QUINCY — Dr. Megan Boccardi recently became one of only three people who have received the Fulbright Award at Quincy University.

The Fulbright Program offers the prestigious award to those with leadership potential, strong academic background, and the desire to bring together an understanding of differing cultures in the form of a successful Fulbright project.

Boccardi was awarded a semester-long teaching grant for the University of Venice, Ca'Foscari, and taught about 20 students in American culture studies, a graduate readings seminar.

“The teaching experience really exposed me to the different pedagogy used in other countries, and I think that I might try some of those ideas in my classroom. I think more importantly, I will continue to stress the importance of understanding the world outside of Quincy, Illinois and the United States,” Boccardi says.

Boccardi was able to become a resident of Venice and visit places she had wanted to see since a young age including her family’s hometown in Ireland and Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam. She was also able to experience countries such as Austria, England, France, Greece and Turkey.

“It was an amazing honor to receive a Fulbright and to represent both the U.S., but also Quincy University in another country,” Boccardi says.

Boccardi joins Dr. Robert Gervasi and Dr. Robert Manning as recipients of the Fulbright Award, and she hopes she can use the experience to help bring about greater cultural awareness to her students and community.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a Catholic, co-educational, residential university offering undergraduate, graduate, and adult education programs that integrate liberal arts, active learning, practical experience, and Franciscan values. QU’s intercollegiate sports are members of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference for men and women. More information is available at www.quincy.edu.