Monica Mazzoli, of Raleigh, N.C., Selected as a 2012-2013 Fulbright Scholar

VILLANOVA, PA (06/05/2012)(readMedia)-- Monica Mazzoli, of Raleigh, N.C., has been awarded a 2012-2013 Fulbright Full Grant to the United Kingdom. Fulbright Full Grant candidates pursue independent post-baccalaureate-level research or a graduate degree program.

Mazzoli 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.

Mazzoli graduated summa cum laude from Villanova University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She was named a 2011 Falvey Scholar for her research on the work of Lucy Hutchinson, a 17th-century Reformist poet. While at Villanova, Mazzoli was a member of the Student Government Association and volunteered as a Career Advisor for the Career Center and as a tutor for a local high school. She has been working in patient relations at the Duke University Medical Center and has continued her volunteer activities as a mentor for the Wake County Boys and Girls Club. For her Fulbright, Mazzoli will pursue a Master of Arts degree in Renaissance Literature at the University of York. She also plans to continue her research on the works of those who are considered to be lesser known early modern female writers. Upon returning to the United States, Mazzoli hopes to pursue a PhD in English.

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.

-XXX-