Hilary Bauer ’12, a recent graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College has been named a Fulbright Scholar for 2012. Bauer is the third Gustavus alumni this year to receive the honor as she joins previously announced recipients Jean-Paul Noel ’12 and Claire Sagstuen ’11. The Fulbright Scholar Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
Bauer, who graduated with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, will serve as an English Teaching Assistant in South Korea beginning in July of 2012.
“I’m really looking forward to living with a Korean family in a city that will be decided once I get to Korea for a six week orientation and training program,” Bauer said. “In my free time I’m hoping to spend time with my host family, volunteer in a hospital, take Korean dance classes, and travel around the country.”
During her four years at Gustavus, Bauer served as a Gustavus Ambassador and was inducted into the Guild of St. Lucia. She also worked for the departments of biology and chemistry as a tutor, teaching assistant, HHMI Peer Mentor, and a Mayo Scholar researcher.
“Hilary is a first generation college student from a blue collar community in Northern Minnesota who has succeeded despite the odds against her,” Gustavus Professor of Biology Pamela Kittelson said. “She knew she lacked many of the advantages that her suburban cohort experienced and she was determined to work hard to fill in the gaps. She never shied away from taking some of the most challenging classes on campus and she has a sophisticated, mature approach to learning. The beauty of Hilary’s personality is how she wins practically everyone over with her mature and poised style, and excellent listening, speaking and collaborative skills. She will serve knowledgeably with intelligence, compassion, humility, and curiosity.”
Bauer is quick to thank several professors who impacted her life during her tenure at Gustavus, including Kittelson, David Obermiller (History), Sanjive Qazi (Biology), and Alisa Rosenthal (Political Science).
“I had several professors who helped me so much along my journey at Gustavus by writing reference letters, helping me through challenging coursework and life events, and sparking passions inside me that I didn’t know I had,” she said. “I am forever grateful to them for taking time out of their busy lives to go above and beyond to help me. Each one of them made huge differences in my life.”
The Fulbright Scholar Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. The program has provided almost 300,000 participants – chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential – with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. The program awards approximately 7,500 new grants annually and currently operates in more than 155 countries worldwide.
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