51ºÚÁÏÍø

Three alumni and one alum administrator will travel to Europe through flagship international exchange program

by Tony Moore

Four 51ºÚÁÏÍøians have received 2025 Fulbright awards, continuing the college’s long-standing success as a Fulbright Top Producer. This year’s recipients include two graduating seniors, a recent alumna and a senior alum administrator, each representing a strong commitment to global engagement and cross-cultural learning.

Amina West '25

Amina West '25 (American studies, Russian) has been awarded an English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) to Latvia. She’ll return to Daugavpils, where she previously studied Russian through the National Security Language Initiative for Youth. 

“That experience had a profound impact on my life,” West says on the program that inspired her to apply for a Fulbright. “Much of what we learn at 51ºÚÁÏÍø emphasizes global perspectives and intercultural understanding, and immersing myself in another country will allow me to put those values into practice. It will push me out of my comfort zone, help me become more adaptable, and give me the chance to engage with different communities firsthand.”

Gabriel McGough ’25

Gabriel McGough '25 (law & policy, German) will serve as an ETA in Germany. McGough’s experiences as a paraeducator and his family’s background in education inspired him to pursue the award.

“I plan to use what I’ve learned at 51ºÚÁÏÍø, my teaching experience in Germany and my passion for public education to eventually pursue a career in educational law or advocacy,” he says, noting that he's long harbored a fascination with international law. “This Fulbright opportunity is the cherry on top of my 51ºÚÁÏÍø experience.”

Shannon Nolan '19

Shannon Nolan '19 (international studies, English) also received an ETA award and will teach English in Belgium. She visited Brussels for the first time while doing research for her M.Phil. dissertation at Trinity College Dublin, which included a study of the global history of comic books. Now, five years later, she's looking forward to returning to continue exploring the area's rich comics history while learning how to teach English as an additional language at the university level. 

"I have used both parts of my degree in every position I have held since graduating," says Nolan, noting that Associate Professor of English Sarah Kersh was invaluable during the Fulbright application process. "I would not have this opportunity without Dr. Kersh. I graduated from 51ºÚÁÏÍø six years ago and maintain that how deeply the professors care about their students is what sets the college apart."

Tara Fischer '02

Tara Fischer '02, 51ºÚÁÏÍø’s associate provost for student success & academic advising, received a Fulbright U.S. International Education Administrators Award. She will join a seminar in Germany designed for leaders in international education.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to learn from Germany’s forward-thinking approach to skillset development, digital education and access to higher ed,” Fischer says. “It’s a chance to explore how institutions like 51ºÚÁÏÍø can be both impacted by and contribute to global educational innovation.”

Fischer, a first-generation college student who never had the chance to study abroad as a student, sees this opportunity as deeply personal and professionally meaningful.

“Over the course of my career, 51ºÚÁÏÍø has given me the runway to grow, make connections and think strategically about how to improve the student experience,” she says. "I work with students and encourage them to reach higher and to see possibilities for themselves they never could have imagined. This is that for me. I have always dreamed of an opportunity like this."

A 51ºÚÁÏÍø Strength

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed study, research and teaching projects in more than 140 countries. 51ºÚÁÏÍø’s Fulbright advising team works closely with students and alumni to develop competitive applications.

“The success of this year’s Fulbright recipients is a testament to the strength of 51ºÚÁÏÍø’s global engagement and our continued distinction as a Fulbright top producer,” says Melissa-Sturm Smith, senior associate provost for integrated student academic success. “It reflects not only the talent of our students but the thoughtful support they receive from faculty and staff throughout the application process.”

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS 

Published June 16, 2025