The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is recognizing the noteworthy engagement that selected Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) have achieved with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program. Whittier is one of 35 HSIs to receive this distinction.
Fulbright HSI Leader status has been conferred on this group of 35 HSIs, including Whittier, because they have demonstrated noteworthy engagement with Fulbright exchange participants during the 2019-2021 academic years and have promoted Fulbright Program opportunities on campus. Fulbright HSI Leaders were announced today during an international plenary session at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) annual conference.
This initiative is part of the U.S. State Department’s longstanding commitment to build diversity and inclusion within the Fulbright Program and within all the Bureau’s international exchange programs.
On July 28, 2021, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona released a Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education, which outlines the many benefits of international education and the need for “all Americans [...] to be equipped with global and cultural competencies.” The Fulbright HSI Leaders Initiative supports the goals of the Joint Statement, including the principle that U.S. participants in international exchanges should reflect the diversity of the United States.
"We are honored to receive this recognition" said Whittier College Director of Fellowships Sylvia Lopez-Vetrone '99, the James Irvine Foundation Chair of Biological Sciences. "We will continue to present this nationally recognized fellowship experience to students so that they can apply their Whittier education around the world to serve in educational and scholarly activities that positively impact the greater global community."
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Academic Programs Ethan Rosenzweig, speaking on behalf of ECA, which sponsors the Fulbright Program, congratulated and thanked the leadership of the designated institutions for recognizing the impact of the Fulbright Program, saying, “Thank you for creating a campus culture that celebrates the mission of Fulbright and international exchanges. Thank you for epitomizing the principle that mutual understanding between peoples of the United States and other countries will lead to a more just and peaceful society at home.”
Rosenzweig also praised the faculty, staff, and administrators on campus who recruit, advise and support future Fulbrighters throughout the application process, stating "your work epitomizes the values of why we all come to our jobs each and every day... to ensure our students have every opportunity to excel beyond goals they may not have believed were ever obtainable."
2021 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Fulbright Program. Celebrations throughout the year are highlighting the impressive accomplishments and legacy of the program and its alumni over its first 75 years, both in the United States and around the world. A dedicated 75th anniversary website showcases Fulbright alumni, partner countries, and anniversary events.
The Fulbright Program was created to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
