By Claire Fitzgibbons ’19, Staff Writer

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recently named LVC one of the top 79 Fulbright producing schools in the country.

The Fulbright is one of the most prestigious academic awards in the world, and allows students to conduct research or teach in a foreign country for a year. In the last four years LVC has doubled its number of Fulbright recipients, including three from the class of 2019.

Dr. Philip Benesch, LVC’s associate professor of politics, director of pre-law, and director of external scholarships & fellowships, is thrilled with LVC’s recent Fulbright success.

“I’m delighted,” he said. “People here at LVC are very modest, very humble. They don’t necessarily think they’re entitled to these kinds of awards. Now they can see that they are within reach, and that’s really exciting.”

Because the Fulbright is such a distinguished award, it can have immense benefits for those students who receive one. For students like Katie Hockenbury ‘18, the Fulbright experience was both life and career changing.

“I gained a world view, amazing wordly friends, and some amazing experiences,” she said. “I also get a lot of benefits from the award itself including first priority on jobs with the government and no application fees for some PHD programs.”

Ultimately, Benesch hopes that more LVC students will follow in Hockenbury’s path and decide to pursue a Fulbright.

“It is an opportunity for students, before they settle into their career tracks, to get out and see the world,” he said. “Those are magnificent things. Hopefully success builds on success and students will apply and be interested in this.”

Although applications for 2019 are almost due, those interested in applying for the award in 2020 can contact Benesch at benesch@lvc.edu for more details.