Three students from Butler University will participate in the Fulbright Summer Institute in the United Kingdom, one of the most prestigious and selective summer scholarship programs operating worldwide. Julia Bartusek ’20, from New Prague, Minnesota; Jeremy Caylor ’19, from Tipton, Indiana; and Carly McCarthy ’19, from Galesburg, Illinois, have received a prestigious place to study at Queen’s University, the University of Exeter, and the University of Strathclyde/Glasgow School of Art, respectively.
The US-UK Fulbright Commission is the only bi-lateral, transatlantic scholarship program offering awards and summer programs for study or research in any field, at any accredited U.S. or U.K. university. The Commission is part of the Fulbright program conceived by Senator J. William Fulbright in the aftermath of World War II to promote leadership, learning, and empathy between nations through educational exchange. Award recipients and summer program participants will be the future leaders for tomorrow and support the “special relationship” between the US and UK.
“With only 60 placements available in this distinguished program, I am particularly pleased that Butler University—with three participants—represents 5 percent of the total 2017 Fulbright Summer Institute population,” said Dacia Charlesworth, Director of Undergraduate Research and Prestigious Scholarships, who assisted students in the application process. “I was thrilled to have two winners in 2016 from Butler for the first time ever, and I hope that our students continue to remain interested in this award as Butler University’s focus on liberal and professional education prepares outstanding applicants for this program.”
As participants, these students have been selected from a strong applicant pool to experience the UK on a four- or three-week summer program.
Julia Bartusek, double majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies and Human Communication and Organization, was one of three students selected to participate in the program “Understanding Ireland: Northern Perspectives: Conflict Transformation” at internationally renowned Queen’s University Belfast. She will learn about Northern Ireland in terms of its political, economic, and cultural relationships within the United Kingdom and in the world; learn about the theories and practices of conflict transformation from within local and global perspectives; and interact with a range of people including politicians, police officers, community workers, and people involved in conflict resolution.
“I cannot wait to learn more about global conflict alongside students from around the world while experiencing Northern Ireland and all it has to offer,” she said. “I hope to gain new perspectives and understanding for conflict and how these events affect citizens. I hope to bring back these immeasurable and valuable lessons to Butler to further my own research, to share with my classmates, and to eventually go into the field of public policy where my time at Queen’s will surely impact my work. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience and I am ecstatic to be a participant.”
Jeremy Caylor, a Biology major, was one of four students selected to participate in the program “Issues in Climate Change” at the University of Exeter. He will learn about environmental change and its consequences through both field work and classroom learning with faculty from the University of Exeter’s Geography department, which is one of the most successful in the UK and ranked in the top 25 in the world.
“It is an amazing honor to be selected,” he said. “As a Fulbright summer program participant, I will have the opportunity to travel outside of the United States for the first time in my life. I know the exposure to new people and perspectives will help me grow my understanding of the world. I plan to return with an experience that I can use for the rest of my life to encourage others to pursue similar cultural and academic opportunities.”
Carly McCarthy, majoring in Science, Technology, and Society, was one of 10 students selected to participate in “Scotland: Technology, Innovation and Creativity” at the University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art. She will gain a unique perspective on the cultural and political forces that have shaped modern Scotland, with a strong emphasis on its pioneering role as a technological nation.
“I hope this work enables me to further my understanding of Scottish culture and the importance of the roles of innovation and creativity in a technologically advancing world through a new perspective,” she said. “I also hope to take advantage of my time and immerse myself in the culture, explore historical sites and the scenic beauty in Scotland, and make new life-long friends. I could not be any more excited or grateful about my opportunity to study in Scotland.”
The Commission selects participants through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards the Commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Program, and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.
Fulbright Summer Institutes cover all participant costs. In addition, Fulbright summer participants receive a distinctive support and cultural education program including visa processing, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, enrichment opportunities in country, a re-entry session, and opportunity to join our alumni networks.
Media contact:
Marc Allan
mallan@butler.edu
317-940-9822