The World Affairs Journalism Fellowships are based on the belief that news of local interest is not limited to events in your own backyard, and that enterprising reporters and editors can find creative ways to link events abroad to issues of importance to the community. When a local-international connection is illustrated effectively, the definition of a "community" issue suddenly expands to include the larger region ... other countries ... and the world as a whole. That is the goal of this program.

The fellowships are aimed at news managers, editors, commentary writers and other gatekeepers of news--basically those who decide which stories appear in the paper--from U.S. community-based dailies. Ten to 12 experienced media professionals are selected each year to travel overseas for one to three weeks on assignment. While overseas, fellows will explore issues of local importance and submit articles to their home newspapers for publication.

2003 Fellows

The 2003 Fellows traveled to China, Vietnam, Mexico, Russia, Marshall Islands, Spain, Kenya, the U.K. and the Dominican Republic.

Scott Beveridge - Environment Editor, Observer-Reporter, Washington, PA

Christopher Leonard - Regional Business Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Springdale, AR

Shawn Boburg - Education Reporter. The Eagle-Tribune, Lawrence, MA

David Lerman - Washington Reporter. Daily Press, Newport News, VA

Melinda Burns - Senior Writer, Santa Barbara News-Press, CA

Pilar Marrero - Metro News Editor, Political Columnist, La Opinión, Los Angeles

Patricia Hooper - Special Project Editor, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA

Encarnación Pyle - Social Services Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch, OH

Stella Hopkins - Business Projects Reporter, The Charlotte Observer, NC

Craig Troianello - Coordinating Editor, Yakima Herald-Republic, WA

2002 Fellows

The 2002 Fellows went to China, Russia, Northern Ireland, India, Nigeria, Brazil, Kasakhstan, Mexico, and Egypt.

Denise Becker - Business Reporter, News and Record, High Point, NC

Rukmini Callimachi - Staff reporter, Daily Herald, Chicago, IL

Betsy Cohen - Higher Education Editor/Reporter, Missoulian, Missoula, MT

John Dillon - Deputy Managing Editor, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond, VA

Matthew Dolan - Staff writer, Virginia Pilot, Norfolk, VA

Ann Imse - Reporter, Rocky Mountain News, Denver, CO

Rick Mercier - Assistant Editor/Columnist, Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg, VA

Susan Moeller - Business Editor, Cape Cod Times, Hyannis, MA

Nadia White - State Editor, Star-Tribune, Casper, WY

Cathy Zimmerman - Feature Editor, Daily News, Longview, WA