Two Valparaiso University Graduates Named Fulbright Finalists

May 23, 2022 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Two Valparaiso University alumni have an exciting opportunity to use their skills on an international level as Fulbright finalists. Through the Fulbright program, these recent Valpo graduates will have the opportunity to meet, work, learn and live with the people of their host country while teaching and continuing their studies. In addition, one alumnus has been selected as a Fulbright alternate.

“I am incredibly proud of our Fulbright finalists and alternate,” said Provost Eric Johnson ’87, Ph.D. “Their leadership will represent Valpo well during postgraduate endeavors, and I’m confident they will have a significant impact in the international communities they serve.”

Valparaiso University had four semifinalists, two finalists and one alternate this year. 46 Valparaiso University students and alumni have been named Fulbright finalists in the past 16 years.

The 2022 Valparaiso University Fulbright finalists are:

● Ellie Wegener ’22, a Christ College — The Honors College Scholar with a German and international economics and cultural affairs double-major with a minor in humanities, Fulbright finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to Germany.

● Brianna Ares ’22, an international relations major with minors in Spanish and German, Fulbright finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to Germany.

“I feel that Fulbright is in alignment with my passions and long-term career goals,” Ares said. “I have studied in Germany as a student, but I am curious to see how this opportunity impacts my character as a teacher.”

Ben Jacobs ’22, a Christ College — The Honors College Scholar with a political science major with a minor in French has been named a Fulbright alternate for English Teaching Assistantship to France.

The two Valpo finalists are among many U.S. citizens who earned opportunities to study, conduct research and teach abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement as well as a record of service and leadership in their respective fields.

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 370,000 participants — chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.