Far from home, international student making the most of fellowship award

Felicitas Adu-Acheampong traveled 5,600 miles from her home in Kumasi, Ghana, to Detroit last year to pursue her Ph.D. in economics. Her excitement at the opportunity to study at Wayne State, however, was gradually tempered by financial challenges in a new land.

Adu-Acheampong searched tirelessly for funding help, and it has paid off. She was awarded an International Fellowship by the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The fellowship provides $20,000 so that Adu-Acheampong can focus on her studies and eventually return to Ghana as a leader in academia, community activism and government.

"I plan to become a professor or work with the United Nations because I love to help people," Adu-Acheampong said. "I'd like to work in developing countries, especially African countries. Most girls in rural areas of Ghana don't go to school. I want to help them get an education."

Adu-Acheampong's desire to give back is fueled by the fact that a family friend stepped in to assist her family and pay for her schooling when her father died when she was in high school.

"That was when I made up my mind to help the needy in society when I became able," she said.

AAUW International Fellows are selected for their academic achievement, scholarly promise and demonstrated commitment to women and girls.

Allen Goodman, professor of economics, said, "We're delighted that one of our students has shown the initiative and promise to apply for and receive such a prestigious award."