A Decade of Distinction — Ramatu Musa: Fdu's Fulbright Scholar

orn in Sierra Leone and now a United States citizen, Ramatu Musa, BA’09 (T), is the first FDU student in recent history to win a Fulbright Fellowship from the U.S. Department of State. Musa will conduct research in Israel during the 2009–2010 academic year.
The Fulbright program, which is designed to increase mutual understanding among nations through educational exchanges, has provided many U.S. faculty and students with opportunities to teach and study abroad. In particular, the U.S. Student Program, administered by the Institute of International Education, awards approximately 1,500 grants annually and operates in more than 150 countries.
Musa’s Fulbright project is titled “Sheba’s Legacy: The Young Women of Beta Israel.” She will examine the lives of successful women in the Ethiopian Jewish community and identify the conditions that contributed to their achievements. She will be based at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel.Musa is keeping a log of her Fulbright experiences on FDU's Global Education Website.
A graduate of FDU’s Metropolitan Campus, Musa completed her bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in international studies in May. She was inducted into the Lambda Pi Eta National Honor Society for undergraduates in communication and the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. In addition, she is a recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for excellence in community service and The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education’s Academic Achievement Award. She also was active with numerous campus organizations including the Upsilon Omega Honor Society, the African Heritage Society and the Business Leaders of Tomorrow.

Why did you choose FDU?
FDU’s Equal Opportunity Fund [EOF] program provided a great opportunity to take classes before starting college, and I wanted to stay in New Jersey. I also was accepted into another New Jersey university but it was way too big — I wanted a small environment where I could get to know more people.
How did you select your major?
I’ve always been interested in writing and expressing myself, so communication was a good fit. I picked a minor in international studies because I’ve always been into different cultures and cross-cultural studies.

DU is proud to have among its faculty a number of Fulbright Scholars and Fulbright fellowship recipients. The most recent of these, Bamidele Ojo, professor of political science, served as a visiting Fulbright Scholar at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, for 2001–2002. He taught on democracy, globalization and human rights and researched democratic consolidation in Nigeria. “There is nothing more enriching than the Fulbright experience,” says Ojo. “It is a rewarding academic exercise that also provides opportunities to gain more global perspectives.” Ojo continued his Fulbright connection with his candidacy on the organization’s Senior Specialists Roster, which enabled him to be considered for matches with Fulbright program requests. His involvement in Nigeria also led to his appointment as chairman of the Michael Imodu National Institute for Labor Studies in the country’s Ministry of Employment, Labor and Productivity and subsequently to the Governing Council of Nigeria’s Federal Institute for Trypanosomiasis [sleeping sickness] Research in the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Who at FDU has made an impact on your life?
First and foremost, Eli Amdur, BA’68 (R), adjunct faculty, Anthony J. Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies. He’s also the academic adviser for Business Leaders of Tomorrow. (I was a member of that club for many years.) He really nurtures his students so they can achieve their goals and dreams. Dr. Leonard Grob, professor emeritus of philosophy — he goes above and beyond to help you. He has encouraged me to pursue my biggest dreams. Dr. Bamidele Ojo, professor of political science — I’ve taken a lot of his African studies classes, and he’s really opened my eyes to see what I want to do with my life. He’s really passionate about African development — and that’s what I see myself doing in the future. Lissette Garcia — she’s the associate director of the EOF program. Anytime I’ve had problems she was always there for me. So many people at FDU have added something to my life.
Why is global education important?
In this age, it’s important to be globalminded — to know what’s going on outside of your borders. You’re not going to survive if you remain outof- touch with the world. I think it’s a great thing Fairleigh Dickinson is doing. I’ve met so many people from all over the world.
How have you benefited from FDU’s United Nations programs?
I’ve taken tours of the United Nations through Business Leaders of Tomorrow and had dinners with United Nationsambassadors. I’ve attended the U.N. Pathways lectures. One I really enjoyed was the delegate from Nigeria, Lawrence Olufemi Obisakin, minister in charge of the First Committee dealing with disarmament, international peace and security. This was the first time I saw in person someone from Africa speak about African people and African culture. It was amazing.
What are your plans for the future?
This summer I have an internship working in public affairs with the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Switzerland. After that, I will study in Israel and do research with the Ethiopian/ Jewish community. I’m so excited.
What lessons have you learned at FDU?
It’s really important to always surround yourself with people who care about you — people whose goals and vision are aligned with yours.
top of page | next …
Academics | Nursing Student Profile | Puerta al Futuro
FDU-Vancouver | Wroxton College | Online Learning | FDU and the U.N.
Global and Florham Scholars | Study Abroad

FDU Magazine Home | FDU Home | MyFDU.net | Blog About It
FDU Magazine Online is published twice yearly by the Office of Communications and Marketing, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River Road, Teaneck, N.J. 07666.
For a print copy of FDU Magazine, featuring these and other stories, contact Rebecca Maxon, editor, 201-692-7024 or maxon@fdu.edu.
To update your address e-mail fine@fdu.edu or update your profile online at www.MyFDU.net.
©Copyright 2009 Fairleigh Dickinson University. All rights reserved.