May 19, 2026 — Two Marist seniors have been awarded prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student grants for the upcoming year, continuing the University’s strong tradition of global academic achievement. Mackenzie Carey ’26 will travel to Spain, and Ben Cook ’26 will head to Taiwan, with both serving as English Teaching Assistants through the highly competitive program.

Mackenzie Carey ’26, a Media Studies: Film & Television and Spanish double major, will travel to Galicia, Spain from September 2026 through June 2027. A storyteller with interests in writing, language, and film, Mackenzie is looking forward to the experience.

“I am ecstatic about the cultural exchange and excited to immerse myself within their culture, learning Gallego (a distinct language spoken in Galicia), experiencing their lively traditions, and coming to call Galicia home,” she said.

Her Fulbright journey began in 2025 with Marist Fulbright Program Advisor Pat Taylor and evolved into a deeply reflective process. “It became much more than a set of essays—it was an opportunity to really think about who I am and how I want to serve others,” Mackenzie said.

Mackenzie Carey '26 will travel to Galicia, Spain as part of her Fulbright U.S. Student award. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

At Marist, Mackenzie has merged her academic and creative interests as a tutor at the Weiss Language Center, choreographer for the Marist Dance Ensemble, and a contributor to film projects. A semester abroad in Madrid was especially formative, strengthening her language skills and cultural fluency. She also collaborated on faculty research, including a project on AI-driven vibe coding (where AI generates, refines, and debugging code based on natural language prompts) for language learning that she co-presented in Valencia, Spain.

Dr. Kevin Gaugler, professor of Spanish and Assistant Dean in the School of Liberal Arts, has worked closely with Mackenzie across a range of courses that highlight both cultural fluency and technological innovation in language learning.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to teach Mackenzie Spanish culture and literature, collaborate with her on research, and travel with her to Spain,” said Dr. Gaugler. “To see that work culminate in her return as a Fulbright recipient is deeply gratifying.”

In Galicia, Mackenzie will support English instruction while designing culturally rich classroom experiences. She plans to incorporate dance, film, and storytelling into her teaching, engage with the local arts community, and lead an after-school film club.

“Living with a host family taught me that language is more than grammar—it’s identity and connection,” she said. “I’m excited to immerse myself in the culture and help students find their voices.”
 

Benjamin, a Business Administration major on the Entrepreneurship track, with minors in Accounting and Global Studies, will teach English in Taiwan’s capital city of Taipei. A campus leader with extensive global experience, he has studied abroad across Europe, Asia, and Africa, among other regions, shaping his approach to cross-cultural engagement.

Benjamin Cook ’26 will teach English in Taiwan as part of his Fulbright U.S. Student award. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

With a strong foundation shaped by past experiences, Benjamin is eager to take on a new chapter abroad as he prepares for his Fulbright journey to Taiwan.

“I’m excited to begin this immersive journey, where I’ll not only support students in their English learning, but also build meaningful connections and contribute to a broader spirit of collaboration, service, and cultural exchange,” he said.

During his time at Marist, Benjamin has studied abroad in several countries, some of which are Italy, South Africa, and South Korea. He has completed two full semesters overseas, participated in four short-term programs, and traveled to nearly 50 countries.

He worked closely with faculty mentors, including Dr. Joanne Gavin, Dr. David Gavin throughout the Fulbright application process. He also credits Dr. Sang-Keun Yoo and Dr. Jin Lau for helping him grow and develop as an individual on the international stage.

“I have been fortunate to work with Ben throughout his time at Marist and even travel with him across Europe and Africa,” said Dr. Joanne Gavin, professor of management. “He never takes the easy path—he seeks out challenges and opportunities to grow. He is not only an exceptional student but an all-around remarkable person.”

On campus, Benjamin serves as Co-President of the Marist Chapter of the International Business Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma, Head Greeter of the Admission Student Leadership Board, and captain of the Marist Ski Team. He has also studied Chinese with Professor Su-Wan Chien in preparation for his time abroad.

Truman Scholar Victor Rivera Jr. '27 and Fulbright recipients Mackenzie Carey ’26 and Benjamin Cook ’26 together at a special reception honoring their remarkable achievements. Photo by Emily Portnov ’29/Marist University.

The Fulbright application required months of preparation. “I pulled several all-nighters to complete it,” he said. “One of the hardest parts was choosing which program to apply to.”

Benjamin will depart for Taiwan on August 1 for training before beginning his teaching role. “I’m hoping that living—not just traveling—in East Asia will help me discover new perspectives,” he said.

Taylor described working with both students as especially rewarding.

“They each brought a distinct and infectious energy to the Fulbright project,” she said. “They also continue a long line of our students contributing their experiences and dynamism to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program across a wide range of disciplines. That is truly something to celebrate.”

The Fulbright Program is a premier international exchange initiative that promotes mutual understanding through education and cultural exchange. The program offers graduating seniors, graduate students, and young professionals opportunities to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad, advancing collaboration and knowledge worldwide.