Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear bright minds,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the many things we are grateful for. It is the time of the year to celebrate connection, shared purpose, and the gifts that make a lasting difference in our lives. Personally, it’s the one holiday that had the greatest impactn my life during my time in Michigan, a gift that I cherish deeply.

One of the greatest gifts that you can receive and share is the gift of education. International education has the power to transform lives, bridge cultures, and shape the future in ways we can only begin to imagine. That’s what we’ve done here at Fulbright Austria since 1950, and we continue to see it every day through the inspiring work of our students, scholars, and teaching assistants from both sides of the Atlantic.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to thank all who continue to help us to share this gift with the next generation of bright minds. I want to thank the Austrian and the US governments, the Fulbright Austria board, the Fulbright Austria team, and all our partners and donors for their valued contributions. Together, we help bright minds shine even brighter.

I am deeply thankful for the incredible community of students, educators, researchers, and changemakers who carry forward Fulbright Austria’s mission of mutual understanding and collaboration in these times of global challenges. Together, we are creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen the bonds between Austria and the United States.

This Thanksgiving, let us celebrate the gift of education and the future it allows us to create—a future rooted in knowledge, empathy, and shared aspirations. Thank you for being part of this transformative journey. I wish you and your loved ones a joyful and meaningful Thanksgiving.