Mattie Cryer, a 2017 Southwestern graduate, was recently selected as a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Finalist. 

The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs.

Mattie will serve as a teaching assistant at an Argentine University from March to November of 2018. A supplementary project will focus on the coordination and development of Rotary and Rotaract on the college campus with current students to further develop student leadership in the community.

Mattie was “a joy to work with,” describes Professor of English David Gaines, who advised the Spanish major during her four years at Southwestern. “She was not only a splendid student majoring and receiving honors in Spanish. She also was a campus leader, a natural born traveler/explorer, and a person who made terrific intellectual and activist connections throughout her time here.”

Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. The program, which is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries, operates in over 160 countries worldwide.

Professor Gaines adds, “She is our 18th Fulbright recipient in 18 years and will do Southwestern, Fulbright, and the United States proud.”

Congratulations, Mattie!