The Dr. James Curry Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Dr. James Curry Endowed Scholarship was created in 2021 to honor Jim Curry, who served the Baylor community for 47 years as Professor of Political Science, Director of the Washington Internship Program, and as Chair of the Department of Political Science for 14 years. The award was created to honor Dr. Curry's legacy of helping Baylor students succeed in Washington, D.C. by funding future student opportunities in the Baylor in Washington Program for years to come.
During the initial funding drive, over 80 generous alumni donated a total of $50,000, ensuring that the award remains a permanent part of Baylor's endowment. But more can still be done. Further funding will allow for greater and more frequent awards to be given to students like Gabriela Vela, the third recipient of the award, featured below.
Consider contributing to the James Curry Endowed Scholarship Fund today using Baylor's online giving platform.
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We are so pleased that Gabi is joining us in Washington, D.C. this semester. Below, Gabi shared a bit more about her path to Baylor, her goals for the semester in D.C., and her plans for the future. Congratulations, Gabi!
1. Tell us a little about your background and how you ended up at Baylor.
My mom is a proud Baylor grad and after visiting on a whim I too absolutely fell in love with BU! I have always been passionate about political science and the program at Baylor seemed close-knit and supportive. It pushes me to see political issues through a Christian lens, which is so necessary in our culture today. I truly feel that Baylor is the perfect place for me and cares deeply for its students.
2. What people or experiences at Baylor best prepared you for this program?
I think my on-campus jobs and leading in the HRC prepared me well for the environment in DC. They have taught me a lot about organization and interacting with people who are in positions of authority, but more importantly how to be servant-hearted and committed to even small tasks. Overall, Baylor has given me the tools for humble independence, which I think translates well into an internship on the Hill! I am so excited to learn a lot about what it means to live and work in DC!
3. Why did you want to come to D.C. to do this program?
The Baylor in Washington program actually further convinced me to come to Baylor! DC is the place where everything I learn about in the classroom takes place. It’s amazing to get to be here and experience this first-hand. I never thought something like a semester actively working in DC was possible for me and I am so grateful to be a part of the program!
4. What has surprised you about D.C. or your experience so far?
I think the most surprising thing has been how kindhearted everyone in my work environment is! They want interns to make the most of their experience and encourage us to network, take initiative, and explore all that DC has to offer!
5. How do you hope to grow while you’re here?
I think the area I most want to grow in while I’m here is my personal confidence. Right now, DC feels so enormous. And on top of that, I have never been this far from my family or in a city like this for an extended amount of time. I hope that by the end of this semester I have gained more confidence in my ability to navigate life as a young adult and go after things that excite me professionally and personally. It’s a blessing to experience this semester alongside the rest of my cohort!
6. What are some possibilities for your future that excite you right now?
Right now, I have my heart set on attending law school in preparation for a career in legislative policy or public administration. I know that whatever I do in the future will have a strong focus on law and I’m excited to see if my career path changes or specifies based on what I experience while I’m here in DC!
