John Rafferty, JD, of Devon, Pa., Selected as a 2012-2013 Fulbright Scholar

VILLANOVA, PA (06/05/2012)(readMedia)-- John Rafferty, JD, of Devon, Pa., has been awarded a 2012-2013 Fulbright Full Grant to Ecuador. Fulbright Full Grant candidates pursue independent post-baccalaureate-level research or a graduate degree program.

Rafferty is one of five Villanova University alumni selected as a 2012-2013 Fulbright Scholar-with plans to serve as international cultural ambassadors, continue research opportunities or further their educations through this international education exchange program.

"Villanova's Fulbright Scholars have actively sought every opportunity to excel at Villanova as academic leaders. They are exceptional representatives of Villanovans using their gifts to serve the global community," said Jane Morris, Director of the University's Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.

Rafferty is a 2012 graduate of the Villanova University School of Law (VLS). Prior to attending VLS, he earned a degree in Philosophy at Boston College and worked as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy in Japan, California and Bahrain. He earned a full scholarship to attend VLS as a Public Interest Scholar with the intention of practicing in the area of international human rights. Since returning to the United States, Rafferty has had success in implementing and advocating for stronger anti-trafficking policies and initiatives and arguing for political asylum for victims of domestic violence. While in Ecuador, Rafferty will partner with government agencies and non-government organizations to spread awareness and understanding of Ecuador's human trafficking policies and laws as well as the challenges facing the prosecution of such crimes. Prior to being named a Fulbright Scholar, he received a 2012 Independence Foundation Public Interest Law Fellowship to work with the Philadelphia-based Friends of Farmworkers. Rafferty will begin representing victims of labor trafficking in Pennsylvania upon his return in 2013.

About The Fulbright Program: The Fulbright Program, America's flagship international education exchange program, is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Since its establishment in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the Fulbright Program has provided approximately 295,000 Americans the opportunity to exchange ideas and embark on joint ventures of importance to the general welfare of the world's inhabitants. The Program operates in over 155 countries worldwide. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is administered by the Institute of International Education.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University's Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's five colleges – the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing and the Villanova University School of Law. As students grow intellectually, Villanova prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them.

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