75th anniversary: Celebrating legacy and building bridges at Fulbright Austria’s reception in Washington, DC

11 Juli 2025
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Alumni relations manager Mitch Sims writes about the successful anniversary event hosted in Washington, DC, to commemorate the founding of Fulbright Austria.

By Mitch Sims

Alumni Relations Manager
Outreach, Development, and Fundraising

As alumni relations manager at Fulbright Austria, I’ve had the honor of witnessing countless connections sparked across disciplines, borders, and generations. But few moments encapsulate the magic of our mission like the 75th-anniversary reception we hosted in Washington, DC, on 8 July 2025.

The event brought together over 100 guests, including Fulbright Austria alums from Austria and the United States, current and future program participants, Fulbright Program advisers, representatives of the US Department of State and the Institute of International Education as well as of the Austrian embassy and the Austrian Cultural Forum, and friends and partners of Fulbright Austria.

© Mag. Barbara Lachner photosandmore.at

Held in the atrium and library of the Austrian embassy, the evening took place alongside the exhibit Controlled Freedom: The Allied Forces in Vienna 1945–1955, curated by the Wien Museum and presented in collaboration with Austrian cultural institutions, including one of our partners: the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation.

Highlighting Vienna’s cultural resurgence after WWII, the exhibit served as a timely reminder of Fulbright’s postwar origins and the enduring power of cultural diplomacy. The setting was made even more meaningful by the proximity of the World War II Memorial—designed by Friedrich St. Florian, a Fulbright Austria alum—just a short distance away on the National Mall, underscoring the profound and lasting legacy Fulbright Austria’s alums continue to leave on both sides of the Atlantic.

The World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, was designed by Fulbright Austria alum Friedrich St. Florian.
The Fulbright Austria community came together to celebrate at the Austrian embassy in Washington, DC.
Guests mingled at the reception...
...while taking in the special exhibit.

From joyful reunions to impromptu mentoring between former and future program participants, the evening buzzed with stories of transformation. One of my personal highlights was seeing a former Fulbright scholar to India deep in conversation with an Austrian Fulbright scholar wrapping up their US experience—two strangers instantly connected by a shared passion for research and exchange. Another personal highlight was watching two generations of alums connect in a moment of mutual mentorship as 2020–22 US teaching assistant (USTA) Allison Gilmore shared insights on restructuring an initiative aimed at knowledge transfer with Dianne Welsh, who was the 2014–15 Fulbright-Kathryn and Craig Hall Distinguished Chair for Entrepreneurship in Central Europe and a member of the Fulbright Austria Alum Advisory Panel in 2022 and 2023.

In his welcome remarks, Hermann Agis, Fulbright Austria’s executive director, encouraged Austrian guests to meet at least one US citizen, US guests to connect with an Austrian, and everyone to seek out a Fulbrighter from outside the Fulbright Austria programs. Judging by the laughter and conversations that followed, his invitation was warmly embraced.

Hans-Joachim Almoslechner, deputy chief of mission at the Austrian embassy, emphasized the significance of the program: "The Fulbright Program is a vital pillar of our transatlantic relationship—it strengthens mutual understanding and builds lifelong bridges between Austria and the US. ... Educational and scientific cooperation fosters innovation, opens spaces for dialogue, and enables exchange across sectors.”

Lori Felton, a Fulbright Austria alum, Fulbright Program adviser, and current member of the Fulbright Austria Alum Advisory Panel, reflected humorously on her path from factory worker to Fulbright researcher: “I’ve dedicated my career to the Fulbright Program because it is such an effective, transformative program. The multiplier effect cannot be overstated.”

Hermann Agis, executive director of Fulbright Austria
Hans-Joachim Almoslechner, deputy chief of mission at the Austrian embassy in Washington, DC
Lori Felton, 2005–06 USTA and 2011–12 US Fulbright student

Stories like hers echoed throughout the night. Allison Gilmore—a first-generation college student and former USTA—credited her Fulbright Austria experience, along with the mentorship she received, as pivotal to her personal and professional growth: “Their support helped me advance in so many ways. I am so grateful.”

That support was on full display at the reception, where she was joined by two members of her extended Fulbright Austria family from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University—Alsace Gallop, her former Fulbright Program adviser, and Alex Hauke, a Fulbright Austria alum and mentor—both of whom played instrumental roles in guiding her journey.

Today, Allison pays it forward as a leader of the John Lewis Young Leaders Program, which empowers undergraduate students—particularly from minority-serving institutions—to become civic and human-rights leaders through mentorship, fellowships, and community-driven projects.

Photo of Dianne Welsh, Lori Felton, Allison Gilmore, and Mitch Sims(l. to r.) 2014–15 US Fulbright scholar Dianne Welsh, 2005–06 USTA and 2011–12 US Fulbright student Lori Felton, 2020–22 USTA Allison Gilmore, and alumni relations manager Mitch Sims
The Fulbright Austria community unites current, former, and future program participants and partners: (l. to r.) 2024–25 Austrian Fulbright student Madeleine Pumberger; 2025–26 USTA Enya Xiang; 2021–22 USTA Harrison DeChant; Sarah Bamberger, director of the Austrian Cultural Forum Washington; and 2021–22 USTA Nicholas DeChant

Brothers Nicholas and Harrison DeChant—both former USTAs who lived and taught in Vorarlberg—spoke about how the program shaped their lives. “The USTA Program allowed me to gain flexibility and dexterity,” said Harrison. “I can look forward to learning from and working with others wherever I am.” Nicholas added: “My time as a USTA informed my choice to pursue a master of public policy. It gave me lived experiences and a new, fantastic community.”

From students to cultural ambassadors, the evening reminded us: Fulbright Austria isn’t just programs—it’s a community, a catalyst, and a commitment to a more connected future. Here's to the next 75 years of building bridges!