Two Years in a Row: HWS a Top Fulbright Producer
28 February 2017 Two Years in a Row: HWS a Top Fulbright Producer
For the second year in a row, and the third time in the last four years, Hobart and William Smith Colleges have been named among the nationstop colleges and universitieswith the most recipients of U.S. Fulbright Student Awards. Known for its highly competitive field of applicants, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. governments flagship international educational exchange program, operating in more than 140 countries throughout the world.
For years, Hobart and William Smith students have been consistently recognized by the Fulbright program for their qualities as global citizens and their potential to enrich communities around the world, says HWS President Mark D. Gearan. This latest announcement yet again highlights the intellect and character of our students, the vital work of our faculty and staff, and the depth and strength of an HWS education.
The list of top Fulbright recipients, compiled from U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Following last years record number of HWS Fulbright winners, more than a quarter of HWS applicants received 2016-17 Fulbright awards.
Ultimately, HWS being named a Fulbright Top Producer is a result of how our students take advantage of all that HWS offers them, and how doing so prepares our students to take on challenges across the world, says Scott MacPhail, associate director of Health Professions counseling and fellowship advising. MacPhail was in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 21 to attend a reception hosted by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, recognizing and celebrating the 2016-17 Fulbright Top Producing Institutions.
There is no one key to success with the Fulbright program, and the fact that HWS is a top producer reflects the high level of achievement of our students across many different fields, says MacPhail. Second, this honor recognizes the work of many faculty and staff across campus. Students receive great mentoring as they go forward with applications for the Fulbright, but the path to Fulbright begins long before then, with our spectacular study abroad opportunities, the international scope of our academic programs, and the culture of engagement and service so present throughout the whole HWS community.
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. Each year, more than 1,900 U.S. students, artists and young professionals in more than 100 different fields of study are offered Fulbright Program grants to study, teach English and conduct research.
For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit http://eca.state.gov/fulbright.