The English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce Olivia Abdalla as our 2025-2026 scholar. Olivia, a sophomore journalism major with a cinema studies minor at Hampton University, embodies the intellect, curiosity, and drive that our scholarship represents. “The ESU is honored to support her educational efforts as she embarks on this life-changing, study-abroad opportunity in the United Kingdom” stated Monique Robinson Clark, chair of the ESU Luard Morse Scholarship Committee. Olivia Abdalla will receive $30,000 toward a semester of study at any university of her choosing in the United Kingdom during the 2025-26 academic year.
Olivia intends to continue her study of journalism in the United Kingdom in pursuit of her long-term career goals in social justice, audio/video and arts and lifestyle journalism with a focus on impactful storytelling to create narratives that inspire and inform. Given her strong academic and leadership track record, we are confident that Olivia will excel during her semester abroad.
“Since 1969 The English Speaking Union’s Luard Morse Scholarships have worked to advance the connection between Historically Black Colleges and top universities throughout the United Kingdom. The ESU is proud to welcome Olivia Abdalla to this impressive roster of scholars. “ Karen Karpowich, President/ Executive Director
Byron Stuckey, a Computer Major at Mississippi Valley State University, Alexis Spence, a Physics Major at North Carolina A&T, and Lauryn Shepard, an Applied Mathematics Major at Howard University.
The night before the Scholarship Interviews, they were honored with a Welcome Dinner and Jazz at Birdland hosted by ESU Luard Morse Alum, Omnika Thompson (1993). Following the Scholarship interviews, the finalists were able to enjoy lunch with ESU President/Executive Director Karen Karpowich, ESU staff and Luard Morse Scholarship Alumni Committee members, who were happy to answer questions on their experiences in the UK as ESU Luard Morse Scholars and how the scholarship continues to impact their lives.
The Luard Morse Scholarship Committee comprises dedicated ESU Luard Morse Scholarship program alumni, including Monique Robinson Clark (1999); Sean Mickens (2007); Rami Blair (2018); Brandy Bien-Aime (1999); Demetriouse Russell (1987), as well as Christopher Medalis, PhD.
Since 1969, The English-Speaking Union has provided Luard Morse Scholarships to students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to study in the United Kingdom. These merit awards, which are open to sophomores pursuing a four-year degree, provide up to $30,000 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 contact Alice Uhl, Education Programs Director, International Scholarship & Debate 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, members and volunteers.