At Luther College, we emphasize the importance of community. This year, we join in celebrating the 75th anniversary of a remarkable example of community - the Fulbright Program.

A Brief History

In 1945, as the world was still reeling in the aftermath of WWII, Senator J. William Fulbright recognized the importance of building community between nations. He proposed selling surplus war property to fund the “promotion of international good will through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture, and science” (Fulbright History). In 1946, President Truman signed the bill into law and the Fulbright Program was created. Today, over 400,000 Fulbrighters have carried out Senator Fulbright’s vision, creating community as they live, study, and research in over 140 countries.

Senator Fulbright realized that peace and international understanding cannot solely be achieved through laws and treaties. Creating a global community requires individual connections between people. These connections are formed through sharing meals, learning languages, working together in laboratories, or joining a pickup soccer game. During their time abroad, Fulbright recipients are informal ambassadors for the U.S., and when they return home, they share their knowledge of their host country with other Americans. Community is formed one Fulbright recipient at a time.

Luther Is a Longtime Member

Luther College has been part of the Fulbright community since 1949, when class of 1941 graduate Kathryn Ulvilden Moen studied organ at the Oslo Konservatoriet in Norway. Since then, dozens of other Luther alumni have conducted research, taken graduate courses, or served as English Teaching Assistants in countries as varied as Bulgaria, Malaysia, Venezuela and Tajikistan. Through the Fulbright Scholar program, Luther faculty also research and teach in countries around the world.

Active Participation

Fulbright awards for students fall into two main categories: study/research and English Teaching Assistant. Study/research awards fund well-developed research projects and/or programs of study at any phase of post-baccalaureate education. English Teaching Assistant (ETA) awards allow recent graduates to live and teach abroad; language proficiency and subject area requirements vary by country. Both types of awards allow recipients to live abroad for an academic year—time to truly discover and connect with their new community.

Since 2018, it has been my privilege to work with Luther seniors and recent graduates as they prepare their Fulbright applications. The flurry of last-minute essay revisions, applicant interviews, and final submissions has become part of my fall routine. Each year, I am impressed and inspired by our students and their goals, which range from teaching English in Peru to conducting Parkinson’s research in Germany. I also enjoy listening to students’ ideas for engaging with their host communities, which include singing in local choirs, working with local charities, or starting English-language clubs for their students. These applicants embody Senator Fulbright’s vision of international peace and understanding.

What should you do if you are interested in Fulbright? If you are a student or a recent alum who wants to apply, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program website is a great first resource. (Faculty members, see the Fulbright Scholar Program). If you want to read more about the Fulbright legacy and its impact on recipients, check out the Fulbright 75th Anniversary website. If you are a Fulbright alum with Luther connections, post a picture of yourself from your Fulbright experience with #Fulbright and #LutherCollege. Happy 75th, Fulbright community!