Fox Cities News

Nine students and recent graduates from Lawrence University have advanced to the semifinalist round for the 2025 U.S. Fulbright Award, a notable student scholarship. The announcement of which semifinalists will be selected is expected between April and June.

"Fulbright receives thousands of applications every year,” stated Claire Kervin, assistant professor of English and director of fellowships advising at Lawrence. “Making it past the rigorous review of the National Screening Committee to become a semifinalist is an impressive accomplishment."

The Lawrence semifinalists and their intended destinations are as follows: Dylan Coble ’24 aims for a study/research fellowship in Morocco; Aria Djamali, a senior majoring in biology and Spanish from Cross Plains, Wisconsin, plans to teach in Peru; Rachel Forehand, a senior majoring in global studies and Spanish from Asheville, North Carolina, intends to teach in Laos; Mia Kraker, a senior majoring in music performance with a minor in German from Duluth, Minnesota, hopes to teach in Germany; Lorcan Krecek ’24 plans to teach in the Czech Republic; Linnea Morris ’24 intends to teach in Mexico; Marissa Polzin, a senior majoring in chemistry from Sturtevant, Wisconsin, aims for study/research in New Zealand; Samuel Schuler, pursuing dual majors in music performance (voice) and history from Columbia, Maryland, plans to teach in Germany; Alex Stanger, a senior majoring in film studies and German from East Calais, Vermont, intends to teach in Germany.

Fulbright awards provide U.S. citizens with opportunities to study, teach English or conduct research abroad for nine to twelve months. These fellowships aim to support cultural exchange and foster mutual understanding between nations.

Kervin leads the Fulbright Committee at Lawrence University that interviews applicants and prepares endorsement materials.

The Fulbright Program is funded by an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State. It also receives support from participating governments and host institutions worldwide.