University of Portland announces another Fulbright winner, Rachel Morenz, who will teach English next year in Venezuela

Rachel Morenz, who graduated last month with a degree in English and Certificate in Spanish, is the second University of Portland student to receive a Fulbright for next year. Morenz, of Tucson, Ariz., will teach English in Venezuela as part of her post-graduate work.

Previously, it was announced that three University of Portland graduates from the recent class of 2008 had been awarded prestigious scholarships and grants to teach or conduct research in Europe.

Jeanie Toscano received a research Fulbright grant to investigate educational opportunities for Turkish immigrants in Germany. David Gregg received an Austrian government teaching assistantship in English, an award offered through the Fulbright program. Alice-Louise Rossignol received an English teaching award from the French government.

Toscano graduated with bachelor’s degrees in social work and German studies. Gregg graduated with bachelor’s degrees in history and German studies. Rossignol graduated with bachelor’s degrees in English and French studies.

Twenty students from the University of Portland have won Fulbrights, including five 2007 graduates and four 2006 graduates. Last year, the University of Portland ranked first nationally among “master’s institutions” in a listing of top producers of Fulbright Awards for U.S. students in 2007-08, according to a Chronicle of Higher Education report. The previous year, the University ranked second nationally.

The United States Fulbright program began in 1946 after World War II to “assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and other countries of the world” through the exchange of students, scholars and professionals. The program operates in more than 140 countries worldwide.