Connecticut College again named a top producer of Fulbright scholars

Connecticut College students have what it takes to win Fulbright fellowships, and they have the support from the College to make it happen.

The Chronicle of Higher Education has again named the College a top producer of winners of the prestigious and highly competitive U.S. Fulbright Student Program grant, which provides support for graduating seniors and recent alumni to conduct research or teach abroad for an academic year.

With 36 winners in seven years, President Leo I. Higdon Jr. says it is clear a Connecticut College education is the perfect preparation for the Fulbright experience.

“Connecticut College educates students to have global perspectives and an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity,” Higdon said. “Our graduates are excellent candidates for the Fulbright and many other prestigious grants and fellowships.”

In recent years, the College has built on its success in language study and study abroad – more than half of all students spend at least one semester overseas – to further strengthen the global focus of the curriculum. Virtually every academic discipline has an international dimension, including environmental studies, literature, religion, economics and the arts, and all majors can be internationalized through the Toor Cummings Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts.

Connecticut College students also benefit from one-on-one career counseling, College-funded internships (including international internships) and the expertise of the College’s Fulbright Student Program Adviser, Dean Philip Ray, and the associate dean for fellowships and scholarship, Deborah V. Dreher.

Dreher helps students match their interests with fellowships, navigate the application process and develop them as candidates able to communicate the value of their educational experiences.

“With [Dreher’s] guidance and support, I’ve discovered the roots of my passion, drive and determination that will guide me throughout my life,” said Gabrielle Arenge ’14, a Truman Scholarship finalist and winner of a $10,000 Davis Projects for Peace grant. “The individualized support and deep commitment to my success that I have received from Deborah and countless other faculty members have been the foundation of my educational experience.”

Recently, Connecticut College caught up with several of the 2012 Fulbright fellowship winners. Read their stories.



November 19, 2013