Philip was born in Bayshore, NY and raised in Brooklyn and Long Island. He graduated from West Islip High School (Long Island) in1971 and attended the College of Staten Island before transferring to TTU. Philip plans to use his knowledge of the Spanish language to make a living. During college he taught basic Spanish to adults for Cookeville Leisure Services. Before graduation Philip wrote: “I enjoyed my time at TTU and will have fond memories of The Department of Foreign Languages .”

In August 2006 Philip became the Spanish teacher at Cornerstone Middle School in Baxter, TN.

Teri was born in Oklahoma City, OK and raised in Memphis, TN. She graduated in 1999 from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, TN and attended the University of Memphis for one year before coming to TTU. In Summer 2001 she studied in the Czech Republic where she received certification in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In Spring Semester 2004 Teri studied in Linz, Austria at the Johannes Kepler University for her internship in World Cultures and Business. While attending TTU Teri worked at Outback Steakhouse. In May 2007 Teri earned an MBA degree at Middle Tennessee State University, where she also worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Computer Information Systems.

Teri wrote: "The faculty and staff in the Department of Foreign Languages have always gone above and beyond to help students achieve their goals. I appreciate their hard work and dedication that has helped me along the way to graduation and beyond."

[last updated 4/07; photo from April 2005]

At graduation Alex wrote:

“I was born in Knoxville, TN and raised in Dickson, TN. I graduated from Dickson County High School in 2001. I have been very lucky to have multiple opportunities to travel abroad. I spent the summer of 2003 studying French at the Université de Savoie in Chambéry, France. This experience was very unique. I endured a heat wave with no air conditioning, made friends from around the world, and had the time of my life, all while gaining French credits. Summer programs like this one are even good for gaining elementary credits in a language.

The second program I had the honor of participating in was through Kent State University of Ohio during the spring semester of 2004 in Geneva, Switzerland.

During this program I studied International Business and French. I was exposed to a view on global issues from outside the United States. During the program we visited many of the international organizations located in Geneva. Our program also included a field trip to Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary. We traveled almost every weekend and I was able to see many different parts of Europe.

I was also able to participate in an international experience course taught through the TTU College of Business on the topic of Brazil. We studied the culture, economics, and business of Brazil, then we were able to travel to Brazil over Winter Break of 2004/05. It was very interesting to travel to a lesser developed nation. My favorite part was traveling to the Amazon and seeing how the local people live.

In mentioning my college travels, I have to mention the TTU study abroad scholarship. This scholarship covers airfare and transportation to your study site, making study abroad very affordable for TTU students. I hope that many students will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to see the world. I know I sure did, loving every minute of it.

As for the future with me, only time will tell. I have no specific plans as of now, but I am starting the job hunt."

“Thank you, Dr. Campana, for everything, and I hope that one day I will be able to help the Foreign Language Department at TTU grow and develop.”

“Learn languages and see the world through TTU's Department of Foreign Languages and study abroad.”

Before graduation Zach wrote: "I was born in Blytheville, Arkansas, but raised in Gallatin, Tennessee. I graduated from Gallatin High School in 2001. Before transferring to Tennessee Tech, I attended Volunteer State Community College where I obtained my associate's degree in foreign languages with a concentration in Spanish.

"I have gone on various mission trips to México. The two cities I have visited while there were Acuña and Matamoros. I loved learning more about the language and culture during my trips, and I learned that the Mexican people are really caring and loving folks. They surely can cook, too!

"As for future plans, I hope to be married to my darling fiancée, Mandy Ferguson, next April 8, 2006, and we plan to have a big wedding. As for jobs, I plan to work for the state of Tennessee as a certified interpreter. I already am a 'registered' interpreter for the state, meaning that I passed the written exam and when called to duty can make $40 per hour. Once I pass the oral exam in November, I will be certified and can make up to $50 per hour.

"Jobs that I have held that pertained to my major include working voluntarily for Jere Whitson Elementary School. I did receive class credit in the Service Learning Course (which I highly recommend to all students), but I did various translations for the school, including the Student Handbook. I also made phone calls occasionally to Hispanic parents and informed them, in Spanish, about upcoming events like Parent/Teacher Conferences. I also interpreted at the conferences.

As for awards and honors, I was nominated for Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities for excellence in the Spanish language. I also became a member and President of Alpha Mu Gamma, the prestigious foreign language honor society in the years 2004-2005. I was also inducted this year into Phi Alpha Theta, the prestigious history honor society. Also, I was secretary of the Spanish Club from 2003 to 2005.

"As for the Department of Foreign Languages, I will leave you all with this final quote: '¡Muchas gracias a todos mis profesores! Sin ustedes, no estaría aquí.' Translation: 'Many thanks to all my teachers! Without you all, I would not be here.' And as always, thank you Dr. Campana. When I came to Tech to register, I felt so nervous because it was such a big school compared to Vol State; however, after you showed me the way, I knew I was walking in the right direction. Gracias a Ud."

Camron was born in Monroe, Michigan and grew up in Bulls Gap, Tennessee. He is a graduate of West Greene H.S. (TN). Camron completed the International Engineering emphasis with a B.A. degree in German and a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. Camron is the "father" of the Euro Café and Cinema in the Department of Foreign Languages, and he was the departmental technician for two years.

Camron worked in Vonore, TN with Hörmann Door Co., a German firm that originally planned to make a major expansion in their facility there.

The company was very impressed (as were we) with Camron's interview -- two and a half hours in German, and of course Camron was hired. Then in Spring 2006 the company bought out its major American competitor and moved the Tennessee operation to Chicago, where the facilities of the American company were located. The company really wanted Camron to move with them, and the latest news (Fall 2006) is that Camron is the Chief Engineer at the facility in Chicago.


Camron and his wife, Miranda, also a TTU graduate, have a son, Harrison Paul, and a daughter, Amelia Celeste, born on September 11, 2006.
[last updated 9/06; photos 1 and 2 from April 2005; photo 3 from September 2006]

At graduation Sarah wrote: “I was born in Youngstown, OH but spent my early childhood years in Westerville, a suburb of Columbus, OH. In 1992, my father, mother, younger brother and sister, and I moved to Cookeville where we currently live. From preschool onward, my siblings and I were home schooled by our parents. Because of this, I graduated with 17 other home school students who were (like me) also registered with Daniel 1 Academy. In addition to my Spanish degree at Tennessee Tech, I also earned a BA in English.

“While I hope to travel abroad in the future, I have mostly stayed close to home, aside from a 10-day mission to Kenya I joined in the summer of 2001, where we ministered to children in an orphanage. I do hope to visit some Spanish-speaking countries in the future.

“After taking the course Germany: The Country and the People I really do feel as though I know more about the country from whence many of my ancestors came. By the way, I found that my mother's ancestors (Wagners) came from Upper Franconia (Bavaria) originally and my father's ancestors came from Baden-Württemberg. The Seitzingers came over to the Americas in the mid-1600s.

“For the next couple of years, I plan to stay at Tennessee Tech to pursue a master’s degree in English. Beyond that, I am unsure of my plans, which could range from doctorate studies in linguistics, to translating, to tutoring, to publishing. The great thing about having my particular degrees is that they give me plenty of options!

“Awards and honors given to me are the Charles Denson Daniel Memorial Scholarship, Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities 2003, Phi Kappa Phi, Mortar Board, Alpha Mu Gamma, Sigma Tau Delta, Phi Alpha Theta, and Dean’s List, 2000-Present. Other activities I have been involved in are Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), the TTU Spanish Amigos Club, of which I had the honor of serving as president during 2005, and I actively participated in Taekwondo, earning my 2nd dan black.

“My mother is an art instructor and craft artist in Cookeville, and my father is a physician of internal medicine. My brother is studying classical guitar at Tennessee Tech and my sister plans to attend Tech in the fall, studying human ecology. I would like to thank them and also my wonderful extended family members for all their love, prayers, and support over the years. I also want to thank God for it is He who grants talents and abilities, and His strength that sustains me. Soli deo gloria.

“I also just want to say how wonderful an experience it has been to be a part of the foreign language department. It really is a microcosm of the bigger cultural world experience! The faculty members were very open and willing to help the students and I loved getting to know my fellow students well. In fact, it was probably the students that made me want to go all the way to earning a Spanish degree when only a minor was required of me under English. I will be forever indebted to the people here and can truly say that some of my fondest college memories are from the Euro Café and South Hall!"

In May 2007 Sarah received her M.A. in English from TTU.

Steven was born and raised in Kingsport, TN and is a graduate of Sullivan Central High School. Because he was working on an International Engineering concentration (with degrees in both mechanical engineering and Spanish) he spent one full year in Pamplona, Spain on a study abroad program. He says that he spent all of his money traveling through France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland. He took all his classes in Spanish, including courses such as Fluid Dynamics & Thermodynamics and Karate. His immediate plans are to attend the University of Utah where he will be working on a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering with a concentration in robotics.

Because of his major in mechanical engineering Steven did summer work performing microchannel two-phase heat transfer research at Cornell University with the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (part of the NSF). He also worked for DeVilbiss Air Power Company for a co-op.

Stephanie was born in Etowah, NC, but spent most of her life in Dacula, GA near Atlanta. Her parents now live in Kennesaw, GA (also near Atlanta). She graduated from John T. Hoggard High School in Wilmington, NC. Stephanie graduated summa cum laude in cursu honorum with B.A. degrees in both Spanish and English and with secondary eduation licensure. Among her many awards and honors are the 2005 Derryberry Award, the most prestigious award TTU has to offer, the Harold G. Love Community Involvement Award, OVC Scholar-Athlete, and the Rotary Cultural Ambassadorial Scholar Award, which enabled her to spend a summer (3 months) in Quito, Ecuador, studying Spanish at a language school there (La Academia de Español-Quito). While there, she traveled extensively throughout the country, visiting many of the different regions and cities.

In addition to her very busy class schedule and her community involvement, Stephanie worked as a translator for Acuff and Acuff Law Office in Cookeville.

In June 2005 Stephanie was to attend the Boston Language Institute for a Teaching English as a Second Language certification course. In 2005 she was the Spanish teacher at Cornerstone Middle School in Baxter, TN. Currently (Feb. 2007) she is Event Coordinator for the Women's Fund of Miami-Dade, in Miami, FL, a nonprofit grantmaking organization. She is planning to attend Vanderbilt Law School in Fall 2007.

Just after graduation Stephanie wrote: "I really appreciate the way the department was so supportive and helpful during my time here at TTU. They really went out of their way to help my accomplish my goals and plans."

[last updated 2/07]

Kristy was born in Dickson, Tennessee and graduated from Dickson County High School. She came to TTU as a music major and was in the TTU Marching Band, playing the clarinet. She continued in various TTU musical groups after she switched to a major in Spanish.

[last updated 9/05]

E-mail: maspears21@tntech.edu

Michael was born in Cookeville and graduated from White County High School in Sparta. He came to TTU in Spring 2004 after a year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and a semester at Motlow State Community College.

As of August 2006 Michael is teaching Spanish at Avery Trace Middle School in Cookeville.

Anesa was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia-Hercegovina and received her diploma from Cookeville High School. In addition to her native Serbo-Croatian and English, Anesa is fluent in German as well as French. In Spring 2005 she spent a semester at the Rennes International School of Business in France on the Magellan Exchange Program as part of her requirements for the degree in World Cultures and Business.

After graduation Anesa took a position at Dell Computers in the Value Added Reseller Division. As of March 2007 she works for Nissan in Franklin, TN as a Consumer Affairs Specialist.

[last updated 3/07; photo from 10/05]

Amel Bouazzi-Alouani was born and raised in Kasserine, Tunisia. where she attended El Chebbi High School.

In 1992, she moved to the United States and attended TTU, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in French in 2006.

She is the mother of three children: Sami, Sarah, and Nabil.

Mrs. Alouani has traveled to Europe, Australia and many States in the USA.

Her future plan is to teach French. At graduation she wrote:

“The staff and the faculty of the Foreign Languages Department, and especially Dr. Campana, have been extremely helpful and provided me valuable advice and helpful guidance.”

Amber is a native of Cookeville and graduated from Cookeville High School. She writes: “It was there that I fell in love with the Spanish language -- all because of an AMAZING Spanish teacher, Señora Aliene Click.”

Amber has traveled to Spain and Guatemala and she studied at a Spanish Language School in Guatemala called PROBIGUA for 3 weeks, where she says she was lucky enough to live with a family.

While she was a student at TTU, Amber worked as a translator with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the 13th Drug Task Force.

Amber is the Spanish Teacher at Livingston Academy, TN, succeeding Mrs. Marjorie Ríos, who retired from that position and now teaches Spanish part-time at TTU.

Just before graduation Amber wrote:

[last updated 4/07]

Noelle was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, then back to Tennessee. She graduated from Fairview High School. As part of her World Cultures and Business degree she completed a practicum in Hong Kong, Singapore, Mainland China and Macau.

She plans to apply at Nissan's North American Headquarters in Nashville and for a job abroad. Just before graduation Noelle wrote:

"It has been a cultural awakening experience at Tennessee Tech. The professors are very knowledgable and helpful. Dr. Kintz and Dr Hays both appreciate what they do, and they try to convert their passion into your being. Tech has a positive learning atmosphere and it is a pleasant setting for many to better themselves."

Chris was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and raised in Grundy County, TN, where he graduated from Grundy County High School. He attended The University of the South in Sewanee for a year and a half before taking a leave of absence to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico City. When he returned from Mexico he formally withdrew from Sewanee and began a full-time, second-shift position as an emergency room registrar and Spanish-language interpreter for River Park Hospital . Shortly thereafter, he enrolled at Motlow State Community College and continued to work at the hospital at night while attending classes during the day. He continued this routine until he eventually graduated from Tennessee Tech in May 2006.

Shortly thereafter Chris accepted a teaching position at Warren County High School, 199 Pioneer Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110, filling a position from which a teacher resigned after only two weeks of school. He is teaching Spanish I and loves teaching Spanish. In the future he hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Spanish. His ultimate career goal is to teach Spanish at the collegiate level.

In September 2006 Chris wrote:

"When I first came to Tennessee Tech, my intention was to major in accounting. However, I later recognized that my true passion lies in foreign language. Some of my fondest memories of my time at Tennessee Tech are tied to my involvement with the Spanish Club, Amigos. I enjoyed the privilege of serving as Vice-President and President of the Club.

I am truly grateful to the Foreign Language faculty, especially Dr. Laurila, Dr. Burdette, and Dr. Groundland for all of their help and encouragement."

Ivania was born in Mesaya, Nicaragua, lived in Texas, and graduated from Abilene High School. Her family then moved to Monterey, Tennessee and Ivania joined our department at TTU. From August 2006 Ivania is a Spanish teacher at Avery Trace Middle School in Cookeville.

Barbara was born in Siemianowice, Poland and has been a resident of the Federal Republic of Germany for much of her life. She completed the Realschule (business and commerce secondary school) in Verden, Germany and graduated from Chickasha High School in Oklahoma. Before coming to TTU she attended King College. She was a member of the TTU varsity soccer team during her years here.

John was born in Nashville, Tennessee and graduated from Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet School. Before coming to TTU he attended Jacksonville University, Lipscomb University, Schiller International University, and Middle Tennessee State University, as well as summer courses at Tennessee State University. During his time at TTU he took summer courses at Volunteer State Community College and also spent a semester on the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) at the Universität Bielefeld, Germany, as part of his requirements for his degree in World Cultures and Business.

Salvador was born in Chicago of Mexican-American heritage and graduated from Smith Co. High School in Carthage, Tennessee. He also attended Volunteer State Community College from 1999 to 2002.

Lindsay was born in Oak Ridge, TN and graduated from Cookeville High School. In the summer of 2006 she studied on the Magellan Exchange Program at the HEC Ecole de Gestion.In 2007 she is working for The Bretton Woods Committee, 1726 M Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036.The Bretton Woods Committee is a non-governmental agency (NGO) which "seeks to increase understanding of the World Bank, IMF, WTO and the regional development banks and their efforts to spur economic growth, alleviate poverty and improve financial stability."

E-mail: popcorn@blomand.net

Adam is a native of Sparta, TN and graduated from White County High School.

Jan was born in Mesa, Arizona and was raised in the military, so she lived everywhere. She graduated from Buena High School. Jan lived for a year and a half as a missionary in Central America, and her other travels took her to England and Paris for two weeks.After graduation she returned to TTU for education courses toward teacher licensure.

Upon graduation she commented about the Department of Foreign Languages: "Great teachers. Good program."
[information updated 3/07]

E-mail: vgnatha21@tntech.edu

Vaishali was born in Surat, a major port city in western India in the State of Gujarat. She graduated from Cumberland County High School. In the summer of 2006 she studied at the Language School of Guadalajara, México.

Amber was born in Ft. Stewart, GA and graduated from Sullivan East High School in East Tennessee. She attended East Tennessee State University before transferring to TTU. In Spring 2005 she attended the Rennes International Business School, France, on the Magellan Exchange Program.

E-mail: arbyrne21@gmail.com

Amy was born in Anchorage, Alaska and raised in Cookeville, where she graduated from Cookeville High School. In Summer 2006 she studied French for a month in Paris at the Sorbonne. At graduation she wrote: "I do not know what my plans are as of yet. I am thinking about Graduate School in the next few years."

[information updated 5/07]

Kat was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated from Livingston Academy in Livingston, TN. She has been a member of ABUSUA, the West African dance and drum ensemble at TTU and has performed with the group many times.

E-mail: kirkpatrickblue@gmail.com

Hannah was raised in Lafayette, TN and graduated from Macon County High School in Lafayette. She did mission work in Trinidad and Jamaica in her first years of college, and she traveled to Rome in Fall 2006 with the History of Rome course offered through TTU. Hannah has had valuable experience as Editor of the Women's Center Newsletter, ATTUNE.

 

In addition to her B.A. in Spanish, Hannah has earned a B.A. in History (May 2006) from TTU.
Hannah plans to work for a few years after graduation, and then attend graduate school to study the History of Spain.

At graduation Hannah wrote:
“The Department of Foreign Languages is the gateway to the world. No matter what field a person plans to enter, the knowledge of other languages and cultures will give that person an advantage over everyone else in the job market. Learning additional languages and their accompanying cultures is one of the best ways a person can ready himself/herself for reality outside of the University. The only way that one can truly understand his/her own culture is to learn about other cultures.”

 

[information updated 5/07]

 

---

Brandon Trent Hudson ('07)

Ooltewah, TN

 

Trent was born in Chattanooga, TN, and raised in Ooltewah, TN. He attended and graduated from Ooltewah High School.

Trent has traveled to Germany three times. He wrote: “My first visit to Germany was in the summer of 2003 for 9 days with some of my classmates from Ooltewah High School, and my German teacher from high school, Mr. Cates. During those 9 days, we visited parts of Berlin, Saxony, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and some of the Rhineland region. In February 2006, I started my study abroad semester at Fachhochschule Aachen (University of Applied Sciences Aachen) on the Magellan Exchange Program. While studying at the Fachhochschule, I took a couple of business classes, two classes for German as a foreign language, and a beginning Italian language class, which I really enjoyed. During my study abroad, I visited not only the many regions of Germany, but also England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Later, during Spring Break of 2007, I traveled to Berlin along with my other classmates in the Berlin Seminar and Dr. Weidner.”

 

In Fall 2007 Trent began the M.A. program in Germanic Languages and Literatures at Ohio State University, where he has a teaching assistantship. He hopes eventually to obtain a doctorate in the area of German Studies, and afterwards teach German at the collegiate level. For the 2008-2009 academic he will be studying in Berlin, Germany as part of his Ohio State University program.

At graduation Trent added: “W.B. Yeats once wrote, ‘Education is not filling a bucket but lighting a fire.’ I wholeheartedly believe in that statement, and the fact that the Foreign Language Department at Tech is the spark to that fire. My love and curiosity for all languages, but especially German, has grown since I’ve been at Tech. Furthermore, I would especially like to thank Dr. Campana, Dr. Evans, and Dr. Weidner for all their encouragement and support.”

 

[information updated 9/08]

Alex was born in Chicago, IL and raised in Chicago and in Carthage, TN, where he graduated from Smith County High School. As part of a course called "world experience" Alex traveled to Hong Kong and Singapore. After graduation he plans to spend a few months in Mexico and then get a job as an international manager.

At graduation Alex wrote about TTU: "Great experience in the major with wonderful professors always willing to help."

Gale was born in Crossville, raised in Sparta, Tennessee and is a graduate of
White County High School in Sparta.

After graduation she intends to work for a little while at a job not yet decided upon. She plans to seek her Master’s degree in foreign language in the future and she would like to be an interpreter.

At graduation she wrote: “The foreign language program at TTU is extremely valuable not only in teaching the language of other cultures, but also in teaching the CULTURE of other cultures.”
[information updated 5/07]

E-mail: jaaronw@gmail.com

Aaron was born in Knoxville, TN and graduated from Powell High School there. He came to TTU after two years at Pellissippi State Technical Community College in Knoxville. In Summer 2006 he studied Spanish at both the Zador Language Centre and the Enforex Spanish Language Schools in Madrid and Barcelona. Previously he had traveled to France and Italy (2001), Spain and France (2003) and Canada (2006). In addition to the B.A. in Spanish, Aaron also has earned a B.S. in Secondary Education-Spanish.

Aaron has worked for the office of residential lifeat TTU for the past four years as a RA and then a Hall Director. In 2006-7 he served as the director of MSCP, the building designated for international students, foreign language students, and social science majors. He has also done considerable private English instruction for Spanish speakers.

 

Regarding plans for the future, he wrote: "After a relaxing summer in Knoxville, I will be going to Seoul, South Korea to teach English in a public middle school. I would like to spend a few years traveling and working abroad before considering graduate school." He continued: "I am proud to be a graduate of TTU’s department of foreign languages. I am especially indebted to Dra. Laurila for her mentorship and excellent instruction."

[information updated 5/07]

Ben was born and raised in Dickson, TN and graduated from Dekalb County High School in Smithville, TN.
He has toured Europe twice, and apent the first three months of 2007 studying at the Horizonte Institut für Sprachen Regensburg, Germany where he was enhancing his German language skills. While at TTU Ben helped manage a pizza place restaurant, good experience for a World Cultures and Business major, especially in the areas of management and accounting.

Just before graduation Ben wrote: "My immediate plans after graduation are to have a big celebration, use the next day to recover from the massive celebration, and the day thereafter immediately begin searching for a job. I have already received several possibilities through Monster.com." He continued: “Learning foreign languages is relatively easy IF it is something that you absolutely want to do.”
[information updated 5/07]

[information updated 12/07]

E-mail: moettinger@gmail.com

[information updated 12/07; photo from 4/07]

Leslie Michelle Brooks ('08)

Leslie was born in Nashville and graduated from Cookeville High School. In the Fall of 2005 she attended the International Business School in Rennes, France on the Magellan Exchange Program.

[information updated 4/08]

Avery Edwards ('08)

Hermitage, TN

E-mail: aledwards21@tntech.edu
 

 

 

 

 

Avery was born in Murfreesboro, TN and raised there and in Hermitage. She graduated from Hume Fogg Academic High School in Nashville. Avery spent Spring 2006 studying at the University of Eichstätt-Ingolstatt, Germany on the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). In addition to her B.A. degree in German, Avery has also completed a B.S. degree in Secondary Education-German.

Avery is the recipient of a prestigious Fulbright Teaching Assistantship and will spend 2008-9 teaching English in Berlin, Germany. She is only the second student in TTU history to receive a Fulbright award (and both were in German!)

Before she left for Germany in September 2008 Avery wrote to Dr. Marketta Laurila, the department chair:

"I could not have been better prepared for my time spent
abroad by the German program and faculty at TTU. I learned that
immediately when I arrived in Eichstaett and began to communicate with Germans on a daily basis. I was so well-prepared lingually and
culturally. Dr. Weidner, Dr. Campana, and Dr. Evans did such an incredible job as my educators and mentors, and I can already see that Dr. Baker is going to be wonderful as well. Without them, I don't think I could have gotten the Fulbright. Dr. Barnard also was so incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. I couldn't have done it without her belief in my ability and her willingness to spend hours and hours with me.
I have felt very supported by the entire FL department, and I really appreciate all that you have done for me through the last five years. It is a fabulous program, and TTU students who make it part or most of their college careers are so lucky."

[information updated 9/08; individual photo from 4/07; group photo from 9/08]

Louisville, KY

 

 

E-mail: ryan.egly@gmail.com
 

 

 

 

 

Ryan completed two degrees: in German and in Mechanical Engineering, the main reason, he says, that he received a good job offer from the German firm, Schott AG, which is "a leading international technology driven group whose base product is special glass." <<www.schott.com>>

Ryan was born and raised in Murfreesboro, TN and graduated from Riverdale High School there. In 2006-2007 he studied at the University of Trier, Germany on the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). While st TTU Ryan did internships at WWOOF (world-wide opportunities on organic farms), H.E. Parmer, and Mahle GmbH.

After graduation Ryan wrote: "Knowledge of a foreign language has opened many doors for me, and, more importantly, has exposed me to a different world. The Foreign Languages Department at Tech made it all possible!" Ryan expects to be sent to Germany in September 2008 as part of his work for the Louisville, KY affiliate of Schott AG.

Lindsey Grissom ('08)

Birmingham. AL
 

 

 

 

 

Lindsey completed a double major in English and French.

She was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated from Oak Mountain High School there. In high school she spent 14 days in France (Paris, Provence, Côte d’Azur) and then, while at TTU, spent a semester studying in Grenoble, France (with weekend trips to Switzerland and Germany). She also spent a week in Paris. After graduation she plans to be Assistant Director of Summer Camping Programs at Camp Sumatanga for summer. In 2008-9 Lindsey will be teaching English in the area of Grenoble, France for a year, after which she plans to attend law school.

[information updated 4/08; photo from 11/07]

Michelle Lowe ('08)

Murfreesboro, TN

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle completed two degrees: Biology and German, and she graduates in cursu honorum.

She was born in Krugersdorp, South Africa and grew up both there and in Murfreesboro, TN. She graduated from Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro. Her travels include three TTU-sponsored trips: Spring Break in Berlin as part of the Berlin Seminar, Spring Break in Vienna as part of the Vienna Seminar, and a trip to Ireland with the Honors Program. She also spent parts of summers in England, Italy, and Germany. After graduation Michelle will be attending Vanderbilt Graduate School for a degree in biomedical engineering and then work in industry in that field. She would like to work for a German company in that field. At graduation Michelle wrote: "The Foreign Languages Department has been SO good to me. The people are all so caring. I did the German major for fun, and it was hard work, but also the best decision I have ever made!"

[information updated 4/08; photo from 4/08]

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Jonathan Mahan ('08)

 

Smithville, TN
 

 

 

 

 

Jon was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was raised there and in Smithville, TN where he graduated from DeKalb County High School. In Spring 2007 he attended the Spanish Language School in México.

 

 

 

[information updated 4/08; photo from 11/07]

Lindsey McEwen ('08)

Kingsport, TN
 

 

 

 

 

Lindsey was born and raised in Kingsport, TN and graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School there. While at TTU Lindsey was a volunteer tutor for Hispanic children at Jere Whitson and Park View Elementary Schools in Cookeville. After graduation Lindsey plans to return to Kingsport and teach Spanish at the middle or high school level.At graduation Lindsey wrote: "The FL department at TTU has been very supportive of me and of my education over the past four years. The professors and support staff have been very encouraging and always helpful when I had questions or problems. I have enjoyed each course that I have taken in the department. The professors know their content and they teach it in a way that encourages critical thinking and that has challenged me to explore the Spanish language and the various associated cultures. The Foreign Languages Department at Tech has made me a life-long learner and has helped me develop a passion for my major. Spanish is not just another thing to memorize and study for me; it has become an important part of my life. After studying Spanish at Tech I have a broader knowledge and understanding of other cultures. Thanks to my professors for investing their time and energy in my education."

[information updated 4/08; photo from 11/07]

Stefan Padillo ('08)

 

E-mail:
 

 

 

 

 

[information updated 4/08; photo from 4/08]

Matthew was born in Martin, TN and raised in Brentwood, where he graduated from Brentwood High School.

[information updated 4/08]

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Joshua Bordes ('08)

 

 

[information updated 1/09]

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Erika Burnham ('08)

Alaska

 

 

E-mail:
 

 

 

 

 

Erika was a member of the TTU Rifle Team while working toward degrees in both French and German.

[information updated 1/09; photo from 12/08]

 

 

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Evgenia was born and raised in Korolev, Moscow region, Russia. She is a member of TTU’s tennis team.

At graduation she wrote: “I would like to thank everybody, who helped me during three years of college. Without the help of all my professors it would be impossible for me to graduate. Thank you very much. I loved my experience of being a student at Tech, majoring in a foreign language. It was great.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[information updated 1/09; photo from 12/08]

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Latest revision: 1/15/09.  pjc.