Congratulations to the 2026 Department of Religious Studies & Classics Study Abroad Scholarship Award Winners! 

Department of Religious Studies & Classics Arizona in Orvieto Award:

• Arizona in Orvieto Award for Majors: Ava Brandel, Hailey Hein, Jacob Holland

• Arizona in Orvieto General Award: Ava Brandel, Hailey Hein, Jacob Holland, Andrew Ghartey, Evelyn Maahs, Alina Pool, Isaac Soterwood 

Cynthia White Travel and Study in Italy Award: 

• Ava Brandel, Hailey Hein, Jacob Holland, Andrew Ghartey, Evelyn Maahs, Alina Pool, Isaac Soterwood

Donna Swaim International Award for Religious Studies/RSHP Majors: 

• Hailey Hein

The award winners are featured below with excerpts of why they personally want to study abroad.

Department of Religious Studies & Classics Study Abroad Awards for Majors

Ava Brandel - Majors: Classics & Art History; Minor: Korean Language

• Recipient of the Department of Religious Studies & Classics Arizona in Orvieto Award for Majors & General Award

• Recipient of the Cynthia White Travel and Study in Italy Award

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I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study in Orvieto with this scholarship. I am a double major in Art History and Classics, as well as a Korean language minor. As a future world traveler, my interest in studying in Orvieto stems from a desire to witness the rich historical sites and artistic enclaves across Florence and Rome, as well as the opportunity to visit Pompeii, which preserves the multicultural treasure trove of ancient Rome, and by extension a variety of other ancient civilizations. Orvieto is also a uniquely fascinating location full of some of the most influential Etruscan art known to the modern world. I am excited to study the literature and culture of antique Italy under the expertise of Dr. Phillip Waddell (a phenomenal professor!) while also engaging my art historical experience across these sites and subjects. With this scholarship, I am thrilled to be able to take advantage of these opportunities to enrich my undergraduate scholar experience.

Hailey Hein – Majors: Religious Studies for Health Professionals (RSHP) & Psychological Sciences and Creative Intelligence and Innovation; Minors: Health and Human Values & History

• Recipient of the Department of Religious Studies & Classics Arizona in Orvieto Award for Majors & General Award

• Recipient of the Donna Swaim International Award for Religious Studies

• Recipient of the Cynthia White Travel and Study in Italy Award

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I am thrilled to be spending this summer in Orvieto with the Arizona in Orvieto program, studying Classics and Religious Studies for Health Professionals. As someone whose independent research and Honors Thesis trace the origins of mind-body medicine from ancient Greece to the present, I am especially excited to take CLAS 305: Greek and Roman Religion and CLAS 335: The Roman Empire: Rulers and Ruled in the very country where so much of that history unfolded. Studying abroad in Greece previously taught me how transformative place-based learning can be. I am deeply grateful to the Department of Religious Studies and Classics for this scholarship, which makes it possible for me to pursue this experience and bring it back into my ongoing research.

Jacob Holland - Majors: Classics & Creative Writing; Minor: English

• Recipient of the Department of Religious Studies & Classics Arizona in Orvieto Award for Majors & General Award

• Recipient of the Cynthia White Travel and Study in Italy Award

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I am thrilled beyond measure to be able to have this opportunity for my studies. I am both a Classics and Creative Writing major, and I have often felt as though the two fields go hand-in-hand with one another. My aim after graduation is to use the education that I will obtain from these two fields of study to help teens, children, or whoever else should wish to learn about culture in mythical form by creating an animated series which focuses on presenting these myths as accurately as possible. For as long as I have been writing, I have felt that culture is the most important resource that humanity can or will ever possess. Culture directs us to write, to build, to paint or to draw, and so all that is left of us when we have gone beyond this mortal world are those markers of culture. This trip, then, presents a very rare opportunity for me. I will be able to experience firsthand the past and present culture of Italy, and the unique intersection between those two time periods. I will be able to live among the culture I so dearly treasure, and there is no better way for me to learn how to depict it accurately than by doing that. There are so many people, places, and experiences that I could never have had without this program, its funding, and the people involved with it. I could not be more thankful for all of the opportunities it has and will continue to give me. As an added bonus, I am also very excited to try out authentic Italian cuisine.

Department of Religious Studies & Classics General Awards for Classical Studies Abroad

Andrew Ghartey - Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Recipient of the Department of Religious Studies & Classics General Arizona in Orvieto Award

• Recipient of the Cynthia White Travel and Study in Italy Award

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I am honored to be receiving this award. I am an electrical and computer engineering student, so classics and religion are far from my typical field of study. This, however, should not be a reason to shy away from learning from these subjects. I last took a classics course in grade school, and this introduced me to captivating classical tales such as the Iliad and the Odyssey. As far as classical religion is concerned, I have grown increasingly curious about the relationship that religion has with the nature of politics and sexuality in modern society. My captivation in these tales combined with my growing curiosity in the social aspects of religion will allow for a marvelous immersive experience. This award brings me one step closer to the pursuit of perspective outside of my typical area of study.

Evelyn Maahs - Major: Studio Art 3D and Extended Media

• Recipient of the Department of Religious Studies & Classics General Arizona in Orvieto Award

• Recipient of the Cynthia White Travel and Study in Italy Award

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I am so grateful to be awarded the Arizona in Orvieto scholarship and the C. White Travel Award. These funds will make a lasting effect on my life. Without your generosity it would have been much more challenging for me to participate in the program and go abroad for the first time!

In the Summer 2026 session I will be participating in the Arizona in Orvieto trip. During that five week program I am planning on completing two three credit courses, one of which will be Greek and Roman religion. I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to take this class. For one, I have read and become enraptured with fictional retellings about this subject. Additionally, one of my personal interests is fashion history and I would love to gain cultural knowledge about a period of dress that I adore. Lastly, I am a Studio Art major, and part of our studies is art history. During my courses in art history we studied pieces from Greece and Rome. I adored the art from these regions but I found that people in my class with background knowledge in Greek and Roman religion had a much more nuanced understanding of the cultural significance of the artwork. To summarize, I am excited to take this class for my academic and professional development as well as personal interests.

I applied to the Arizona in Orvieto program because of the opportunity to complete my general education classes in Italy, but mostly because of the environment to connect with people who might have similar ambitions to myself. I have already connected with faculty and other students going on this trip and I think that this will be just the chance I am looking for to make meaningful lasting relationships.

Alina Pool - Major: Studio Art; Minor: Art History

• Recipient of the Department of Religious Studies & Classics General Arizona in Orvieto Award

• Recipient of the Cynthia White Travel and Study in Italy Award

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Receiving this award from the Department of Religious Studies & Classics means a great deal to me, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity. Their support allows me to study the Roman Empire in Italy, where I can engage directly with the history and culture I have long been interested in. Being able to experience Roman sites and artifacts firsthand will make my learning more meaningful and deepen my understanding of the course material. I appreciate the department’s investment in my academic and personal growth, as this opportunity will allow me to expand my knowledge, gain new perspectives, and further explore my interest in ancient societies. This award makes it possible for me to turn my passion for this subject into a more immersive and impactful experience.

Isaac Soterwood - Major: History; Minors: Communication and Public Relations

• Recipient of the Department of Religious Studies & Classics General Arizona in Orvieto Award

• Recipient of the Cynthia White Travel and Study in Italy Award

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I am truly honored to receive this award! In all my time at this wonderful university, I had never considered studying abroad. But as soon as I heard about Arizona in Orvieto, I knew this program was the one for me. I became invested very quickly as I learned more about it, and I am so thankful I came across this opportunity. Italy is a beautiful, fascinating landscape with the best cuisine in the world. This scholarship will help me fully take advantage of this opportunity, and make it a summer to remember the rest of my life. I want to experience all that Italy has to offer; not just the cuisine, but the education, connections, and the sights and sounds of fully living in a new country for the very first time. I have never been to Europe or Italy before, and I know this will be an extraordinary experience. My most profound thanks go to the Arizona in Orvieto Award selection board for this honored opportunity, and both my Arizona and California families for helping me make it this far.

The Fred and Barbara Borga Award was established in honor of Fred and Barbara Borga through the generosity of their son Dr. Ross Schwartzberg. The award supports outstanding undergraduate students at the University of Arizona who are majoring in Religious Studies for Health Professionals (RSHP) or Religious Studies with a concentration in RSHP.

The award winners are featured below with excerpts of why they chose Religious Studies:

Fiona Liyanage: 

Religious Studies for Healthcare Professionals has fundamentally shaped how I understand medicine: not just as a science, but as a human practice. Growing up in a household influenced by both Buddhist and Catholic traditions, I became acutely aware early on of how belief systems shape the way people interpret illness, healing, and care. This perspective has continued to evolve through my coursework.

Through this field, I have had the privilege of developing a deeper understanding of how religion, culture, and personal values influence patients’ decisions, communication, and expectations in clinical settings. These insights have shown me that effective healthcare extends beyond diagnosis and treatment; it requires listening, cultural awareness, and respect for each patient’s worldview.

I am grateful for this scholarship, as it both alleviates financial burden and affirms the work that I do. As I prepare for medical school, I carry these foundations with me. They will allow me to approach patients with greater empathy and attentiveness; whether navigating complex, belief-informed decisions or meeting a patient for the first time, with openness, tact, and embracing the uncertainty. RSHP has taught me that compassionate care is not separate from clinical care, but essential to it.

Morgan Branch:

Receiving the Fred and Barbara Borga Award is incredibly meaningful to me as I work toward completing my degree at the University of Arizona and preparing for medical school. This support allows me to take essential summer courses and stay on track to graduate on time. As a Religious Studies and Classics student, I am passionate about understanding how culture, ethics, and belief shape the human experience, especially in healthcare. This award not only relieves financial stress, but also strengthens my ability to pursue medicine with empathy, purpose, and a strong humanistic foundation.

The Department of Religious Studies & Classics is happy to announce the winner of the Spring 2026 Rombach/Bretall Scholarship Award.

Ora Bretall Scholarship Awardee: Fiona Liyanage

Read (in their words) how majoring in Religious Studies has enriched their lives and studies:

Fiona Liyanage, graduating in Spring 2026 with dual degrees in Religious Studies (BA) and Physiology & Medical Sciences (BSHS) and minors in Religious Studies for Health Professionals, Biochemistry, and Spanish.

My experiences engaging with Religious Studies and being part of the College of Humanities have been among the most meaningful aspects of my undergraduate education. While my initial interest in this field was shaped by my family background, it has grown through my academic work. Through these studies, I have furthered my understanding of how religion shapes cultures, ethical frameworks, and worldviews across time and place. This perspective has strengthened my ability to approach both complex issues and everyday interactions with empathy, curiosity, open-mindedness, and critical thinking.

I am honored to receive the Ora Bretall Scholarship, as it will allow me to dedicate more time and resources to my coursework, research, and the meaningful discussions that have enriched my understanding of religion’s role in society. In particular, it will support my efforts to publish my honors thesis, which examines the impact of Buddhist practices in palliative care contexts. This recognition also affirms the value of studying the humanities in a world that often prioritizes more immediately tangible outcomes.

The religious literacy I have developed will continue to shape how I engage with the world, both in my future career and in my everyday life. It encourages me to remain open to perspectives different from my own and to approach others with greater understanding and respect. While this foundation will inform my work as an aspiring physician, it also extends beyond any one profession, guiding how I listen, learn, and connect with others. This scholarship not only supports my education but also serves as a reminder of the purpose guiding my path; shaping both the professional and the person I strive to become.

Religious Studies is pleased to offer up to two paid internships for the 2026-2027 academic year, starting in the Fall 2026 semester. 

Details:

• The Outreach Internship for the Religious Studies program will focus on recruitment, retention, and community building among students interested in the academic study of religion. 
• Applicants must be students at the University of Arizona in Fall 2026 with a major in Religious Studies (BA) or Religious Studies for Health Professionals (BS).
• Interns will enroll in 1-3 credits of HUMS/RELI 393-Internship, depending on the amount of work planned. One credit is the equivalent of 45 hours of work per semester, or around 2.5 hours/week over the course of the semester.
• Interns will be paid $800 per credit hour (the equivalent of $17.78 per work hour), up to $2,400 for a 3-unit internship.
• Up to 3 credits of HUMS/RELI 393 can count towards the completion of the RELI or RSHP major or minor.
• Additional credits can count as general electives for graduation requirements.

Duties:

Interns will work with faculty supervisor Prof. Kristy Slominski to plan their internship activities. Duties could include any of the following:

• Overseeing Religious Studies social media, with training from the College of Humanities marketing team.
• Providing support for the student club RELIC, including assistance with RELIC social media.
• Planning, marketing, and leading events to build community among students interested in the academic study of religion.
• Creating flyers and marketing materials to promote the academic study of religion, in collaboration with the College of Humanities marketing team.
• Visiting classrooms to share information about Religious Studies with students.
• Attending events such as the Meet Your Major Fair, Health Career Fair, Humanities Cafe, and other events as requested.
• Assisting with the Religious Studies newsletter.
• And/or other duties and activities related to student recruitment and retention.

How to Apply:

• Please submit a brief letter of application (1-2 pages) detailing your interest in promoting Religious Studies and any experience you have related to the duties for this position. Please include your name and your university email address on your letter of application.
• Email your letter of application to Hector Silva at hctrslv25@arizona.edu. 

The review of applications will begin on May 15, 2026 and will continue until up to 2 internship positions are filled.

The Department of Religious Studies & Classics is happy to announce the winners of the Fall 2025 Lionel Rombach and Ora Bretall Scholarship Awards.

Ora Bretall Scholarship Awardees:  Mykelti Nuamah and Stephanie Warnes

Lionel Rombach Scholarship Awardee: Edith Craig

Read (in their words) how majoring in Religious Studies has enriched their lives and studies:

Religious Studies has given me a way to understand people beyond labels and assumptions. I chose this major because I have always been interested in how belief, culture, and identity shape the way we see the world and care for one another. Through my classes, I have learned to look closely at stories, histories, and lived experiences, and it has changed how I think about community, ethics, and empathy. I have enjoyed being part of a field that asks big questions and gives space for many perspectives. Studying religion has helped me grow not only as a student, but as a future healthcare provider who wants to approach others with curiosity, respect, and compassion. It has reminded me that understanding people’s backgrounds and beliefs is an essential part of understanding their humanity. 

-Mykelti Nuamah, Religious Studies for Health Professionals (RSHP) Major

Religious Studies has become one of the most meaningful parts of my education because it has allowed me to understand how people make sense of their lives, cultures, and experiences through stories, symbols, and beliefs. I have always been curious about theology and the human experience, and studying religion has given me the tools to think more thoughtfully about why people believe what they do and how those beliefs influence culture, behavior, and identity. I chose Religious Studies after realizing how much joy I found in engaging with material that examines meaning, morality, tradition, and the ways humans have expressed these ideas across time. I’ve come to appreciate how essential the academic study of religion is for understanding the whole person. What I have enjoyed most about the major is the way it encourages open-minded discussion and invites students to consider multiple perspectives with empathy and curiosity. I believe the academic study of religion is important because it helps us better understand both the differences and the shared experiences that connect people, allowing us to engage with the world and with one another with greater compassion and insight.

-Stephanie Warnes, Religious Studies Major

Religion has always been fascinating to me. I grew up surrounded by people with wildly different relationships to religion and was always interested in how impactful they could be! I came into college unsure of what I wanted to study, but determined to at least take some Religious Studies classes in the meantime. Of course that quickly spiraled into Majoring in it! The energy each teacher I had brought to their subject was infectious and I found my longtime fascination with Religion developing into a real desire to study it and learn everything I could! We are so lucky to have a staff full of professors who are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their fields. The study of religion is important for countless reasons, from the societal impact they have to the deep personal meanings they can carry. However, for me, the academic study of religion is important because it shows us how people learn to be, how stories and care have shaped societies, conflicts, and knowledge. Religions are the root of how we come to understand the unexplainable and contextualize living, and studying that is a never ending exploration of how people fall in love with life.

-Edith Craig, Religious Studies Major