Fox Cities News

Four Lawrence University students and recent graduates have been honored with the prestigious 2024 Fulbright Scholarships, providing them with the opportunity to study or teach abroad. Among the recipients are senior Jonathan Bass, Gunner Bauer, Miri Villerius, and Ayla Walther.

Jonathan Bass, a double degree student in music performance and French and francophone studies, expressed his excitement about returning to Paris with the Fulbright-Harriet Hale Woolley Award in the Arts. He will pursue a graduate degree in piano performance at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris, collaborating with other artists during his residency.

Gunner Bauer, who majored in government and Russian studies, will be teaching English in Slovakia. Bauer shared that his pursuit of a Fulbright scholarship began when he learned about it from a professor at Lawrence University, leading him to four years of studying Russian and international relations.

Miri Villerius, a music and religious studies double major, will work as an English teacher's assistant in southern Italy. Villerius highlighted the impact of Italian language and culture on her life and expressed her excitement to give back by teaching English in Italy.

Ayla Walther, who recently received her teacher certification, will be working as an English teacher assistant in Bavaria, Germany. Walther, who has dedicated her career to German studies, sees this opportunity as a chance to enhance her German language skills and deepen her understanding of German culture.

The four awardees reflect the growing Fulbright culture at Lawrence University, with Assistant Professor Claire Kervin commending all the applicants for their enthusiasm and preparation for cultural exchange. Lawrence University has seen 63 Fulbright scholars over the past four-plus decades, showcasing the institution's commitment to fostering global experiences for its students.