The Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State’s flagship international exchange program, will begin a year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary in January 2021. Virtual and in-person activities and events will take place worldwide to showcase the program’s positive impact on individuals, institutions, and communities in the United States and around the world. These events will be organized around a central theme: “IMPACT: 75 Years of Global Actions, Opportunities, and Connections.”
On August 1, 1946, President Harry S. Truman signed the act that launched the Fulbright Program to enhance mutual understanding and help people and nations work together toward common goals. Led by the U.S. government in partnership with more than 160 countries worldwide, Fulbright offers exchange opportunities for dynamic and accomplished students, scholars, artists, teachers, and professionals of all backgrounds. For 75 years, Fulbright has been a mainstay of U.S. public diplomacy, strengthening binational relationships, reducing misunderstanding, and forging lasting connections around the world.
A 75th anniversary website, www.fulbright75.org, will spotlight the contributions of the Fulbright Program’s more than 400,000 alumni, including leaders of government and industry; scientists; recipients of honors such as the Nobel Prize and U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom; and other alumni who are working to improve their communities and the world. Featured alumni include two Nobel Laureates–medical physicist Rosalyn Yalow and microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus; prominent historian and author John Hope Franklin; electrical engineer and industrial leader Amar Bose; and world renowned soprano Renée Fleming.
Throughout 2021, the Fulbright Program, along with partners and stakeholders in the U.S. and across the globe, will host special events, activities, and opportunities to engage the worldwide Fulbright community. The U.S. Department of State invites you to celebrate with us by sharing your Fulbright stories and by participating in and/or hosting activities and events that celebrate the Fulbright Program’s 75th Anniversary. Please visit www.fulbright75.org for information.
You can also follow the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs on Twitter @ECAatState and Facebook here for the latest updates on the celebration, as well as the Fulbright Program on Twitter @FulbrightPrgrm, Instagram here, and Facebook here.
About the Author: Mary Kirk is the Director of the Office of Academic Exchange Programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.