Rockford student receives prestigious Fulbright fellowship

2016 Apr 25

Evan Weyrauch was one of four Carthage College students to have been awarded a Fulbright fellowship to teach the English language and share American culture abroad next year.

Sponsored by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright Program operates in more than 160 countries as the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.

The awards raise Carthage's total to 17 Fulbright fellowships in the past nine years.

The Fulbright fellowship returns Evan to the country where he spent six months studying abroad in 2014. He said he is looking forward to the opportunity to further engage with German and U.S. cultures.He expects to use elements of American culture, such as music and poetry, to bring the English language to life for his students.

"I have had many experiences as an educator, mentor, and coach that have reinforced the importance of authentic representation in everyday life, and I will use those experiences to effectively connect with students, which will further their education and challenge their cultural expectations, while at the same time, challenging me."

A native of Rockford, Mr. Weyrauch graduated from Carthage with degrees in German and history, and a minor in educational studies. Since graduating in 2015, he has been a resident director and assistant swim coach at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. After his time abroad, Mr. Weyrauch plans to pursue a graduate degree with the goal of one day working as a college-level swim coach or professor.