Press Release

January 28, 2025 | By Cole Hatcher

Ohio Wesleyan language students are now able to earn a global micro-credential attesting that they are able to comprehend (read and listen), speak, and write in two languages. (Photo by Paul Vernon)

Proven Proficiency

Ohio Wesleyan Language Students Earn Global Seal of Biliteracy

DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University language students are now able to earn the Global Seal of Biliteracy, an internationally recognized micro-credential that enables them to verify their linguistic abilities when applying for jobs or graduate school.

The university's Department of World Languages and Cultures began utilizing the third-party assessment this fall, with 19 students earning the "functional fluency" biliteracy seal at the end of the semester. Biliterate students are able to comprehend (read and listen), speak, and write in two languages. (Those who are bilingual are able to speak in two languages.)

Andrea Colvin, Ph.D., chair of World Languages and Cultures, said students' earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy is "a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for language learning."

OWU language students earning the micro-credential this fall are:

French Biliteracy

  • Cameron Gray of Sterling Heights, Michigan
  • Norah Hyman of Berea, Ohio
  • Arianna Morris of Mansfield, Ohio
  • Ella Neuenschwander of Wilmington, Ohio
  • Ava Pettey of Athens, Ohio
  • Ximena Prieto of Wildwood, Missouri
  • Lily Reinert of Saint Louis, Missouri
  • Aurelia Stanford of Sunbury, Ohio

Spanish Biliteracy

  • Anaya Belle of Bronx, New York
  • Austin Biggin of Ravenna, Ohio
  • Luca DiCarlo of Libertyville, Illinois
  • Hanna Frost of Sunbury, Ohio
  • Rachel Green of Marengo, Ohio
  • Brooke Jannelli of Canton, Ohio
  • Simon Mun of Highland Park, Illinois
  • Nathaniel Snead of Sunbury, Ohio
  • Roxy Sorensen of Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Katie Strickland of Findlay, Ohio
  • Dylan Stryker of Sparta, Ohio
  • Cadence Swindle of Monroe, Ohio

To determine proficiency, the Global Seal of Biliteracy evaluates students using one of two language testing scales, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) scale or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. Each Global Seal awarded is serial-numbered to make the micro-credential easy to add to a resume, curriculum vitae (CV), or LinkedIn profile.

Ohio Wesleyan's Department of World Languages and Cultures offers majors and minors in Classics, French, and Spanish, as well as courses in German, Italian, Japanese, and Latin. Students also have access to study-abroad programs in more than 20 countries and to interdepartmental majors in International Studies, International Business, Latin American Studies, and East Asian Studies. Learn more about the department at owu.edu/WLC.


Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature experience, the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.