Maria Landron, a junior public relations major from Royal Palm Beach, has been selected as a Freidheim Fellow for the LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Landron will be mentored by Dr. Francisco Plaza, professor of politics. She is an international trustee with Circle K International (CKI), having participated in the Kiwanis International Service Leadership Program. Her topic is “Beyond the Wall: Mexico and Central America.”
Each academic year, two fellows receive a stipend to cover the cost of an independent study course, as well as expenses, such as travel, incurred during the course up to $2,500. Additionally, they receive ongoing guidance for their research project from former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux.
The application process included submission of a research proposal, résumé and a letter of support for the research from a faculty mentor. Selection was based on the application and an interview.
The program is named for donors Marguerite “Mitzi” Freidheim and her husband Cyrus. Mitzi Freidheim serves as a member of the LeMieux Center advisory board and is a committed volunteer for numerous charitable organizations. As a former elementary school teacher, her volunteer focus has been on education and helping disadvantaged children. Cyrus Freidheim is the former vice chair of Booz Allen, CEO of Chiquita Brands International, and CEO and publisher of the Sun Times Media Group. He has been actively involved on more than 30 commercial and not-for-profit boards. The Freidheims are residents of North Palm Beach. They have three children and nine grandchildren.
“On behalf of the LeMieux Center and Palm Beach Atlantic, I thank Mitzi and Cy for their generous support of these students, who are our nation’s future leaders,” LeMieux said. “Fellows program graduates have gone on to prestigious graduate schools and positions of great responsibility in Washington. The fellows program produces a great return on the investment that benefits the students, as well as our country.”
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, independent university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees in West Palm Beach, Orlando and online.
The university is dedicated to the integration of Christian principles to prepare students for learning, leadership and service.
