Loyola named a “top producer” of Fulbright scholars

Loyola University Maryland has been named a “top producer” for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program among institutions for 2017-18. The University has annually had at least one Fulbright winner for the past ten years with many years seeing the University with more than one winner—including four recipients last year: Sarah Leder, ’17, Veronica Wasno, ’17, and Calix O’Hara, ’17, and alumna Allie Whitefleet, ’12. 

Loyola’s two Fulbright awards winners and summer Fulbright winner for 2018 are Hunter Flynn, ’18, Sandy Abboud, ’18, and Michelle Reilly, ’20.

Flynn, an English literature major and Asian studies and film studies minor from Timonium, Md., will travel to Japan to do research on his favorite author, William Faulkner. Abboud, an interdisciplinary biology and chemistry major from Bel Air, Md., will travel to France to conduct research on the impact of a health educator program and how it may be used to prevent the acquisition of non-communicable disease among the Syrian refugee population.

Reilly, a political science and global studies major, is the first Loyola student to win a UK Fulbright Summer Award. This summer, she is studying at the University of Bristol’s Summer Institute Program. The Bristol Summer program explores the intersection of arts, activism, and social justice. Topics include racial justice and slavery, migration and refugees, and environmental sustainability. Students will participate in seminars, workshops, and cultural excursions, including an archaeological dig, a night at the theatre, and a day trip to explore London.

“It is an honor for Loyola to be named a “top producer” of Fulbright scholars. Our students do amazing things and are supported by a wonderful community that helps them thrive,” said Maiju Lehmijoki-Gardner, Ph.D., director of Pre-Health Programs and the faculty member who oversees the Fulbright application process for Loyola students.