Lebanon Valley College Adds Third Fulbright Finalist This Spring

Six LVC Fulbrights Since March 2016

Annville, PA (05/03/2018) — LVC students have had unprecedented academic success recently, including a record three Fulbright Finalists this spring, more than other schools including Bucknell, Colby, Swarthmore, and the U.S. Naval Academy had last year. In total, six of LVC's 17 Fulbrights have been awarded since March 2016.

The newest scholar to join this prestigious list is Katie Hockenbury '18, who joins Kristy Sonberg '18 and Audrey Reiley '18 as spring 2018 Fulbright Finalists for LVC. Hockenbury will study Welsh music and earn a master's degree through a Fulbright Research Grant.

Hockenbury, a music major with a business administration minor from Chester Springs, Pa., first learned about the Fulbright Program and the opportunities it offers by following the success of LVC's previous Fulbright Scholars.

"I became interested in how the journey affected them professionally and culturally," she said. "I was inspired by the opportunities and communities that the Fulbright provides since I did not have a chance to study abroad due to my rigorous class and job schedule."

Hockenbury was named a Fulbright Finalist and learned that she will spend 10 months at Bangor University in the United Kingdom. Her research grant will focus on the historical manufacturers of the Welsh Triple Harp.

Hockenbury has been interested in oranology-the study of how instruments are classified and developed over time-since working a sophomore research project. She plans to pursue an instrument research-based master's degree.

"I decided to do an independent study on instrument repair at LVC, which allowed me to create a basis of understanding for how instruments function and how small changes can affect the sound," she said. "I have done several research projects along the same route, including an in-depth historical essay on American-made saxophones."

In addition to her music research, Hockenbury has a vast variety of performance experience. She has played with the College's Symphony and Chamber orchestras, the Pride of The Valley Marching Band, Symphonic Band, New Music Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and Clarinet Choir. She is pursuing a concentration in bass clarinet and finishing her departmental honors project.

"When it comes to college, it's the opportunities that you take advantage of that create your experience," she said. "I feel I have taken full advantage of what LVC has to offer and it has treated me well."

As for heading to Wales, Hockenbury looks forward to the annual Bangor Music Festival, running in the Bangor Half Marathon, visiting some of the castles, and participating in local holidays and celebrations.

Editor's Note: Katie Hockenbury is one of three LVC Class of 2018 graduates to be named Fulbright Finalists and is the sixth LVC student in the past three years to earn this prestigious award. She joins Audrey Reiley '18, Kristy Sonberg '18, Megan Lough '17, Jasmine Olvany '17, and Hannah Pell '16.

Media Attachments