“I am extremely grateful to be the recipient of the Global Grant Scholarship this year,” said Conover. “Above all, the focus of this scholarship is to support endeavors that will contribute to Rotary’s goal of improving lives and supporting peace efforts globally. To me, this scholarship is an affirmation of the work I have put in through my undergraduate career and of my passion to work in a field that is focused on advocating for the betterment of all people, and ultimately the world.

“It means a lot to me that this organization believes that I am capable of meaningfully contributing to these goals during my postgraduate education and beyond,” she continued.

Conover, who’s originally from Sturgis, South Dakota, earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies in December 2023. As a recipient of the Rotary International Global Grant Scholarship, she will receive $30,000 toward her graduate education. Conover plans to obtain her Master of Laws in human rights law from the University of Edinburgh, a public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Conover will focus on international humanitarian law, or the law of armed conflict, and hopes to work with other scholars through the university’s Global Justice Academy.

“I am looking forward to the many opportunities offered by my program at the University of Edinburgh, primarily, the opportunity to specialize my courses and research in an area of my choosing,” said Conover. “Additionally, toward the end of my program I will get to pursue a work placement, as opposed to a conventional dissertation, with a number of renowned international human rights organizations.”

This is not Conover’s first time furthering her education on an international scale. As an undergraduate at USD, Conover engaged in several study abroad opportunities, including studying Russian in Kyrgyzstan through the nationally competitive Critical Language Scholarship. Conover also completed two Faculty Led Programs to Ireland and Georgia.

“I have been very privileged to have had so many great study abroad experiences during my undergraduate years, and these undoubtedly have had a significant impact on me personally,” said Conover. “The experience of studying abroad, no matter which place I have been, was always eye opening in new and staggering ways.

“From climbing a mountain in Ireland in the rain to participating in language immersion, I have grown immensely as a person and gained new levels of confidence that inspired me to go after opportunities I otherwise may not have,” she continued. “Ultimately, each experience reaffirmed my desire to continue exploring and expanding my worldview.”

In addition to studying abroad, Conover actively engaged with several campus and community organizations, including Student Government Association, USD College Democrats, Pi Sigma Alpha, USD Model United Nations Security Council, Peer 2 Peer Mentor program and Alternative Week of Learning. Her involvement combined with her classroom experiences and relationships with faculty more than prepared her to take this next step.

“Amazing faculty and courses fostered my passion for learning and pursuing a higher degree, and I can feel confident that I have the work ethic and educational background to succeed,” said Conover.

“I will be forever thankful for the many people who supported me through my undergraduate degree through consistent encouragement,” she continued. “All of the faculty I have worked with in the political science department at USD have taught me so much and helped prepare me for this next step. Specifically, I would like to thank Dr. Timothy Schorn, Ilmira Dulyanova and Sarah Whittmuss for their relentless support and encouragement while always pushing me to be my best.”

Conover’s ultimate goal is to pursue a career in human rights policy and research. She hopes to work with nongovernmental organizations, government entities or international bodies advocating for human rights protections and enforcements. With hopes to eventually earn her Ph.D. and become a professor of human rights and international law, Conover looks forward to what’s next.

“While I have many opportunities and paths ahead of me, this scholarship has given me a much-needed boost to dive headfirst into this next step at the University at Edinburgh and anything that may come next,” said Conover.  

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Hanna DeLange
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