Four recent University of Richmond graduates will spend the coming year teaching, studying, and immersing themselves in communities across Europe and South America after earning Fulbright grants for the 2026–27 academic year.

The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. government, promotes mutual understanding between the United States and countries around the world through educational and cultural exchange. Grants support recent graduates pursuing research, graduate study, or English teaching opportunities abroad.

With this year's awards, the University of Richmond's total number of Fulbright U.S. Student Program recipients is 92. For the University's newest recipients, the award represents the next step in academic, personal, and professional journeys.

"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 will travel to the Czech Republic, Colombia, Spain, and Turkey, pursuing opportunities that align closely with their academic interests and career aspirations.

For Saige Beatman, a history and business administration double major from Berlin, Connecticut, the award offers an opportunity to return to a place that’s already shaped her path. Beatman, who also minored in Jewish studies and studied abroad in Prague, will complete an English Language Assistantship in the Czech Republic before pursuing doctoral studies in history.

“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,” Beatman said.

Ciara MacMullen, a psychology and Latin American, Latino, & Iberian studies double major from Spring City, Pennsylvania, will travel to Colombia for an English Teaching Assistantship. She previously studied in Chile and Spain and sees language as a powerful tool for connection and opportunity. After Fulbright, she plans to pursue 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,” MacMullen said.

A similar passion for cultural exchange inspired Sadie Nolan, a double major in Latin American, Latino, & Iberian studies and philosophy, politics, economics, and law from San Francisco. Nolan, who studied abroad in both Barcelona and Seville, will complete an English Teaching Assistantship in Spain before pursuing 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,” Nolan said.

For Luke Orris, a philosophy, politics, economics, and law and global studies major from Boulder, Colorado, the Fulbright award provides an opportunity to deepen his understanding of international affairs through graduate study in Turkey. Orris previously studied in Indonesia through the Boren Scholarship program and plans to attend Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service after completing his Fulbright year.

“I am very excited to continue my education in global studies and international relations in a different cultural context and exploring more about one of my favorite countries,” Orris said.