FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cindy Deppe, media relations, 641-269-4834

November 17, 2007

GRINNELL COLLEGE STUDENT WINS MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIP

GRINNELL, Iowa - A 2005 Grinnell College graduate has been awarded one of 12 George J. Mitchell Scholarships, a national fellowship competition sponsored by the U.S.-Ireland Alliance.

Lara Janson, who previously won a Fulbright scholarship to study interculturalism and gender in Ecuador, will use the Mitchell scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in peace and conflict studies at University of Ulster in Northern Ireland and to research the increasing problem of trafficking of women from South America to Spain.

An English major and member of Phi Beta Kappa at Grinnell, Janson volunteered at a domestic violence shelter and as tutor for two Afghani refugee children. During her Fulbright year, she founded an art and poetry workshop in the oldest men’s prison in Ecuador to encourage creativity as an alternative to violence. Janson was co-captain of the Grinnell women’s volleyball team and later served as an assistant coach.

Janson is one of 12 Mitchell Scholars chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The scholarship provides tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend.

Grinnell is the first liberal arts college in the country to have two Mitchell recipients since the scholarship was founded. Geoff Swenson, a 2003 graduate, received the scholarship in 2005.

The Mitchell Scholarship, named to honor the former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell’s contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to Ireland, while recognizing intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and community.

Grinnell College is a nationally recognized, private, four year, liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. Founded in 1846, Grinnell enrolls 1,600 students from all 50 states and from as many international countries in more than 25 major fields, interdisciplinary concentrations, and pre-professional programs.

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