Humanities Friend Spotlight:

Broadening Horizons: The Miller Travel Award Supports Study Abroad

Ohio State alumna Susan Van Ausdal believes that one of the best things you can do for yourself is to get out of your comfort zone. She did in 1987, when she boarded a plane to France—her first time overseas. Alone in a foreign land, unable to speak the language, Van Ausdal refers to her adventure as "the most wonderful time." Today, she makes it possible for deserving humanities students to experience similar adventures through the Miller Travel Award.

Her professional journey began after completing her bachelor's of science degree in microbiology by taking a position with Ohio State's College of Biological Sciences. Later, she joined Ross Products Division where she worked until her retirement in 1994.

Retirement has proven to be a busy time for Van Ausdal: she participates in Ohio State's Program 60, which allows Ohio residents age 60 or older to take classes at no cost, and continues her world travels. In fact, one of her Program 60 courses, art history, led her to Italy and to her study of the Italian language. She has also spent time volunteering as a conversation partner for international students, an activity that furthered her interest in languages.

In 2005, she established the Miller Travel Award named in honor of her parents, Forrest and Marjorie Miller. Van Ausdal credits her mother with instilling in her the value of an education, and her father with instilling in her the importance of giving back. "My father was a very service-oriented person. He was mayor of my hometown of Sugar Creek, Ohio, for many years and served as secretary for several public service organizations," said Van Ausdal.

The Miller Travel Award provides study abroad opportunities for students studying French, Spanish, or Italian. "Already having a level of language skills will provide an even richer experience than the one I enjoyed on my first trip abroad. The choice of languages was inspired by the interests of my children: French for oldest daughter Cora and Spanish for Anne and John. The Italian is for me," said Van Ausdal.

Because of Van Ausdal's travel award Ohio State students can have their own experience of a lifetime. She sums up her philosophy on the importance of studying abroad by referencing a passage by Henry David Thoreau that begins "I have traveled a good deal in Concord..." "Not true!" says Van Ausdal. "You can't experience everything being in one small place."