Emily Neice ’19 has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to Germany from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The prestigious award will allow Neice to support the teaching of English at a school in Germany through a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship.
Neice, a history major with minors in German and global studies and member of the cycling team, is one of over 2,100 U.S. citizens who will conduct research, teach English, and provide expertise abroad for the 2019-20 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as their record of service and leadership potential in their respective fields.
“I knew that post-graduation I wanted to find a way to help people and to try and make this world a better place. The Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship seemed the best of both worlds,” Neice said.
Neice has spent her final semester of school studying abroad at Salzburg College in Salzburg, Austria, and in September, she’ll be back abroad, placed in a classroom in Schwleswig Holstein, Germany, to provide assistance to the local English teachers.
“Learning and teaching abroad allows for values and cultures to be experienced firsthand by both parties. As a climate of nationalism moves across the globe, the ideals of Senator Fulbright are as important as ever. I wanted to play a part in trying to bring our two countries closer together though this program,” Neice said.
Wendy Westphal, Ph.D., assistant professor of German and chair of the Department of Languages and Cultures, Adrianna Ernstberger, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, and Dean Peterson, head cycling coach, were all mentors for Neice as she pursued the award.
“The Marian faculty and athletic coaching staff has already built a strong reputation for helping guide their students and athletes to success, but these three go above and beyond that every day,” Neice said. “Without them, I would not have had the confidence to even pursue such a grant, let alone have grown into an individual worthy of receiving it. I am proud and thankful to be a Marian Knight.”
As a Fullbrighter, Neice will build lasting relationships and serve as a cultural ambassador for the U.S.
“The roles she has chosen over the years show that she wants to make a positive impact on a personal level. Ms. Neice has outstanding communication skills, a warm and open personality, and an empathetic nature—all necessary qualities for a good teacher.” Westphal said.
