University of Portland is the Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students

University of Portland is the Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students

Portland, OR. The University of Portland (UP) is the top producer of Fulbright U.S. Students in the nation among master’s level institutions, according to an annual study just released by the Chronicle of Higher Education. UP ranks first nationally in Fulbright U.S. awardees for the academic year 2020-2021, with 10 students receiving prestigious grants to study, conduct research, and/or teach English abroad. (Master’s Colleges and Universities are institutions that award at least 50 master’s degrees, but fewer than 20 doctorates.)

The University of Portland is located at 5000 N Willamette Blvd Portland.

“This honor reflects very positively on many members of the UP community – the students who went through multiple iterations of their application materials; faculty members who wrote letters of recommendation; and finally the Fulbright Campus Committee composed of many faculty members who read the student applications and offered feedback on how to improve their submissions. Being ranked Number 1 is a validation of the hard work that countless people contributed to the students’ success,” said John Orr, UP Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement and Professor of English.

The 2020 Fulbright finalists from UP, and their assigned countries, are Erick Berrelleza (Mexico), Travis Bigelow (Mexico), Joshua Bode (Mexico), Isabel Cortens (Argentina), Autumn Fluetsch (Luxembourg), Athena Hills (Germany), Surabhi Joglekar (Taiwan), Preston Korst (Bulgaria), Amanda Mosler (Colombia), and Joanne Tran (Taiwan).

“We are delighted to see that the colleges and universities we are honoring as 2020-2021 Fulbright Top Producing Institutions reflect the geographic and institutional diversity of higher education in the United States,” said Mary Kirk, Director of the Office of Academic Exchange Programs in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. “In supporting their faculty advisors and administrators who guide their students through the Fulbright application process, these institutions benefit from having their students represent their campus overseas, often inspiring reciprocal exchanges from foreign ‘Fulbrighters.’ Fulbright U.S. Students enrich their educations, advance their careers, and make valuable contributions abroad and at home. They also expand their networks by joining the diverse and accomplished group of Fulbright alumni and receiving the professional recognition that comes with being named a Fulbright Student.”

About the Fullbright Program:

The Fulbright Program was created to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.  Fulbright is the world’s largest and most diverse international educational exchange program. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. 

2021 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Fulbright Program.  Celebrations throughout the year will highlight the impressive accomplishments and legacy of the program and its alumni over its first 75 years, both in the United States and around the world.  A dedicated 75th anniversary website will be updated throughout 2021 to showcase Fulbright alumni, partner countries, and anniversary events.

Since its inception in 1946, over 400,000 people from all backgrounds—recent university graduates, teachers, scientists and researchers, artists, and more—have participated in the Fulbright Program and returned with an expanded worldview, a deep appreciation for their host country and its people, and a new network of colleagues and friends. Fulbright alumni have become heads of state, judges, ambassadors, cabinet ministers, CEOs, and university presidents, as well as leading journalists, artists, scientists, and teachers. They include 60 Nobel Laureates, 88 Pulitzer Prize winners, 75 MacArthur Fellows, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and non-profit sectors.

For more information on the University’s ranking, please go here. For further information about the Fulbright Program, please visit here.

From University of Portland:

The University of Portland is an independently governed Catholic university guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross; with a mission focusing on teaching and learning, faith and formation, and service and leadership. Multiple national media platforms consistently rank the University among the top institutions of higher education in the American West.  It is the only school in Oregon to offer a College of Arts & Sciences, a graduate school, and nationally accredited programs in the schools of business, education, engineering and nursing.  More information is available at www.up.edu.  

Local College Students Unite for 4th Annual MLK Day of Service

Local College Students Unite for 4th Annual MLK Day of Service

Portland, January 21st, 2013.  Hats off to Oregon Campus Compact for bringing together 1,000 students from nine local colleges on MLK Day. Students spent time sorting, cleaning, and distributing gently used children’s books in the Portland area. In total, college students donated 4,000 hours of volunteer time and distributed 40,000 used children’s books into homes, schools, and libraries. Students were from Concordia University, George Fox University, Lewis & Clark College, Portland Community College, Portland State University, Reed College, University of Portland, Warner Pacific College, and Western Oregon University.

Students at the rally get ready to serve and honor the life and legacy of Dr. King!

Students at the rally get ready to serve and honor the life and legacy of Dr. King!

Oregon Campus Compact Associate Director, Tina Shantz, at the mic giving directions and getting students excited to serve.

Oregon Campus Compact Associate Director, Tina Shantz, at the mic giving directions and getting students excited to serve.

Students pose for a picture after leaving the rally and heading to their service sites.

Students pose for a picture after leaving the rally and heading to their service sites.

College students begin sorting through gently used children's books. Throughout the day, 700 students organized, cleaned, and helped distribute 40,000 books to low-income homes, libraries, and schools in Portland.

College students begin sorting through gently used children’s books. Throughout the day, 700 students organized, cleaned, and helped distribute 40,000 books to low-income homes, libraries, and schools in Portland.

Children's books being sent into the Portland community.

Children’s books being sent into the Portland community.

The service projects prompted volunteers to reflect on the value of education and how poverty impacts learning.

“It’s really exciting to bring together a large group of college students to respond to the community’s needs,” said Concordia University’s Assistant Director of Service Leadership, Amy Dickerson. “MLK Day is impactful because it inspires students to serve not only one day but also to continue their service to the community throughout the year. By uniting colleges and universities to serve together, students become a part of something bigger than each of their individual campuses.”

College students in Oregon are experienced with serving their community. Oregon ranks eighth in the country for college student volunteerism according to the Corporation for National & Community Service report, Volunteering and Civic Life in America. Oregon’s students are challenging those who believe they are disengaged and apathetic by showing up (in record numbers) to serve and prove through action that they are making a difference in their community.

Other popular MLK events  included:

• “Keep Alive the Dream,” a celebration for all ages produced by the World Arts Foundation, Inc., this event featured speakers and performers from various civic and social community organizations.

• The Annual MLK Remembrance and Work Day for the Northeast Portland Backpack Lunch Program, which provides lunches for children at Woodlawn, King and Harvey Scott schools.