Canisius Student Receives Pi Delta Phi National Scholarship

March 25, 2015

BUFFALO, NY – Ellen Ball ’15 is the recipient of a 2015 Pi Delta Phi Joseph W. Yedlicka Scholarship. Ball is a junior with a triple major in French, international business and marketing at Canisius University.

Pi Delta Phi is the National French Honor Society. The full-tuition award, funded by The American University of Paris and Pi Delta Pi, entitles Ball to study at The American University of Paris for seven weeks during its summer session and includes half board and partial living expenses. Ball also will receive a Pi Delta Phi travel grant of up to $1,000 to help cover transportation costs of one round-trip ticket from the United States to Paris.

“I am so honored to have been awarded this wonderful opportunity,” says Ball. “It is truly an exciting prospect to be able to study at the American University of Paris. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to improve my French language skills and at the same time have direct contact with French culture.  I would be remiss if I did not express my sincere appreciation for the guidance of Dr. Eileen M. Angelini and the generosity of Pi Delta Phi.”

Ball is a member of Nu Chi, the Canisius University chapter of Pi Delta Phi. She is also president of the Canisius University French Club. Ball is a student of and serves as a Canisius Earning Excellence Program (CEEP) research assistant for Eileen M. Angelini, PhD, professor of French at Canisius, Fulbright Scholar, Chevalier dans l’Ordre Palmes Académiques, and Northeast vice president, Pi Delta Phi.  Angelini established Nu Chi, the Canisius University Chapter of Pi Delta Phi, in 2006 (Angelini’s first year at Canisius University). 

“Ellen is by far one of the most hard-working, conscientious and respectful students I have had in my more than 25 years of teaching,” says Angelini. “I am absolutely thrilled that she has received this scholarship as it will provide her with an exceptional language and cultural immersion experience, enabling her to perfect her French skills and give her a definite advantage in her future career goals.” 

Phi Delta Phi Joseph W. Yedlika Scholarships are given in memory of Dr. Joseph W. Yedlicka, former president and executive director of Pi Delta Phi. Yedlicka was a tireless promoter of Pi Delta Phi and advocate for the study of French language and literature.

Canisius is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the nation and the premier private university in Western New York. 

-30-