Hartwick's Eric Schultz Named Fulbright Scholar

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Eric Schultz

ONEONTA, NY (04/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Eric Schultz, a member of the Hartwick College Class of 2012, has been named a Fulbright Scholar. He will spend nine months after his graduation from Hartwick teaching English in Germany as part of the U.S. government's most prestigious international exchange program. Schultz is the 21st Hartwick College student since 1980 to be selected a Fulbright scholar.

Schultz, 22, is a native of Gloversville, NY. A double major in German and political science, he was driven to apply to the Fulbright Program because of his interests in "leadership, helping others, and being a global citizen," he said recently.

Schultz' family is of German descent, and he has spent time in southern Germany, but he hasn't yet been abroad for the length of time he will enjoy during his Fulbright assistantship. Schultz departs in September 2012 and will return in June 2013.

"My education at Hartwick has been a tremendous help in preparing for this," he reflected. "Almost unconsciously, as I've pursued what I love, it has all led to this moment. It feels right.

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright Program provides 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. Grants are available for U.S. citizens to go abroad and for non-U.S. citizens with no U.S. permanent residence to come to the U.S. The Fulbright Program is an important element of the United States' bilateral relationships with countries around the world. U.S. and foreign governments jointly set priorities for the exchanges.

Throughout his time at Hartwick, Schultz has taken advantage of the varied opportunities the school offers to meld a liberal arts education with experiential learning. He traveled to China and Austria during subsequent January Term experiences, and to Prague as a member of the Hartwick College Choir, in which he sings as a baritone. He has served his fellow students as an at-large representative to Student Senate, as well as its vice president in 2011, and president in 2012. Schultz's academic advisors are Wendell Frye, Professor of German, and Laurel Elder, Associate Professor Political Science.

When he graduates from Hartwick in May, Schultz will become the fourth member of his family to do so. His grandmother, Margaret Rodgers, attended in the 1930s. His father, Rodger, is a member of the Class of 1966, and his brother Victor graduated from Hartwick in 2009. Schultz plans to pursue graduate studies in public administration when he returns from Germany.

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ABOUT HARTWICK

Hartwick College is a private liberal arts and sciences college of 1,500 students, located in Oneonta, NY, in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Hartwick's expansive curriculum emphasizes a uniquely experiential approach to the liberal arts. Through personalized teaching, collaborative research, a unique January Term, a wide range of internships, and vast study-abroad opportunities, Hartwick ensures that students are prepared for the world ahead. A Three Year Bachelor's Degree Program and strong financial aid and scholarship offerings keep a Hartwick education affordable.