Queen's University Belfast to receive two of USA's finest

Two American students are to arrive at Queens this autumn to start a year of postgraduate study as part of the George J Mitchell scholarship programme, which seeks to reward outstanding academic achievement.

The Mitchell Scholarships were launched in 1998 with the support of the government of Ireland. The programme - named in honour of the former US Senate majority leader who played a pivotal role in the peace process – offers the winners of a nationwide competition the opportunity to study for a year at an Irish university.

This year's scholarship students are Davin Quinn from Des Moines, Iowa, and Amanda Wetzel from Lansdale, Pennsylvania.

Davin holds a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and is currently studying at Harvard Medical School. In his future career he hopes to combine medicine and writing, and during his year at Queen’s he will study for an MA degree in Creative Writing. He founded the Harvard Medical School Writing Club, and was co-captain of Princeton's swimming team.

Amanda, who receives a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University this year, will pursue a Masters of Law degree in Human Rights Law at Queen's. She already knows Belfast, having worked here as an intern at the US Consulate. During another internship at the US State Department she helped coordinate political training programmes for women.

Commenting on the announcement of this year’s scholarship winners, Senator Mitchell said: "The quality and public service commitment of the new Mitchell Scholars are an inspiring signal of hope for the future of America's relations with the island of Ireland."

Professor Kenneth Bell, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Students and Learning, added that Queen's was proud once again to be a host university in the programme. “Previous Scholars have contributed enormously to University life, and we are certain that our students and staff will continue to benefit from their association with such talented people.

"We hope our visitors also gain from being here, that the experience will remain with them throughout their lives and ensure that the traditional bonds between the United States and Ireland remain strong.” (CL)