As I reflect on extraordinary months for Fulbright Austria, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the vibrant community that continues to define Fulbright Austria. Our 75th-anniversary celebrations—highlighted in this newsletter through the SummerFest recap video, the anniversary reception in Washington, DC, and our first-ever press event—remind us of the enduring legacy and evolving impact of Fulbright Austria.

For 75 years, Fulbright Austria has been connecting peoples, connecting nations, and connecting generations. And our 75th-anniversary gatherings are more than just calendar highlights; they are opportunities to renew friendships, spark new collaborations, and reaffirm our shared commitment to academic and cultural exchange.

At its heart, Fulbright Austria is about people. It is about the students, scholars, and teaching assistants who have stepped out of their comfort zones to embrace new cultures, challenge their perspectives, and build lifelong friendships. Our alums—over 11,000 US and Austrian citizens—form a vibrant community of cultural ambassadors, continuing to promote knowledge transfer and peace long after their official programs end.

Fulbright Austria is a symbol of the enduring partnership between Austria and the United States. Our work is made possible by the joint commitment of both governments as well as support from universities, foundations, and private donors on both sides of the Atlantic. Together, we have built resilient bridges of cooperation and open dialogue, making both countries safer and stronger.

Perhaps most inspiring is how Fulbright Austria connects generations. Alums from the earliest years stand shoulder to shoulder with today’s participants, sharing stories, mentoring, and nurturing the next wave of bright minds. The legacy of Fulbright is not just in the past; it is alive in the present and will shape the future. As 2021–22 Austrian Fulbright student Anja Cervenka told us when she made a donation to support future generations: “Participating in the Fulbright Program has been an extraordinary journey that has profoundly shaped both my professional and personal life.” 

As we celebrate 75 years of Fulbright Austria together, let us continue to build on this living and breathing legacy and continue connecting peoples, connecting nations, connecting generations. In the words of Senator J. William Fulbright: “Educational exchange can turn nations into people, contributing as no other form of communication can to the humanizing of international relations.”

Thank you for your enduring personal commitment to our ongoing journey.