Lawrence University honored as one of nation’s leading producers of Fulbright scholars

March 10, 2025

APPLETON – Lawrence University has been recognized as one of the nation’s top colleges or universities in producing Fulbright recipients.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs today named Lawrence as a Fulbright Student Top Producing Institution, the second time Lawrence has earned the prestigious honor in the past seven years. 

Per the Fulbright website (us.fulbrightonline.org), Lawrence is one of 84 institutions across the country recognized in the student category (130 when including the Scholar Program).

Four recent graduates of Lawrence were selected for Fulbright awards for the academic year 2024-25, marking the 11th time in the past 17 years Lawrence has had multiple Fulbright recipients.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by the Fulbright Program as one of the nation’s top producers of Fulbright scholars,” President Laurie A. Carter said. “It is an honor that speaks to Lawrence’s rigorous education, the ability of our faculty and staff to prepare students to be competitive at the highest levels, and the commitment of our students to be engaged global citizens. Thank you to our fellowships team for their commitment to making this path possible for our students.”

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program. 

Per the program’s website, since 1946, it has provided more than 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. 

In all, Lawrence has produced 67 Fulbright scholars since the program was first introduced.

Lawrence’s 2024-25 Fulbright class includes:

• Jonathan Bass ’24, who was a double degree student in music performance (piano) and French and francophone studies. He received the Fulbright-Harriet Hale Woolley Award in the Arts to study in France. He is pursuing a graduate degree in piano performance.
• Gunner Bauer ’23, who majored in government and Russian studies, is teaching English in Slovakia.
• Miri Villerius ’23, who was a music and religious studies double major, is teaching English in Italy.
• Ayla Walther ’23, who received her teacher certification with plans to teach German, is teaching English in Germany.