Spring 2026 International Student Essay Scholarship Winners

     Topeka, Kan. — Washburn University announced the recipients of the Spring 2026 International Student Essay Scholarship, acknowledging international students whose essays reflect their academic experiences and contributions to the Washburn community.

     The scholarship celebrates international student voices and provides financial support for educational goals. A competitive review process selected recipients based on originality, clarity, insight and alignment with Washburn’s values.

     “Writing the essay allowed me to reflect on how much I have grown academically and personally at Washburn,” said Smera Shrestha, a senior majoring in computer information sciences from Nepal. “It showed me that my experience is defined not only by coursework, but by resilience and finding my voice far from home. Receiving the scholarship affirmed that my story and goals matter and renewed my motivation to move forward.”

     This scholarship is made possible with the support of donors and sponsors including the Dr. David C. Thurston Memorial Scholarship, the Sturm/Workman Family International Fund, the Reverend William & Susan Kraus, Jr. International Scholarship, the International Center of Topeka/Betty Jo “Bo” Sheafor Scholarship Fund, the International Center of Topeka William Langdon Fund and the Mildred I. Pfuetze International Student Scholarship Fund.

     The Spring 2026 recipients represent a range of countries and academic disciplines, reflecting the university’s global community.

Spring 2026 International Student Essay Scholarship recipients:

• Arpan Adhikari, junior from Nepal, computer information sciences
• Maddisan Bowleg, junior from the Bahamas, marketing
• Bipana Gurung, senior from Nepal, nursing
• Rajju Khadka, sophomore from Nepal, computer information sciences
• Artee Pant, junior from Nepal, psychology
• Krysann Roman, freshman from Jamaica, biology
• Aaradhya Shah, senior from Nepal, social work
• Smera Shrestha, senior from Nepal, computer information sciences
• James Tanasyah, senior from Indonesia, computer information sciences

“Washburn University provides a welcoming campus for students from around the world,” said Baili Zhang, director of international programs at Washburn. “As of fall 2025, nearly 300 students from 45 countries attend Washburn.”

For more information about International Student Services, call 785-670-1051 or email international@washburn.edu. To learn more about scholarships available to all students, visit washburn.edu/scholarships.

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For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
Cell: (785) 845-1909
Email: lacey.kinder@washburn.edu