Kingston resident is awarded Fulbright Scholarship to conduct research in Turkey

NEW PALTZ — Continuing with The State University of New York at New Paltz’ tradition of academic excellence, Alexandra MacKinnon, a resident of Kingston, N.Y. who graduated magna cum laude this May with a degree in Political Science, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct research in Turkey for the 2003-2004 academic year.

MacKinnon’s research on equal rights in law and political philosophy, with a focus on ethics and classical archaeology, will be based in Ankara at the Middle Eastern Technical University. Additionally, the research will bring her to many rural villages in both the Northern and Southern regions of Turkey.

MacKinnon said she is interested in discovering how education, financial support and legal rights can impact society. “I was fortunate enough to have my academic achievements recognized and supported by SUNY New Paltz through scholarships and a few remarkable professors,” MacKinnon said. “This has led me to believe that any person, empowered by a small investment from their community, can in turn make a reciprocal impact.”

Bruce Sillner, dean of International Programs at the college, spoke highly of MacKinnon. “Over five thousand American students apply each year; approximately one thousand grants are awarded, so this is indeed a prestigious accomplishment,” he said. “The campus Fulbright committee was very impressed with Ms. MacKinnon’s research proposal. She will be an excellent representative of SUNY New Paltz in Turkey.”

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program has provided study opportunities for more than 70,000 U.S. and foreign students since 1946 when Congress passed the original legislation to enable the U.S. Government to promote understanding between U.S. citizens and those of other countries. Fulbright grants provide funding for round-trip travel, maintenance for one academic year, health and accident insurance, and a tuition stipend. The Fulbright currently operates in more than 140 countries. The program awards approximately 1,000 grants annually to American students and provides funding for approximately 1,400 foreign students to study at U.S. campuses each year.

The Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchange resulting in strengthened ties between the U.S. and other nations.