Chris Watkins, '08 Hospitality Administration Graduate, Close Study Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Scholarship Enhances Educational Experience  

For some students, “study abroad” is synonymous with easy classes, exotic travel and endless parties. For others, studying in another country leads to life changing experiences, awareness of other cultures and a greater understanding of one’s self.

Oklahoma State University senior Chris Watkins never imagined the changes that would unfold in one short European summer, but he has one man in particular to thank for the experience. Oklahoma businessman and OSU alumnus, Bryan Close gifted the College of Human Environmental Sciences (HES) with a study abroad scholarship, making Chris’s dreams a reality.

“Mr. Close made a world of difference in my education and has truly changed my life,” Watkins said. “The scholarship truly enabled me to understand a fuller meaning of life, and has changed me forever.”

Through the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration, Watkins attended the Hospitality Studies in Switzerland program in summer 2005. He traveled with fellow OSU hospitality students across Europe, studying International Cuisine in Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany and Spain. While Watkins enjoyed discovering hospitality customs of various cultures, it was the experiences outside the classroom that he cherishes and learned from the most.

“To me, living the life of luxury was about the materialistic ideals of the ‘typical’ American dream. During my stay in Europe, I saw families of eight living in a small apartment, they didn’t have any cars, but they had plenty of love for each other,” Watkins said. “I realized that my ideals were mixed up and learned so much about myself. Without the trip to Europe, I would not have realized these things, and without the scholarships and support, I would not have gone to Europe.”

Close established the scholarship to aid students who would not otherwise be able to participate in international study tours for financial reasons. Funds from the scholarship offset travel and housing expenses, as well as provide tuition financing for overseas learning courses. To be eligible, students must demonstrate participation in OSU and HES activities, leadership ability, academic dedication and enrollment in a study abroad program.

“OSU students who have been able to experience foreign travel will be a quantum leap ahead of their peers,” Close said.  “Students who have traveled abroad, particularly those who have actually lived among the natives, will be much more prepared for the inevitable post-graduation encounters with other cultures and nationalities.”

A 1966 HES graduate, Close remains a loyal supporter of Oklahoma State, providing scholarship opportunities for a number of students each year students. He currently serves as a Trustee for OSU Foundation and is recognized in the HES Hall of Fame. Close enjoys traveling internationally to gain new perspectives on other cultures, particularly venturing “off the beaten path” to discover more than just the tourist attractions of the 24 countries he has visited.

After graduating in May 2006, Watkins plans to attend graduate school at OSU and work as a consultant. His goal is to return to OSU as a professor and doctoral degree candidate in hospitality. Thanks to the generosity of Close, Watkins considers himself one step closer to his dream.

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