At the age of 75, Fulbright Austria has accomplished something that only a handful of companies and organizations around the globe manage: maintaining a successful presence for several decades. This achievement was what allowed Fulbright Austria to take to the stage at Kleine Zeitung’s offices in Vienna as part of a panel discussion on how institutions and companies can successfully survive and thrive long past their founding, the pros and cons associated with their long history, and the challenges well-established institutions face as they progress into the future. And despite nearly eight decades of facilitating academic and cultural exchanges between the US and Austria, Fulbright Austria was the baby on the stage.
75th anniversary: A spotlight moment on Kleine Zeitung’s Jubiläumsstage
16 July 2025On 1 July 2025, Fulbright Austria joined other well-established companies and institutions for a panel discussion focused on both the past and the future.
© Georg AufreiterThe event, hosted by Kleine Zeitung—itself more than 120 years old—included: Wüstenrot, an institution that has been providing financial services for 100 years; KSV1870, a credit reporting agency established in 1870; the Belvedere, a palace that was initially a party location for Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 1700s before becoming a museum in the late 18th century; and Damn Plastic, a start-up founded by an entrepreneur whose family business goes back more than 360 years.
The audience enjoyed a vibrant discussion as panelists shared insights into their respective institution's success stories. © Georg Aufreiter
The panel discussion was moderated by 1980–81 Austrian Fulbright student Michael Jungwirth, the deputy editor-in-chief at Kleine Zeitung’s offices in Vienna. © Georg AufreiterWith a millenium of collective experience represented on the stage from a wide variety of industries, the panel discussion—moderated by Fulbright Austria alum Michael Jungwirth, the deputy editor-in-chief at Kleine Zeitung’s offices in Vienna—provided fascinating insights into how successful companies can weather storms, how outside forces can demand adaptation of business models, and what institutions can do to remain successful as they move further into the 21st century. Following the discussion, the audience was able to mingle, giving Fulbright Austria an opportunity to forge new relationships we hope will accompany us as we too adapt to the challenges of our modern era.
“If you want to grow, you must be ready to overcome your own fears.” Hermann Agis, executive director of Fulbright Austria
We are incredibly thankful to Kleine Zeitung for the chance to participate in this event, and we are grateful to our fellow panelists for the opportunity to learn from them.
To read more about the event, watch a video recap, and browse through the photo album, check out Kleine Zeitung’s website.
Panelists and organizers pose for a photo after the discussion. © Georg Aufreiter