Recent graduate to serve as cultural ambassador from March through November 2027
Emerson Whittemore, a recent Drake University graduate, has earned a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award and will travel to Uruguay next year to serve as a cultural ambassador for the United States. She is among more than two dozen Drake University graduates who have received Fulbright scholar awards, dating back to the 1950s.
In this role, Whittemore will support the Fulbright mission by promoting English language acquisition and engaging in meaningful cultural exchange. This experience will allow her to foster mutual understanding between the United States and Uruguay while deepening her commitment to culturally responsive, person-centered advocacy in her future career as a mental health counselor.
“We are incredibly proud of Emerson who has been chosen from among the country’s top candidates for this prestigious international scholarship,” said Shelley Fairbairn, professor of education and coordinator of post-graduate global scholarships. “This is a highly competitive program, and Emerson’s selection is a testament to her hard work and dedication. We have full confidence that she will serve as an exceptional representative of both the United States and Drake University during her time in Uruguay.”
Whittemore is from Brooklyn Park, Minn., where she graduated from Park Center Senior High School. She recently earned her undergraduate degree from Drake with majors in sociology and Spanish and a minor in leadership education and development. While on campus, she was actively involved in a variety of organizations, including Kappa Kappa Gamma and the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute. At the Drake spring 2026 commencement ceremony, she received the Oreon E. Scott Senior Legacy Award, which honors an undergraduate student leader who embodies scholarship, leadership, service, and involvement.
Whittemore’s interest in Uruguay was sparked during a 2025 internship in neighboring Argentina. She was drawn to the region’s relationship-centered community and Uruguay’s consistent ranking as a leader in South America for civil liberties.
“I fell in love with Uruguay’s vibrant, welcoming culture and its commitment to community,” said Whittemore. “Through this experience, I hope to gain insights into mentorship and cross-cultural connection that will shape my career as a counselor. I’m profoundly grateful to my mentors at Drake for encouraging me to pursue this with such purpose.”
Whittemore credits Drake’s interconnected academic and extracurricular environment for preparing her for this international role. “My time at Drake provided the tangible skills necessary to navigate high-impact moments with grace and compassion,” she said. Upon her return from the eight-month grant, Whittemore plans to apply to graduate programs in mental health counseling.