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Thirty-five seniors, eight juniors, and five alumni competed for nationally competitive fellowships, scholarships, and grants through 51���� during the 2011-2012 academic year.

“I want to congratulate all students and alumni in taking the initiative to apply for a nationally competitive award,” Ann Landstrom, assistant dean and director of the Office of National Fellowships and Scholarships, said at a reception held last month to honor the participants.

“It is no simple feat to put yourself forward in a competition that spans the nation. The recognition and honor comes from knowing you committed your time, energy, and passion in writing a proposal that reflects you and your goals,” she added.

President Jeffrey Herbst and Interim Provost Bruce Selleck also were on hand to congratulate the applicants and recipients for accepting the challenge of a fellowship application.

“This experience is an exercise that you will draw on in the future,” said Herbst.

The following received recognition through their respective fellowship, scholarship or grant application:

U.S. Student Fulbright Program Grantees for 2012-2013
Kathryn David ’12 will conduct a research/study project in Ukraine titled “Rebuilding Jewish Community in Odessa.” Odessa is historically recognized as an intellectual, cultural and religious center for the world Jewish community. Through immersion within the community, contacts at the Odessa Literary Museum and Moria archives, and a formal affiliation with I.I. Menchikov Odessa National University, David will research and examine how the Jewish community is rebuilding itself after the fall of the Soviet Union. David is a history and Russian studies double major from Baltimore, Md.

Andrew Lorraine ’12 will serve as an English teaching assistant in Slovakia at the secondary level, helping students develop their writing and conversational skills as well as an understanding of American culture. During his Fulbright year, Lorraine plans to explore his own Slovakian heritage while learning about the history and geography of the Slovak Republic. He is a political science major from Penllyn, Pa.

Lauren Shively ’11 will teach English language and American Studies in Taiwan, and in turn gain a greater understanding of Taiwan’s educational system and culture. She said she plans to fully integrate herself into the community for which she is placed through educational and extracurricular experiences. Shively, from Wayland, Mass., was an English major and history minor at 51���� and is currently a tutor at City on a Hill Charter School in Roxbury, Mass.

Josh Smeltzer ’12 will teach English at a German high school using experiential learning to add an interactive dimension in the classroom. He said he hopes to extend his own learning and gain a deeper understanding of German history and culture through full-immersion within the community. Smeltzer wants to create or join a book club and volunteer within the local community. He is a peace and conflict studies major and German minor from Hillsboro, Ore.

French Ministry of Education Teaching Program Grantee for 2012-2013 (through Fulbright recommendation)
Catherine Murray ’12 plans to serve as a resource to students in the French Caribbean as they advance their English language skills and learn about American culture. She is eager to start an English club where students can practice their language skills outside of the formal classroom. As an English teaching assistant, Murray wishes to contribute to the increased global understanding of her students. She is a peace and conflict studies and French double major from Lancaster, N.Y.

Goldwater Honorable Mention Scholar
Eric Taber ’13 was recognized for his outstanding potential and intention to pursue a career in science. A biology and environmental studies double major from Cincinnati, Ohio, Taber plans to obtain a doctorate in conservation biology to conduct research on the relationship between biodiversity conservation and development in the tropics.

Udall Honorable Mention Scholar
Jessica Halter ’13 was recognized for her intention to pursue a career related to the environment. Halter, a cognitive neuroscience major from Chapel Hill, N.C., plans to promote the growth of sustainable agriculture and the local food movement as a director or marketing specialist of a non-governmental organization or nonprofit advocacy organization. Her graduate school interest includes a master’s degree in food studies or food management.

Truman Scholarship Finalist
Margaret Dunne ’13, a Native American Studies major from Scarsdale, N.Y., was recognized as a finalist for the Truman Scholarship for her intention to pursue a career in public service. Dunne plans to pursue advanced degrees in public policy and law to continue her advocacy work for Native American communities.

At the time of publication there were several applicants still waiting to hear back from their fellowship applications. Students and alumni interested in applying for nationally competitive fellowships, scholarships, and grants can make an appointment with Landstrom by calling 315-228-6224. More information is available .