The five Gusties who helped the College earn Top Producing Institution distinction from the Fulbright Program (left to right): Mad Chase ’23, Leslie Darling ’15, Maria Marquez Flores ’22, Samantha Raghu ’21, Kelsey Walock ’23. (Photo credits in order: Gustavus Quarterly, Gustavian Weekly, submitted, file photo, submitted)
Gustavus Adolphus College has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution in 2023-24 after five Gusties earned fellowships in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program to pursue graduate research or teach English abroad.
Fulbright is one of the most prestigious academic exchange programs in the world. It was established in 1946 with the goal of “increasing mutual understanding and supporting friendly and peaceful relations between the people of the U.S. and the people of other countries.” 
The five Gusties who received Fulbright awards in the 2023-2024 academic year were:
- Mad Chase ’23 (Study/Research in Sweden)
- Lesley Darling ’15 (Study/Research in Sweden)
- Maria Marquez Flores ’22 (English Teaching Associate [ETA] in Spain)
- Samantha Raghu ’21 (Thailand ETA)
- Kelsey Walock ’23 (Bulgaria ETA)
The grantees, graduating seniors and recent alumni, applied for the Fulbright with support from the Gustavus Fellowships Office. “Applicants work for months crafting a vision of how they intend to serve in an ambassadorial role,” said Fellowships Office Director, Dr. Pamela Kittelson. “It was a joy to see how their ideas for representing the U.S., Gustavus, and their communities crystallized in unique and meaningful ways. Their awards and this recognition is another testament to the excellent and positive contributions that Gustavus students make to the world.”
The Top Producing designation puts Gustavus alongside just 32 other baccalaureate schools nationwide, and the College is one of four such honorees in Minnesota. Seven Gustavus students are semi-finalists in the competition this year. The finalists will be announced by mid-April. Fulbright also has a U.S. Scholar Program for college and university faculty, for which Gustavus has twice been named a Top Producing Institution.
###
Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510