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51�Թ��� has been recognized as a Top Producing Institution for Fulbright U.S. students for a seventh consecutive year.

The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 as the U.S. Government’s flagship international academic exchange program to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries and to facilitate cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in routine tasks.

“I want to congratulate the students, alumni, staff members, and professors who have made this achievement possible,” says Provost and Dean of the Faculty Lesleigh Cushing. “Global engagement is one of 51�Թ���’s oldest traditions — alongside a rigorous academic experience. Sustained success in the Fulbright program demonstrates the University’s ongoing commitment to those traditions, and it tells the world that 51�Թ��� students are prepared to lead, are curious about the world around them, and are eager to engage with the international community.”

Last year, nine 51�Թ��� students received the Fulbright U.S. Student Scholarship:

• Annabelle Adelizzi ’24, a German and psychological science double major, is on an English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in Germany.
• Emily Balog ’24, an environmental geography major, is on an ETA in Latvia.
• Jessie Farrell ’24, an English major with a creative writing concentration, is on an ETA in Norway.
• Jake Gomez ’21, a peace and conflict studies, Middle East and Islamic studies double major, is on a research award focused on journalism in Tunisia.
• Brenna McConnell ’24, an international relations and French double major, received an ETA to France (declined).
• Sophie Pedzich ’24, an environmental biology major, art and art history minor, is on an ETA in the Czech Republic.
• Jim Perry ’24, a computer science and Russian and Eurasian studies double major, is on an ETA in Uzbekistan.
• Giorgio Rahal ’24, an English major, Middle East and Islamic studies minor, is on an ETA in Cameroon.
• Will Russel ’24, a molecular biology major, global public and environmental health minor, is on a research award in biology at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

“This year offers opportunities for growth in all aspects of my life, from the professional to the personal,” says Farrell. “I was often the shy kid in class, reluctant to raise my hand, and now I lead classes and workshops weekly, finding fun ways to get students involved and excited about learning.”

Balog says the most rewarding aspect of her Fulbright experience has been building relationships. “Making friends in my community has helped me learn a lot more about local Latvian culture, and it’s been incredible to watch my students grow and advance their English.”

For Adelizzi, interactions with students are particularly fulfilling. “When they run across the playground to say hello or thank me for helping them see something from a new perspective,” she says, “it fills me with joy.”

51�Թ���’s Fulbright ETA recipients have a deep passion for language and teaching, motivated by a desire to build meaningful connections through their language skills. In addition to being an English major, Farrell served as senior prose editor for 51�Թ���’s literary magazine, Portfolio. Adelizzi taught German to second graders at Hamilton Central School, leveraging the expertise she developed as a German major.

The Office of National Fellowships and Scholarships is the advising and preparation center for the U.S. Student Fulbright competition at 51�Թ���. Students and alumni interested in applying for Fulbright are encouraged to reach out to Assistant Director Meghan Niedt, mniedt@colgate.edu, to schedule an appointment.