Two ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Students Earn U.S. Fulbright Awards
Ahlberg, Auger now among 10 University Fulbright grant recipients
CHICAGO (May 10, 2013) — Two ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï students—Timothy Ahlberg and Samuel Auger—were named recipients this spring of awards, which provides international learning opportunities. Ahlberg, of Perrysburg, Ohio, will begin a business internship in Mexico City this August, the recipient of a . Auger, of Chicago, was named an , and will work in a high school in Haskovo, Bulgaria, beginning in late summer.
Ahlberg and Auger are now among 10 in the past five years who have earned awards in the prestigious Fulbright Program. Ahlberg graduates May 11 as a major, with a concentration in accounting, and a minor in . He was recently named one of two for 2013. Auger also graduates May 11, with a bachelor's degree in , focused on Latin America and the Middle East, and a minor in .
Timothy Ahlberg
Ahlberg was president of the North Park student body this year, a standout student and volunteer with homeless ministries. He studied abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico, during his sophomore year. During his 10-month business internship in Mexico City he also plans to take MBA classes. "Fulbright is all about building relationships between the United States and other countries, and for me that's one of the main goals. I think it will be invaluable to have those relationships, and understand a different perspective," Ahlberg said. He plans to finish his MBA after he returns to the United States, and work in business-related career.
, associate professor of accounting, said of Ahlberg, "He approaches each learning activity not only with the goal of meeting the requirement of the course, but with the goal of maximizing his educational experience and that of his student colleagues," she said in nominating Ahlberg as a Distinguished Senior. Ahlberg maintained a 3.9 grade point average.
Ahlberg was also a standout goalkeeper on the while at ºÚÁϳԹÏ. This year, he was team captain, was named an all-conference and all-district player, and was twice named an Academic All-American.
After graduation, Ahlberg goes on a mission trip to Thailand through the University's program. He will return to Chicago to work in the auditing department of , before leaving for Mexico.
Alberg's parents are Jon and Carolyn Ahlberg. He has one brother, Andrew, and a sister, Tiffany.
Sam Auger
Auger grew up in Ecuador, and transferred to North Park after his freshman year at Azusa Pacific University in California. He studied abroad in Argentina in 2011, learning about Argentine literature and art history. Auger has never been to Bulgaria. "I wanted someplace that would be new, culturally challenging, and where I'd have to learn a new language," Auger said.
"I picked some places that seemed interesting and eventually narrowed it down. I went to the (Chicago) , and saw a documentary about folk music using bagpipes. I met some great people who told me interesting things about Bulgaria. It seemed that would be a great place to spend a year."
Auger's international experience in Ecuador, where his parents worked at in Quito, influenced his decision to apply for the Fulbright program. "I grew up knowing that there is so much more," he said. "You become more curious culturally. That was my experience."
Auger has spoken to North Parkers who have worked abroad through the Fulbright program. In Bulgaria, he will help teach students English and host conversation clubs. He will also share information about living in the United States and learn about life in Bulgaria.
Before leaving, Auger plans to take the (MCAT). He will go to Ecuador and Peru, and travel with friends until his Fulbright experience begins. After he returns in mid-2014, Auger plans to begin the application process for medical school, and hopes to work in a program, designed to teach students about the medical profession and recordkeeping by working directly with physicians in emergency room settings.
One of Auger's professors, , North Park professor of , met Auger when he took Schau's introductory cell biology class. "What stuck out to me early on about Sam was his unusual level of maturity. Over the last two years, I have been very impressed with his passion for global issues. Just conversing with Sam regularly has expanded my own worldview. I have no doubt that Sam will represent ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï and the United States well during his year in Bulgaria."
Auger's parents are Robert and Rev. Debra Auger, dean of students and community life at . He has three siblings, Hannah, Zach, and Libby.
The Fulbright Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1946, and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
Next Steps
Learn more about the Fulbright program from the Fulbright program faculty associate, .