U of A Seniors Earn SEC Dr Pepper Education Abroad Awards

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Maria Andreatta and Brandon Stienke

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas seniors Maria Andreatta and Brandon Stienke have each been awarded $2,000 Dr Pepper Education Abroad scholarships to study abroad this summer.

The Dr Pepper-sponsored award aims to increase study abroad opportunities for students from universities in the Southeastern Conference. Two students from each SEC institution were granted the scholarship.

Andreatta, an international relations major, will spend the summer honing her Spanish skills in Madrid. Stienke, who is majoring in classical studies, will spend the summer studying art, archeology and topography in Rome. Both students were thrilled to win the award.

"I am honored to receive the SEC Dr Pepper Education Abroad scholarship, and I cannot express enough that earning it has helped tremendously in making my study abroad trip a reality," Stienke said. "This trip will allow me to carry out research that is very relevant to what I want to do in graduate school."

The scholarships were made available through a $100,000 contribution to the SEC from Dr Pepper to fund education abroad opportunities for high-achieving students with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship program is managed by SECU, the academic initiative of the athletic conference.

"These kind of scholarships are what is making it possible for us to provide study abroad opportunities to a more non-traditional study abroad population," said DeDe Long, director of the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange. "Studying abroad should be made available to all students motivated to step outside their comfort zone and explore a new culture."

About Dr Pepper: Dr Pepper, a brand of Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS), is the oldest major soft drink in the United States. Since 1885, the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper have earned legions of fans that enjoy its unique, refreshing taste. The brand is available in Regular, Low Calorie, Diet, 10 calorie, Caffeine Free and Cherry varieties. DPS is a leading producer of flavored beverages, marketing Dr Pepper and 50-plus other beverage brands across North America and the Caribbean. For more information, visit DrPepper.com or DrPepperSnapple.com. For the brand's latest news and updates, follow Dr Pepper at Facebook.com/DrPepper or Twitter.com/DrPepper.

About SECU: Using its SECU academic initiative, the Southeastern Conference sponsors, supports and promotes collaborative higher education programs and activities involving administrators, faculty and students at its fourteen member universities.The goals of the SECU initiative include highlighting the endeavors and achievements of SEC faculty and universities; advancing the merit and reputation of SEC universities outside of the traditional SEC region; identifying and preparing future leaders for high-level service in academia; increasing the amount and type of education abroad opportunities available to SEC students; and providing opportunities for collaboration among SEC university personnel. To connect with SECU, visit the academic initiative online - www.TheSECU.com; on Facebook - TheSECU; on Twitter - @TheSECU; on Instagram - @TheSECUniversity; and on You Tube - SECUniversity.