Nov. 9, 2015
With a $50,000 permanent endowment donation to the ASRT Foundation Celebration Campaign, the Weber State University Department of Radiologic Sciences has established the Student Global Engagement Scholarship Fund, a rare opportunity that provides radiologic science students with support to study abroad.
Administered by the ASRT Foundation, the fund will finance scholarship awards for radiologic science students participating in study abroad programs as part of their educational curriculum. The experience of global engagement is expected to instill awareness of world cultures, enhance intercultural competence and develop students’ knowledge of international cultural norms.
“This may be the only scholarship of its kind created with funds from a university and administered by a foundation established by a professional society,” said Robert J. Walker, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(MR)(CT)(QM), FASRT, department chair and professor for Weber State’s radiologic sciences program. “Our department is self-sustaining and actually makes money. This leaves us in the remarkable position to be able to give something back to the profession. It was a unique opportunity for us.”
The Weber State University Department of Radiologic Sciences, under the leadership of Dr. Walker, has been named one of the best radiologic technology training programs in the U.S. by AuntMinnie.com. The department is the second-largest graduation unit at the Ogden, Utah-based university and offers associate and bachelor’s degrees as well as one of very few radiologic sciences master's programs in the country.
According to Dr. Walker, the new scholarship will help students broaden their knowledge of the radiologic sciences and offer them a unique opportunity to build their career and social skills. “When students travel it promotes diversity,” Walker said. “I believe in global engagement. I’m convinced it leads to a better understanding of patients from diverse backgrounds and, ultimately, better patient care.”
ASRT Foundation Director Phelosha Collaros said, “We are excited to partner with a respected university program in offering a scholarship for study abroad. The ASRT Foundation is committed to helping students and professionals get the education and support they need to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.”
For more information about the Weber State University Department of Radiologic Sciences Student Global Engagement Scholarship Fund, visit our scholarships page.
Photo, from left: Yasmen Simonian, Ph.D., MLS (ASCP), FASAHP dean of Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions and Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor; Robert J. Walker, Ph.D., RT(R)(MR)(CT)(QM), FASRT, department chair and professor of radiologic Sciences at Weber State University; Liana Watson, D.M., R.T.(R)(M)(S)(BS), RDMS, RVT, FASRT, CAE, executive vice president of the ASRT Foundation; Sal Martino, Ed.D., R.T.(R), FASRT, CAE, chief executive officer of both the ASRT and the Foundation.