Augustana University student Pierce Cunningham ‘26, of Luverne, Minnesota, has been awarded the Joseph W. Yedlicka Scholarship for study abroad by Pi Delta Phi — the collegiate National French Honor Society. The scholarship recognizes the student’s academic achievement in the study of the French language, and the literatures and cultures of the French-speaking world. Cunningham is the seventh Augustana student to receive the elite award.
The scholarship includes full tuition for a 6-week summer program at The American University in Paris, France, as well as round-trip travel expenses, full housing, half board and an additional food stipend.
“I was kind of hesitant because I know it’s competitive, and the people who apply all really want it, so I was really surprised and happy when I found out,” he said. “I think I immediately started texting my mom: ‘You won’t see me all summer. I’ll be in France.’”
Cunningham, who is triple majoring in biology, French and psychology, said that he hopes this opportunity will help him discover his next steps after college.
“I’m not quite sure what I want to do in the future, but I’m hoping that it’ll allow me to integrate that in, as well as communicate with more people,” he said. “It would allow for better collaborations with that part of the world, as well as show that I care and want to connect with more people other than the people around me.”
Cunningham credits Dr. Scott Fish, professor of French, for his support in applying to the scholarship. Without his guidance, Cunningham said he wouldn't be where he is today.
“It’s meant a lot just to see him invest in me — saying, ‘If you want to do this, we’ll make it work, regardless of how hard it is or what other things you’re doing,’” Cunningham said. “I don’t think I would be majoring in French if he wasn’t one of my professors.”
To learn about the Augustana Languages, Literatures & Cultures Department, visit augie.edu/languages.