UofL breaks its own record for Fulbright scholars

            LOUISVILLE, Ky. —University of Louisville alumnus Jonathan Perez has been selected for a Fulbright scholarship. His award brings the number of UofL scholars who earned the scholarship this year to 15, a new one-year record for the university.

            Perez graduated from the College of Education and Human Development in May with a master’s degree in teaching. As a Fulbright, he will teach English in Brazil starting in February 2017.

Perez, who is from Richmond, Va., earned his undergraduate degree in 2014 from University of Richmond and is currently a teacher for Jefferson County Public Schools’ South Park Teenage Parent Program, Fairdale. He moved to the Louisville area two years ago as part of Teach Kentucky.

            “This is a fantastic milestone for our campus community,” said UofL Acting President Neville Pinto. “It’s gratifying to know that we are giving our students and alumni the tools they need to win these prestigious international scholarships.”

Since 2003 UofL has had 104 Fulbright scholars, more than all other Kentucky public colleges combined.

Patricia Condon, who heads the national and international scholarship program at UofL, said there were originally 30 Fulbright candidates for 2016-2017 and Perez’s selection brings the university’s success rate to 50 percent.

“This accomplishment is truly remarkable and testifies to just how much heart and soul our faculty and staff put into helping students reach their potential,” Condon said.

 “I wish we could clone Jonathan,” Condon said. “He is innovative, engaging and inspiring and will be a wonderful teacher and ambassador. He ideally represents how diverse America is today.”

The Guatemalan-born Perez said the scholarship will give him an opportunity to explore his Hispanic heritage.