For the past 15 years, Fairfield has produced so many Fulbright award-winning students that it has become known as a Fulbright factory.
Since 1993, over 53 Fairfield students have received one of the most prestigious post-collegiate awards available. Nine students from the class of 2008 received the award, more than any other master's-level University. The next closest amount was three, by eight other schools.
The government-funded scholarship, which sends 800 United States students to foreign countries to assimilate, teach English and conduct research in their respective fields, is given to students who complete a strenuous application process and demonstrate the desire and passion for his or her area of study.
According to Eileen Wilkinson, a professor of modern languages and literature and a member of the Fairfield Fulbright committee, the high number of recipients often results from the fact that "Fairfield attracts many gifted students."
Fulbright recipient André Moraes '07 was one of those students. He wrote a proposal calling himself an international ambassador, and he credited his dedication to "the bridging of cultural gaps through the mutual understanding, studying, learning and teaching of other languages" with his success in and out of the classroom.
Wilkinson remembers Moraes as a "very charismatic person with an insightful awareness of other cultures and languages."
Alejandro Martinez, coordinator of international studies and Fulbright program advisor, echoed Moraes' desires to connect cultures internationally. He attributed the program's success also to the emphasis on academic achievement at Fairfield. While adding that the program "provides room for personal growth," Martinez also said that the program's focus is to improve relations between countries.
"The University wants to focus on the educative experience," said Martinez, which is why he feels Fairfield is so triumphant in this area of Fulbright.
Above all, he said one of the program's primary goals was to send ambassadors to different countries to gain the trust and respect of other nations.
Wilkinson said she is also impressed with the advising program, which correlates to the academic honors program.
It is in this area that Fulbright applicant Kristen McManus '09 finds at fault. As a non-honors student, she feels "the University and administration don't reach out enough to the people who are not in the program to see what they feel or need."
McManus consulted Martinez for advice and guidance, but said that her frustration lies in "there being a lot of bright and promising international studies and business students who aren't receiving the attention they need."
When it comes to the application process, it is often much different than what students have experienced in the past.
"Grant writing is completely different than any other paper you have ever written," said Martinez.
He added that those individuals applying for Fulbright are all qualified, but the only advantage one may have over another is grant-writing skills.
In 2006-07, Fairfield ranked number one in the highest turnout of Fulbright scholars for a university that grants master's degrees.
While no prior experience in the country of choice is needed, though it is sometimes a factor and consideration in the process, many students use their study abroad experience as a model as to what they hope to get out of their Fulbright experience.
Applicant Kathleen Bakarich '08 mentioned in her proposal that her fascination with the German language and country has provided her with the desire to enroll in the fall and winter courses abroad before conducting her research.
Despite the high numbers of Fairfield applicants who are chosen as Fulbright scholars, Martinez and his committee are aiming for more improvements.
His goal is to make the Fulbright process a thougtful conclusion of a student's four years, rather than a project worked on for a short time during one's senior year.
"You have to want to do it, and you have to follow your passion," said Martinez. "Students have the ultimate control over how successful the program is, it is their dedication and will to continue that gives Fairfield such success in the program."
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