Four Northern Michigan University students or recent alumnae, from among seven NMU applicants, have achieved semifinalist status by being recommended for awards through the annual U.S. Fulbright Program competition. The final selections will be made by Fulbright committees in the host countries between March-June.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is one of the most prestigious programs worldwide, placing American students in over 140 countries to pursue graduate studies, conduct research or teach English. Fulbright alumni, including those who participated in programs for scholars and professionals, have garnered 63 Nobel Prizes and 98 Pulitzer Prizes.
NMU's semifinalists are:
- Julia Jacklin, English/secondary education alumna who applied for a teaching award in South Korea;
- Arwen Luttenton-Hammel, international studies alumna who applied for a teaching award in Bulgaria;
- Giovanni Mathews, senior political science major, who applied for a teaching award in Spain; and
- Tommy Roush, master's student in business, who applied for a study/research award in Finland.
"The application process for our students included short essays, recommendation letters and a campus interview," said Enrico Sassi, assistant director of Research Development and Sponsored Programs. "The award process is extremely selective. The first step, to determine semifinalists, is conducted by Fulbright U.S.; final award decisions are made by Fulbright affiliates in host countries.
"All of these students attended our workshops and/or worked with members of our Fellowship & Scholarship Committee in the past year, and we are thrilled by their success. We look forward to more good news when the final selections are announced."
NMU's Fellowship & Scholarship Committee was formed just over a year ago to help students—and alumni, if appropriate—to locate, apply for and secure nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships. Sassi said this past year's efforts focused primarily on Fulbright, but the committee is expanding support to other programs.
In addition to Sassi, the committee is composed of: Adam Nesbit, assistant director of the Writing Center; Anna Zimmer, associate professor of Languages, Literatures and International Studies; Benjamin Brock, senior, ASNMU representative; Dana Jackson-Hardwick, director, undergraduate research; Emera Bridger Wilson, director, Olson Library; Liz Mandeville, associate professor of Biology; and Ryan Bond, senior success adviser.