Four Recent University of Richmond Graduates Receive Fulbright Grants
Student Scholars
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Four University of Richmond graduates have accepted Fulbright grants for the 2026–27 academic year.
The Fulbright Program, which is sponsored by the U.S. government, is designed to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries through educational exchange. Grants are available for recent graduates to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.
"Our students are a perfect fit for the Fulbright program," said Dana Kuchem, director of the Office of Scholars and Fellowships, which coordinates the application process for Richmond students and alumni. "We know our students are deeply interested in cultural exchange and are heavily engaged in their campus and communities. The Fulbright allows them to combine these interests after graduation, acting as ambassadors for the U.S. abroad."
This year’s recipients are:
Saige Beatman, Class of 2026 from Berlin, Connecticut, will complete an English Language Assistantship in the Czech Republic.
A history and business administration double major, Beatman also minored in Jewish studies and previously studied abroad in Prague. After Fulbright, she plans to pursue doctoral studies with the goal of becoming a professor of history.“I am honored to return to the Czech Republic as a Fulbright awardee and to represent the United States. Because my research explored the transnational relationship between the two countries, I am especially excited to engage with that connection firsthand while making a meaningful impact on students’ lives.”
Ciara MacMullen, Class of 2025 from Spring City, Pennsylvania, will travel to Colombia for an English Teaching Assistantship.
MacMullen double majored in psychology and Latin American, Latino, & Iberian studies, and previously studied abroad in Chile and Spain. She plans a career in social work supporting immigrant and youth populations.
“Becoming bilingual has opened countless doors for me academically, professionally, and personally, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to support Colombian students on their own journeys toward bilingualism while learning from them and their culture in return.”
Sadie Nolan, Class of 2026 from San Francisco, California, will complete an English Teaching Assistantship in Spain.
A double major in Latin American, Latino, & Iberian studies and philosophy, politics, economics, and law, Nolan has previously studied abroad in Barcelona and Seville. After her ETA, she hopes to pursue a career as a foreign service officer in a Spanish-speaking country.
“I feel deeply aligned with Fulbright's mission on forging connections across cultures and using educational exchanges as a vehicle, I am honored and thrilled to be a part of this prolific program!”
Luke Orris, Class of 2026 from Boulder, Colorado, has received a Fulbright award to study in Turkey for a year in pursuit of a graduate degree.
A major in PPEL and global studies who also traveled to Indonesia with a prestigious Boren Scholarship, Orris hopes to pursue a career in foreign policy and will attend Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service following his time in Turkey.
“I am very excited to continue my education in global studies and international relations in a different cultural context and exploring more about Türkiye, one of my favorite countries.”
To date, the University of Richmond has had 92 Fulbright U.S. Student Program recipients.
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