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Marshall Center Alumni Programs Offers 20 Scholarships for 2019
By Christine June
Public Affairs Office
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (Sept. 13, 2018) – The Marshall Center’s Alumni Programs Office is now accepting applications for the 2019 Alumni Scholars Program.
“This program offers alumni the possibility to compete for research scholarships in residence at the Marshall Center,” said Chris Burelli, a Marshall Center alumni relations specialist. “For 2019, we are offering 20 scholarships at the center to do in-depth research on a security topic.”
Completed applications must be received by Sept. 30 to be considered, Burelli said.
The Marshall Center is a 25-year-old German-American International security and defense studies institute. It’s mission is to create a more stable security environment by advancing democratic institutions and relationships; promoting active, peaceful, whole-of-government approaches to address transnational and regional security challenges; and, creating and enhancing enduring partnerships worldwide.
“The Alumni Scholars Program fits perfectly into the Marshall Center's mission,” Burelli said. “By bringing alumni back to Garmisch for an intensive research project, we are strengthening those partnerships and at the same time, conducting real-time, up-to-date research on security issues that are of interest to the Marshall Center's stakeholders.”
This program includes five weeks in-residence, including transportation, meals, lodging and per diem expenses.
Polish Navy Cmdr. Roslaw Jezewski, Polish National Military Representative, at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, is currently at the Marshall Center as an 2018 alumni scholar. He attended the Program on Applied Security Studies in 2016.
He said he applied for the program to expand his knowledge. He will be doing research on “Demographic Changes as the Factor Shaping Cohesion and Resilience of Countries on Europe’s Eastern and Southern Flank.”
“I think it’s a very good occasion to explore some problem,” said Jezewski. “It’s five weeks only for this topic so it’s the perfect occasion.”
Gabor Csizmazia, assistant lecturer of the faculty of international and European studies at the National University of Public Service in Hungary, is also currently here as an alumni scholar. He attended the European Security Seminar – East in 2016.
He will be doing research on “All Quiet on the Eastern Flank? Examining U.S. Presence in Center and Eastern Europe.”
“If there is anywhere where I would like to examine my research topic, it would be the Marshall Center because not only for the available materials at the Research Library and knowledgeable professors, but also because of the scholars who I have discussions with and exchange ideas, plus the participants who happen to be here.”
Jezewski and Csizmazia are here at the same time as 100 participants from 43 nations are here attending the Marshall Center’s Program on Applied Security Studies.
“This was a pleasant surprise because you meet a lot of different kinds of people from all over the world,” Csizmazia. “You get inspired.”
He added, “regardless of the scholarship, the networking value of this program is just immeasurable.”
Scholars are provided an office and assigned a faculty mentor.
At the conclusion of the five weeks, scholars are required to complete a 2,500 word paper (10 pages) suitable for publication, and give a 30-minute presentation to the faculty, said Burelli.
“The Alumni Scholars Program is important because it provides alumni an opportunity to stay engaged with the Marshall Center, and to pursue academic research on a topic that interests both them and the Marshall Center's German and U.S. stakeholders,” Burelli said.
He added that alumni scholars have had their research published in Marshall Center’s professional journals, and some have returned to the Marshall Center as speakers and adjunct faculty.
“Many have seen their academic and professional careers at home benefit from having
participated in the program,” Burelli said.
The Alumni Scholars program began in 2005. Initially, Burelli said the scope was limited, and only one or two scholarships were offered each year until 2015.
“The program grew once we realized the value the scholars brought to the Marshall Center, and also how popular the program was among alumni,” Burelli said.
The number of available scholarships has grown significantly over the past three years due to a combination of the strong and relevant research done by scholars, and the overwhelming response by alumni to the program.
“Since we expanded the program in 2016, the number of applications has increased
significantly, averaging more than 150 applicants a year,” Burelli said. “In 2016, we awarded eight scholarships, in 2017, it was 13. This increased to 17 in 2018, and now,
its 20 scholarships for 2019.”
Burelli added, “We have probably reached an appropriate number with 20 per year. “
Details on eligibility and how to apply can be found on GlobalNET.
“Prospective applicants should read the instruction memo carefully, as incomplete applications will not be accepted,” Burelli said.
Alumni who are interested in finding out more about the program should have a look at the 2019 Alumni Scholars Information Memorandum, which can be found on GlobalNET. All information regarding eligibility, application instructions, and potential research topics is provided in the information memorandum. Prospective applicants must be logged in to GlobalNET to view the documents.
For those alumni who haven’t logged onto GlobalNET recently, they may need to reset their password. They can do this by clicking on the “forgot password” link just below the username on the login page.
GlobalNET will send an email with instructions on how to reset the password. The URL is: https://globalnetplatform.org/gcmc
All applications and requests for further information should be sent to: mcalumni@marshallcenter.org