Gilman scholarship information session

The Grand Valley State University Padnos International Center will host an information session about the Benjamin A. Gilman international scholarship, a nationally competitive program that offers grants to students who are eligible for the federal Pell grant.

Students interested in learning more about the funding deadlines and application steps for their winter 2015 study abroad trip can attend the workshop today at 5 p.m. in the Padnos International Center, located in room 130 in Lake Ontario Hall. The session is also sponsored by the Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships, located in room 230 of the Mary Idema Pew Library. For more information, visit www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program.

New Music Ensemble CDs gain publicity

The Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble has two CDs, “Music for 18 Musicians” (2007) and “In C Remixed” (2009), featured on the front page of the iTunes Classical section, starting last week.

Bill Ryan founded the New Music Ensemble in 2006 and has served as its director since its inception. The group performs a variety of music, from today’s hits to the well-known classics.

The ensemble has received reviews from publications across the country, ranging from the New Yorker to the San Francisco Chronicle and the Detroit Free Press. For more information on the ensemble and its performance schedule, visit www.newmusicensemble.org.

YBBW hosts back to school picnic

The Grand Valley State University club, You Beauitful Black Women, is hosting a back to school picnic on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Robinson Field. Free food, games and a raffle for prizes are included at the event.

The GVSU chapter of You Beautiful Black Women was created in 1994. The group highlights problems and successes of African American women, but its membership is made up of all races and genders.

For more information, contact YBBW at [email protected].