Four Drury students reach semifinalist stage for prestigious Fulbright award

News-Leader staff
·2 min read

Four Drury University students have been selected as semi-finalists for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

It offers fully funded international grants for travel and work abroad in more than 160 countries.

Finalists will receive funding to travel abroad and pursue graduate studies, conduct research or teach English.

An aerial look at Drury University
An aerial look at Drury University

During their time abroad, students will share daily experiences with those in the host country, gaining cultural exchange and an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs.

Drury applicants prepared several grants reflecting on their qualifications, ability to foster mutual understanding and potential to serve as a U.S. student ambassador.

They also participated in a mentoring process unique to Drury’s campus for this year, including working closely with faculty advisors, attending a campus feedback session and receiving a campus endorsement.

“It’s gratifying to see our talented Drury students recognized at the national level,” said Shelley Wolbrink, faculty mentor for the National Scholarships and Fellowships Office, in a news release. “Fulbright opportunities are life-changing for the student, local host community and future careers. It’s one of the best ways to make meaningful change.”

The four Drury semifinalists include:

  • Jack Corp, Class of 2022, semi-finalist for Taiwan, is from Ozark, and has bachelor’s degrees in political science and history and minors in Asian studies and medieval and renaissance studies;

  • Emilee Harless, Class of 2022, semi-finalist for Bulgaria, is from Independence, and has bachelor’s degrees in political science, English and writing, minors in law and society and Middle East studies and a certificate in professional training;

  • Marek Clough, Class of 2023, semi-finalist for Madrid, Spain, is from Wichita, and will graduate with bachelor’s degrees in political science, history and Spanish with a certificate in wrongful convictions;

  • Destany L’heureux,Class of 2023, semi-finalist for Galicia, Spain, is from Peculiar, and will graduate with bachelor’s degrees in biology, chemistry and Spanish, a minor in psychology and a certificate in professional and visual communication.

Wolbrink says among the four Fulbright semi-finalists, three are first-generation students, meaning they will be the first in their family to graduate from college.

“Drury students are extremely committed to leadership, have a variety of majors and certificates that make them great communicators, and are passionate about global cultures,” she said in the release.

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Since the program's founding in 1946, 60 Fulbright scholars have gone on to win a Nobel Prize.

Semi-finalist applications have now passed to the home countries for final consideration in Spain, Taiwan and Bulgaria. Students will be notified in late spring of their final status.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Four Drury students reach semifinalist stage for Fulbright award