov. 30 – (PITTSBURGH, Pa.) – Sophomore Rotimi Abimbola (Potomac, Md./Connelly School of the Holy Child) of the Carnegie Mellon University women’s track and field team has been awarded a Vira I. Heinz Scholarship for Women in Global Leadership.

Since the 1950’s, funding from the Vira I. Heinz Foundation has afforded the opportunity to travel and study abroad to numerous young women from fifteen local and regional colleges and universities.  This scholarship program has functioned adequately for this purpose, but has not necessarily cultivated leadership qualities in the recipients, nor has it served to integrate them into the greater Pittsburgh community upon graduation.  

The scholarship awarded to Rotimi is for her summer 2008 international experience.  Carnegie Mellon has awarded this to Abimbola based on the strength of her application, character, maturity, and potential for future contributions as an alumna to the spirit of the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship Program for Women in Global Leadership.

Rotimi is a Political Science / French and International Relations major and competed in the 100 and 200 meter dash at the 2007 University Athletic Association (UAA) Outdoor Track and Field Championships placing 16th, and 18th, respectively.

The Vira I. Heinz Foundation has been enhanced by adding a strong leadership development component prior to the study abroad experience.  Intercultural training will provide important skills for maximizing cultural learning while abroad. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to fully realize the motto of the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship for Women in Global Leadership: “Preparing women leaders for tomorrow’s global challenges” and to increase its visibility on campus and in the community.