Fiance Major, Morgan Bui, en route to Scotland on St. Andrew's Scholarship

2015 May 6

Saint Joseph's University sophomore, Morgan Bui of Fairfax VA (22030), has been awarded the Andrew Mutch Scholarship by the St. Andrew's Society of Philadelphia. The $20,000 award will allow Bui to continue her studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, during her junior year.

A finance and risk management double major, Bui says, "I am excited for this learning opportunity and to gain global experience that will give me an expanded world-view for this extended amount of time."

Founded in 1958 to promote understanding between the United States and Scotland by awarding scholarships to carefully selected students, the St. Andrew's Society invites 18 colleges and universities in the Philadelphia region to nominate one student each year to study in his or her junior year at one of four Scottish universities. The award covers a majority of the expenses incurred.

Bui is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, the professional business fraternity and an orientation leader. A Board of Trustees Scholar and member of the Honors program, Bui was recommended for the scholarship by Peter Norberg, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the English department.

"In addition to being an exceptional student, Morgan is a natural leader with the kind of charisma you just can't fake," says Norberg.

Bui's scholarship marks the fifth consecutive year, and sixth overall, that the St. Andrew's Society has recognized a student from Saint Joseph's University.

A daughter of a Roman Catholic Vietnamese immigrant, Bui attributes her work ethic and desire to excel to her mother's example as one who succeeded in spite of adversity.

"For my entire life, my family has encouraged me to think big and set high expectations for myself, and then find logical steps to make that rather impossible dream actually happen," says Bui.

Bui's educational and professional goals coincide. She hopes to further her education with an MBA and a Ph.D. in finance, and would like to research micro-investing and sustainable financing to use her findings to help others.

During her year of study at Edinburgh, Bui will examine how investments can help support an economy and potentially help low-income people and immigrants build a foundation for the rest of their lives.

"Professionally, I hope to make an impact in this world by helping others on a large scale, and I think the best way to make that goal happen is through my education," says Bui.