News and Events

George Pratt selected as 2021-2022 Luard Morse Scholar

National News

The English-Speaking Union of the United States is pleased to announce Mr. George Pratt has been selected as this year's Luard Morse Scholarship recipient. George Pratt of Jacksonville, FL is a sophomore at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, where he is pursuing a degree in Religion and History. This prestigious scholarship offers George up to $25,000 towards a semester of study at a British university during his junior year.

"The English-Speaking Union of the United States remains committed, even in the midst of a global pandemic, to academic excellence and to international understanding as demonstrated by its Luard Morse Scholarship.  This year's Luard Morse scholar, George Pratt, exemplifies the very best of American undergraduate college students and will benefit greatly by spending part of his junior year studying in the United Kingdom. We are excited and proud to support his educational endeavors" stated Darrell Hill, chair of the ESU Luard Morse Scholarship Committee.

Under the Luard Morse Scholarship, George intends to study within the comparative religion and social anthropology departments at the University of Manchester during the 2021-2022 academic year. Given George's outstanding background in leadership, and his holistic study of justice and ministry, we strongly believe he will not simply embody the goals of this scholarship's intent, but be a model study abroad student. 

Ayodele Théard-Lewis

Lauren Tolbert

Nya Weems

The finalist cohort included three other exceptional students from across the United States: Ayodele Théard-Lewis, sophomore student of Sociology, French, and Education at Xavier University of Louisiana, Lauren Tolbert, sophomore student of African and African American Studies, as well as History & Political Science at Claflin University, and Nya Weems, sophomore student of Biology and Chemistry at Claflin University. 

The Luard Morse Scholarship committee comprises dedicated program alumni, including Laurence Morse, PhD (1972); Duane Hughes (1985); Darrell Hill (1990); and Jill Toliver Richardson, PhD (1998) as well as Christopher Medalis, PhD, International Education Consultant.

Since 1969, The English-Speaking Union has provided Luard Morse Scholarships to students attending HBCUs as well as Howard and Hampton Universities to study in the United Kingdom. These merit awards, which are open to sophomores pursuing a four-year degree, provide up to $25,000 for a semester of study at any university in the United Kingdom. Students in all disciplines are eligible. The scholarship has been awarded to students majoring in economics, philosophy, finance, mathematics, liberal arts and the sciences.  For additional information about the English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarships, please visit the Luard Morse Scholarships pages on the English-Speaking Union website at this link or contact Alice Uhl, Senior Manager, International Programs at auhl@esuus.org or 212-818-1200, ext. 212.

Founded in 1920, the English-Speaking Union is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that employs English as a catalyst to foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators and members.

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