Nazareth University student Tatum Overton Awarded Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant
Tatum Overton of Watertown, New York, gained understanding of Irish history and culture during several weeks in Ireland in May and June after graduating from Nazareth University, supported by a study-abroad grant from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The grants support undergraduates seeking to expand their knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad.
Overton ’26, who graduated in May with her degree in business leadership, is one of 75 students nationwide to receive the award. She spent several weeks in Ireland through Nazareth’s short-term study abroad program, experiencing the country’s culture and beauty around the coastal city of Waterford, including trips to Kilkenny Castle, Hook Head Lighthouse, and multiple days in Dublin.
A two-year captain of the Nazareth women’s soccer team, Overton said her biggest learning experience in Ireland came while attending a live game of hurling, Ireland’s national obsession, with a packed stadium of Irish fans. She then understood how the Irish people have used sports as a tool for cultural pride, identity, and resilience.
“During the long period of British occupation of Ireland, Irish people were killed for expressing their culture. They were not allowed to speak in their native Irish Gaelic language, Gaeilge, and they were not allowed to play Gaelic games like hurling,” said Overton. “Walking around Ireland today, hurling was everywhere. Everyone talked about the sport, and it was always on television. It was inspiring to see that the British were unable to erase this pillar of Irish culture.”
Attending the hurling championship between counties Cork and Clare was her favorite experience in Ireland, especially because her Nazareth group had first learned the rules and the history of the game.
Since returning from Ireland, Overton is back home in Watertown and working in Jefferson Community College’s marketing and admissions departments. She is also coaching for the Black River Valley Soccer Academy elite youth soccer club, the team she used to play for.
Overton says this trip made her more confident and independent, and able to navigate unfamiliar environments. “I went to Ireland because it was the experience I wanted for myself; I didn’t have a friend I already knew going with me. I learned to adapt to our travel group and engaged with the established friend groups on the trip. It wasn’t easy, but I’m a better person because of it. I left Ireland with a brand new group of friends.”
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
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