Three University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown students – Mariah Butchko, Logan McIntosh, and Kaitlyn Pawlowski – have been named the recipients of the 2017 Vira I. Heinz Scholarship for Women in Global Leadership.

"We were overwhelmed with the quality of applicants this year," said Kristen L. Majocha, PhD, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs and Director of International Program Support and Services. "Our three awardees represent up-and-coming female leaders at our Pitt-Johnstown campus community, poised to address issue of global concern.

Butchko McIntosh Pawlowski

"We are even more excited that all three women have chosen to study in diverse non-English speaking areas of the world. The displacement they will experience will allow them to draw on their strengths as female mentors. We couldn't be more proud of these three diverse young women."

The Pitt-Johnstown recipients will study abroad during the summer of 2017.

• Butchko, a junior majoring in Early Childhood and Special Education, will study in South Africa. She is from Swansboro, North Carolina, is an officer for Black Action Society, the UPJ Dance Team, a member of the Education Club and works on campus working with the Campus Police. "I am interested in studying abroad because I feel it will be a great experience to broaden my knowledge of different cultures through a first hand experience," she said.
• McIntosh, a junior Biochemistry major, will study in Denmark. She is from Duncansville, PA, and is a member of  the volleyball team, Environmental Sustainability Club, Psychology Club, Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society, and the Tri-Beta Biology Honors Society. "I am studying abroad because I have always dreamed of seeing as much of the world as I can and learning and involving myself in different cultures. I am studying courses to learn hands-on skills to gear me towards medical school," she said.

• Pawlowski, a junior Management major with an Entrepreneurship minor, will study in the Dominican Republic. She is from Pittsburgh, and is a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity. Pawlowski said the reason for her interest in studying abroad is, "Passion for traveling and, one day, I want to move to the Dominican Republic."

The usual amount is $5,000, but the students each received an additional $1,000 because they are studying in non-European countries, according to Majocha.

The Heinz Endowments support efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and a home to diversity and inclusion.

The Heinz Endowment is one of the largest and most innovative independent philanthropic foundations in the country.

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The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown is marking its 90th anniversary well as the 50th year of the campus in its Richland Township location. Pitt-Johnstown was founded in 1927 and is the first and largest regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt-Johnstown is recognized by the Princeton Review as a “Best in the Northeast” college, by G.I. Jobs as a “Military Friendly School,” and by Pennsylvania Business Central as a "Top 100 Organization.” The distinctive combination of Pitt-Johnstown’s people, programs, and place results in exceptional performance in preparing students for career and professional success. Pitt-Johnstown is the regional leader, educating for success in the Real World.