Ten Valparaiso University Seniors, Alumni Named Fulbright Semifinalists
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program has announced its semifinalists for the 2020–2021 academic year, and 10 Valpo students and recent alumni have advanced to this competitive stage in the grant competition.
Each semifinalist is hoping to teach English and engage in cross-cultural service and exchange in communities around the world.
“It is a thrill and an honor to see the hard work and dedication of these outstanding Valpo students and alumni recognized by the Fulbright program,” said Mark L. Biermann, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Advancing to the semifinalist round is a significant accomplishment, and I am confident these bright young scholars will continue to excel in their academic and professional endeavors. These individuals clearly model the Valpo values of leadership and service.”
The 2020 Valparaiso University Fulbright semifinalists are:
- Alyssa Abbott ’20, elementary education major with minors in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) and Spanish, Fulbright semifinalist for English Teaching Assistantship to Spain
- Chris Bean ’19, Christ College scholar and secondary education and physics major with a minor in mathematics, Fulbright semi-finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to Uruguay
- Quincy Bullmer-Crosswhite ’20, Christ College scholar with majors in German and global service and minor in humanities, Fulbright semi-finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to Germany
- Isabel Coffey ’20, Christ College scholar with majors in creative writing and classics and minor in humanities, Fulbright semi-finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to Greece
- Anna Corner ’20, French and international economics and cultural affairs major, Fulbright semi-finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to France
- Claire Ehr ’19, Christ College scholar with majors in English and humanities and minors in TESOL and psychology, Fulbright semi-finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to South Korea
- Emily Neuharth ’20, Christ College scholar with majors in creative writing and humanities, Fulbright semi-finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to Kyrgyzstan
- Rachel Silcox ’19, Christ College scholar with majors in mechanical engineering and humanities, Fulbright semi-finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to Cambodia
- Quinn Stearns ’19, elementary education major with minor in TESOL, Fulbright semi-finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to Thailand
- Willow Walsh ’19, English major with minors in creative writing and German, Fulbright semi-finalist for English Teaching Assistantship to Slovak Republic
Numerous Valparaiso University students and alumni have received Fulbright grants. Last year Valpo had seven finalists and one alternate, and in the past 15 years, 37 Valpo students and alumni have been named Fulbright finalists.
“It always makes me proud — and a little emotional — to think about Valpo alumni fanning across the globe on Fulbright grants, deepening cross-cultural relationships and understanding,” said Anna Stewart, Ph.D., assistant dean of Christ College — The Honors College and Fulbright program advisor. “That is such good and important work, and it’s increasingly critical.”
Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 380,000 participants — chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.
