SU graduate student receives prestigious fellowship from the U.S. Department of State

SU graduate student receives prestigious fellowship from the U.S. Department of StateNovember 28, 2001Nicci Brownnicbrown@syr.edu

Lia Miller ’99, a graduate of the School of Social Work in Syracuse University’s College of Human Services and Health professions has been selected by the U.S. Department of State as a Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellow. She is currently a graduate student in SU’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where she is majoring in public administration.

The competitive and prestigious Pickering program provides graduate funding to participants as they prepare academically and professionally to enter the Foreign Service with the Department of State.

Miller, a native of Schenectady, completed a B.S. degree in social work and African American studies at SU in 1999. Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw says Miller sets a fine example at a time when service to country is at a premium. “I’m joined by the University community in congratulating Ms. Miller on this singular honor and in wishing her great success as she takes on this new challenge,” Shaw says. “She joins an impressive group of alumni whose successes make us all very proud.”

William Pollard, dean of the College of Human Services and Health Professions, says Miller represents the best of what he expects of students who graduate from the School of Social Work. “Her persistence, inquisitiveness and desire to be effective epitomizes the men and women who paved the way for a social consciousness and interest in public service during the progressive era.”

The Pickering Fellowship is named after career Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering, one of the most highly regarded individuals to serve in the U.S. Diplomatic Corps. Fellows are selected on the basis of talents and service commitment comparable to those exhibited by Ambassador Pickering. The fellowship award covers the costs of tuition, a living stipend, mandatory fees, books, and travel between home and school.In addition, Miller will receive annual orientations in Washington, D.C., two paid summer internships with the Department of State – one in Washington, D.C., and one at a U.S. embassy overseas, and guidance from a foreign service officer mentor during her graduate studies. After completing her graduate degree, Miller will enter the Foreign Service to fulfill a service obligation to the Department of State.