Fischlowitz Travel Fellowship Winners Embark on Purposeful U.S. Journeys

Two Grinnell College students have been selected as this year’s recipients of the Fischlowitz Travel Fellowship, a program that supports students coming to Grinnell from outside of the U.S. to pursue casual yet purposeful independent travel in the United States centered around a theme of deep personal and intellectual exploration.

The fellowship is made possible through the generosity of Teresa and Merle Fischlowitz ’53. During his lifetime, Merle Fischlowitz generously supported the Fischlowitz Travel Fellowship. Following his passing on January 31, 2024, an endowed fund was established through his estate to ensure the fellowship continues in perpetuity, extending his legacy of care and support for students at Grinnell.

This newly endowed fund strengthens the College’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore the United States beyond the classroom, deepening their understanding of culture, community, and identity.

Where Curiosity Lives: A Creative Exploration of American Libraries

Maral Bat-Erdene ’27, a computer science major, from Mongolia, will travel to libraries across the United States to explore how institutions tell stories and foster learning. Her project examines which methods of engagement resonate most deeply in these spaces and how technology shapes their evolving impact.

Through painting and photography, Bat-Erdene will document her experiences and share her reflections with the Grinnell community upon her return.

An Amtrak Journey of Queer Expression and Environmental Protection Across America 

Khanh (August) Ngo ’27, a Psychology major, from Vietnam, will travel across the country by Amtrak, exploring the intersection of queer culture, Vietnamese identity, and environmental activism.

Ngo’s journey will focus on how communities across the United States express identity, advocate for environmental protection, and build spaces of belonging.