I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the new board members of the Austrian Fulbright Alumni association—Anja Cervenka, Peter Ertl, Erich Kandler, Julia Pataky, Julia Raptis, Lisa Reck-Burneo, and Cornelia Stellwag-Carion— and the new president of the association, Ulrike Butschek. Together, they compose a melodic blend of expertise, dedication, and vision. And to start off the program year,  they have a special message for you.

As the days shorten and the air grows crisper, we anticipate the warmth of our fall events. Our students, scholars, and teaching assistants continue to weave their narratives, bridging cultures and enriching classrooms. Their energy reverberates through lecture halls, research labs, and community gatherings.

Later this month, we’re look forward to the 51st annual conference of the Austrian Association for American Studies, entitled “Education, the Arts, and American Studies,” at the University College of Teacher Education Vorarlberg in Feldkirch, Vorarlberg, from 17 to 19 October 2024. That same weekend, we will also be holding an info session for potential applicants and a meet & greet for current and former program participants as part of our 2024–25 Bundesländertour. We’ll be holding meet & greets all across Austria throughout the program year, so be sure to check out our event calendar to see when we’ll be in your area.

In the spirit of Senator J. William Fulbright, let us embrace the harmonies of shared knowledge, friendship, and goodwill. As we celebrate the changing seasons, we remain committed to nurturing the bonds that unite us and transform us into a chorus of bright minds creating an interconnected world.