A photo of a crowd of people walking past a sign that says \"VCU\" in giant yellow letters.
Since 2006, more than 90 VCU students and alumni have received Fulbright awards, including five this year. (File photo)

May 20, 2024

Five recent VCU graduates receive Fulbright awards for the 2024-25 academic year

In earning one the country’s top academic honors, they push VCU’s total to near 100 since establishment of its National Scholarship Office.

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By William Lineberry
University College & Honors College

Five recent graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University have been selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for the 2024-25 academic year, one of the most competitive scholarships in the country. 

The Fulbright program is sponsored by the federal government to increase understanding between Americans and the people of other countries. It operates in more than 140 countries, and more than 2,000 grants are awarded annually to graduating college seniors, graduate students and recent alumni. The scholars receive funding to teach English abroad, conduct research, pursue creative projects or study for a graduate degree.

“I’m delighted to add my voice to the many who are congratulating these outstanding students for earning Fulbright awards. They remind us of the unlimited potential that our students offer every day at VCU,” said Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Much like the national yearly rankings that demonstrate VCU’s ascendency as a transformative and impactful university, the seemingly annual announcement of multiple VCU Rams earning this distinct opportunity speaks to the quality of our students and the good work of our faculty and staff to support them throughout their academic journey.”

The five latest Fulbright recipients from VCU are:

Three photos of women from the chest up next to each other
(Left to right) Rana Ansari, Oorvi Budhwar and Arden Gentry.
  • Rana Ansari, a May 2024 graduate from the Honors College with a degree in biology from the College of Humanities and Sciences
  • Oorvi Budhwar (2022), an alum with a degree in political science from the College of Humanities and Sciences (and a graduate of the VCU Globe program)
  • Arden Gentry (2022), an alum with a degree in communication arts from the School of the Arts
A photo of a woman from the shoulders up next to a photo of a man sitting at a table with paint brushes.
(Left to right) Rebecca Gilmore Lanz and Nate Hosmer.
  • Rebecca Gilmore Lanz, a May 2024 graduate from the Honors College with a degree in photography from the School of the Arts
  • Nate Hosmer, a May 2024 graduate from Honors College with a degree in painting and printmaking from the School of the Arts

The recipients continue an upward trend of multiple honorees from VCU on an annual basis. Since the founding in 2006 of the VCU National Scholarship Office, which assists students in applying for national and international scholarships, more than 90 students and alumni have received Fulbright awards.

In addition to the five recipients for the 2024-25 academic year, VCU has three alternates who still might receive Fulbright awards.

  • Rebecca Gunnin, a May 2024 graduate from the Honors College with a degree in biology from the College of Humanities and Sciences
  • Eileen Morley, a May 2024 graduate with a degree in craft and material studies from the School of the Arts
  • Helengrace Quilon (2022), an Honors College alum with a degree in biology from the College of Humanities and Sciences

Each Fulbright candidate applied with the support and encouragement of the NSO. Current students and recent alumni can visit the NSO website to register for upcoming information sessions, learn more about other external funding opportunities and schedule an appointment with a staff member.

“It’s a huge honor to work with VCU’s Fulbright applicants, who highlight just how impressive our students and alumni are,” said Meredith Sisson, Ph.D., associate director of the NSO. “They are not only academically excellent but also ambitious, creative and determined in their pursuit of international adventures. They know how important it is to strengthen their cultural agility, alongside the skills and knowledge they will hone through their research and creative projects and English teaching experiences abroad. This Fulbright grant year abroad will be life-changing, and we are grateful to have played a supporting part.”