Smith’s Fulbright
Success Continues
When it comes to Smith students winning Fulbright Scholar
Program fellowships, “success breeds success,” says Don Andrew, coordinator
for fellowships and grants, who has facilitated a growing list of Fulbright applicants
and recipients at the college over the past four years. “Our percentage of
wins has risen dramatically,” he says.
In 2005, 14 Smith students (11 seniors and three alumnae) were offered Fulbrights, up from nine the previous
year. Also, out of 30 applications to Fulbright from Smith students, a record 21 were finalists for the
award.
According to the Fulbright Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of State, Smith is the
top producer of Fulbright fellows among the nation’s liberal arts colleges.
“Students and alumnae are encouraged to apply when they see Smithies winning awards,” explains
Andrew of the college’s recent increase in awards. “It gives them the confidence to believe
they can do so, too. We are reaping the benefits of a sustained, professionally directed program. In
the end, it is about establishing a fellowships culture on campus.”
The Fulbright award is a highly coveted scholarship given annually to support student projects and academic
endeavors abroad. The Fulbright student scholarship, which was named after Senator J. William Fulbright,
is intended for recent bachelor’s degree recipients and master’s and doctoral candidates,
as well as young professionals and artists.
The Fulbright Program is the largest international exchange program offered in the United States, operating
in more than 140 countries. Go to www.smith.edu/fellowships/successes.html for a full listing of the
2005 Fulbright recipients. -- ESW
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