TWO INSTITUTE of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) alumni have been granted international student scholarships by the International Organization for Health, Sports and Kinesiology (IOHSK).
Aljireh Lan Fuchigami and Rica-Ella Polante were among the 16 recipients of the international scholarship in the college category who were cited for academic excellence and dedication to contribute and serve their communities.
“This is such a great privilege to be chosen as one of the international scholarship grantees among numerous applicants across the globe,” Pollante said.
Fuchigami said he was grateful for being selected as they were only limited slots worldwide.
Assoc. Prof. Jerome Porto, one of the Philippine envoys of the organization, said both athletes were deserving of the grant.
“Both Mr. Fuchigami and Pollante are outstanding in their academics,” Porto told the Varsitarian.
As an ambassador from UST, Porto can recommend students from the University and vote to select the scholarship recipients.
Financial assistance worth $100 will also be provided to Fuchigami and Pollante by the IOHSK.
“This scholarship is designed to acknowledge our international and student members’ academic success and community services. We hope they will continue to succeed in their academic, professional and personal lives,” Dr. Hosung So, chief executive officer of IOHSK, told the Varsitarian.
According to Fuchigami and Pollante, they will use the cash grant for their academic fees as they pursue their master’s degrees at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
Fuchigami and Pollante both graduated magna cum laude last academic year from IPEA. They majored in sports and wellness management.
Fuchigami was the former team captain of the UST Golden Booters last season and a part of the football team since first-year college. Pollante was a working scholar under the San Lorenzo Ruiz scholarship of the University.
