Bobby Blankemeyer, a graduating senior at Pitt, majoring in German and Communication/Rhetoric with a minor in education, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in Germany to serve as an English Teaching Assistant. He will spend a year working in a German school, serving as both a teacher and a cultural ambassador, answering students’ questions about the English language and American culture. Bobby has been learning German for 9 years. During his time at Pitt, he has been involved in the a cappella community as a member of Pitches&Tones and Pitch Please.

Lauren Towner, a 2021 graduate with a BA in German with Honors, a BS in Ecology, and a Chemistry minor, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in Germany to serve as an English Teaching Assistant. She will spend a year working in a German school, serving as both a teacher and a cultural ambassador, answering students’ questions about the English language and American culture. Since graduation, Lauren has been working at the German American Chamber of Commerce and teaching ESL at a local community college. Lauren is looking forward to the Fulbright as an opportunity to share her passion for second language acquisition. 

Peter Martin, a graduating senior with a double major in Economics (BS) and Politic & Philosophy (BA) and a German certificate, was selected for the highly competitive Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX). The CBYX Program will send Peter to Germany to act as a cultural ambassador for the US as he spends the next year living, studying, working in Germany. Peter started his journey with the German Department as a freshman having no prior experience with German. He was able to build up a strong understanding of German language and culture with department’s curriculum, which helped him secure a spot in the competitive Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program. Although he does not yet know the specifics of his placement, he is eager to solidify his language skills, advance his professional career, and take part in a life-changing experience.