Christina Durano named Fulbright Scholar to the Philippines

Fort Worth, TX

6/27/2010

Christina Durano, a senior broadcast journalism major from Albuquerque, NM has been named Fulbright Scholar to the Philippines.  Durano is the first TCU student to receive the Fulbright since 2005.   

The Fulbright Scholar Program will fund between 10 – 12 months of research in the Philippines where Durano will examine the role of Filipino national television broadcast reports in the 1986 People's Power Revolution (EDSA 1) and overthrow of Ferdinand Marcos. By analyzing the progression of media coverage immediately before, during, and after the revolution through both quantitative and qualitative measures, Durano will determine the media's impact on this historical turning point and extrapolate data to ascertain media impact on social change.

“Receiving the Fulbright is undoubtedly the biggest blessing and honor I have ever received,” said Durano.  “Before coming to TCU, I had never even considered applying for such an opportunity; it seemed like an impossible dream. TCU turned this absurd hope into a tangible reality. It wouldn't have been possible without the unparalleled opportunities and education I have received here, and the support of my family, friends, and professors.”

The Fulbright Scholar Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, 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.  Established in 1946 by the U.S. Congress to "enable the government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries,” the Fulbright program receives its primary source of funding through an annual appropriation from Congress to the Department of State. Participating governments and host institutions in foreign countries, and in the United States, also contribute financially through cost-sharing and indirect support, e.g., through salary supplements, tuition waivers, and university housing.