The Michigan/Northwest Ohio Chapter wrapped up 2018 by hosting their annual Fulbright Welcome Extravaganza Reception Dinner, which brought together over 60 Fulbright alumni, current visiting Fulbrighters, and friends of the Program from all around the Great Lakes region for an evening of networking, culture, and friendship. Co-sponsored by the University of Michigan Board of Regents, the reception featured live music by Lisa Harper, and a special welcome by University of Michigan Regent Katherine E. White, JD, who is both a former Fulbright Association National Board member and a Fulbright Senior Scholar to Germany. Each attendee had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their work.
“The atmosphere was festive and the conversation animated and wide-ranging, covering culture and the arts, science, technology, and the latest experiences of attendees who hailed from every major world region,” says Chapter President Jeffrey Nutt, a 1986 Fulbrighter to the United Kingdom.
He notes that the Michigan/Northwest Ohio Chapter is both geographically and culturally diverse, and the Chapter utilizes the region’s love for nature and sports. In 2018, the Chapter took a cruise to Mackinac Island, the second national park established in the United States. Other points of particular interest are the record-largest football stadiums and the Cedar Point on Lake Erie amusement park. Jeffrey believes that showcasing local attractions and cultural landmarks increases international understanding and cooperation by engaging Fulbright alumni from both the region and around the world.
The Michigan/Northwest Ohio Chapter has plans to continue engaging and connecting the Fulbright community in 2019. In the spirit of celebrating nature of the Great Lakes region, on Saturday, May 25, 2019, Chapter members will gather on the Detroit Princess riverboat for the Chapter’s first Detroit International Heritage River Cruise and Lunch, to take in the spectacular scenery of Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The river the group will embark on is a federally-designated National Heritage River.
If you would like to join the Michigan/Northwest Ohio Chapter, please login to your member account to enroll. If you are not yet a member, you can join the Fulbright Association by clicking here.
–Alison Aadland
