Professor receives fourth Fulbright Award

By Erin Ryan

Political Science Professor Jane Curry recently received the Fulbright Award as a Distinguished Chair in Eastern European Studies.

Curry's expertise in the changing social and political environment of Poland and the surrounding area will take her back to Poland for most of the 2003-2004 year to teach graduate students, lecture to diplomats and continue research.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunities the Fulbright offers," she said.

This is Curry's fourth Fulbright over a course of about 30 years. These awards and grants have allowed her to study in Poland with the different perspectives of an undergraduate and now as a distinguished professor, both during and after the communist rule. Her book, "The Left Transformed," which will be released this May, analyzes her research of former communists active in a now democratic society.

Her research in transitional justice analyzes how leaders deal with the abuses of the past system when they start a new system of government. At the pinnacle of her research, Curry will be in Poland when the country plans on entering the European Union in the spring of 2004.

"It's fascinating to see a country that's changed so much," said Curry.

Curry is also ready to take a break from analysis on the upcoming trip in Eastern Europe to be a United Nations human rights monitor. She just finished an official training course, and hopes the training will open doors for her to do some work in Bosnia or Kosovo.

Curry also sees the trip as an opportunity to reunite with her "Polish family," whom she first met as an undergraduate in a study abroad program. Each time she visits Poland, she sees her host mother. As the families have grown, the connection has deepened. Curry said she has built long-lasting friendships in Poland.

Not only will the Fulbright Award benefit Curry, but her students as well, say those in the Santa Clara community.

"I believe Santa Clara is quite fortunate to have a scholar of her caliber on its faculty, for her association with the university reflects well on it," said English Professor Simone Billings. "Present and future students both will benefit from Professor Curry's expertise and her work while she carries out the duties of a Fulbright Distinguished Professorship."

"I think it's always better to tell my class what a place is like, rather than them just reading about it in a textbook," said Curry.