David M. Kennedy Center Annual Fund

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•	Diplomatic Scholarships (click here to donate)

Byron Peacock Political Science and German

From the Director:

Once a year I receive some good news when the director of the BYU Annual Fund comes to my office and lets me know how much has been donated to the David M. Kennedy Center. I’m always surprised because the amount is quite significant. You and many others who support the center are very generous!

Almost immediately, my thoughts turn to the students who will benefit from your generosity.

To me, donations to the BYU Annual Fund represent more than money. Each contribution is a gift of light. Each dollar helps another student to shine. You would enjoy seeing the faces of these students when we tell them they have qualified for a scholarship—or that their application for a mentored learning grant has been approved. Their countenances brighten. For many it is an answer to prayer. And they are always appreciative.

I, too, appreciate your ongoing support of the BYU Annual Fund. Thank you for your past gifts.

Here’s a short report to illustrate how your investment in education enabled us to let another light shine.

MEET BYRON PEACOCK
Byron Peacock, a political science and German major, is one of the David M. Kennedy Center’s brightest stars. But he likely wouldn’t be shining as brightly without funds from those who support us through the BYU Annual Fund. Various grants, scholarships, and awards funded many of Byron’s opportunities.

One, a mentored-student-learning grant, allowed Byron to travel to Switzerland and Germany to work on original research. Another, a Kennedy scholar award, helped Byron raise enough money to complete an internship in Switzerland this past winter.

In large part because of these two experiences, Byron was awarded a German Academic Exchange Service Fellowship, which funded his honors thesis research in Germany.

That research was outstanding enough that Byron was invited to present his results at three separate international conferences in 2006.

As Byron finishes his education at Brigham Young University, he is applying to some of the best graduate international relations programs in the world.

The senior is quick to credit those who support the David M. Kennedy Center for his success.

“Donated funds will allow me to realize many dreams,” he says. “The likelihood of getting into nearly any graduate program of my choosing has greatly increased as a result of these funds. The experiences I have had as a result of this financial support have not only put schools like Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and the University of Geneva within my reach but future career opportunities as well.”

After earning his master’s degree, Byron plans to work with public or nonprofit organizations that focus on economic development, respect for human rights, democratization, and improved health care.

Because of you and many generous people like you, I think Byron has a very bright future. Wherever he goes, his light will shine.

TO GIVE A GIFT OF LIGHT
To give your gift of light this year, please complete the reply card you received in the mail or contribute online at David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies Annual Fund. Remember that 100 percent of your gift will go where you designate.

Thank you,
Director Jeffrey F. Ringer