As 2023 comes to a close, we are eager to celebrate our hardworking community, especially the volunteers that lead our alumni chapters. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, chapters have continued to extend the Fulbright traditions of education, advocacy, and service by hosting more than 200 events across the country just this year! We appreciate the dedication of chapter and interest group leaders that allows members to enjoy opportunities to gather in person and online.
Chapters and Interest Groups have made a point to gather throughout this holiday season as a way to build community and share traditions. One such chapter is the Colorado Chapter which hosted a Thanksgiving event that attendees felt exemplified the Fulbright experience: meeting new folks from around the world, sharing cultures, learning new things, feasting on a great meal and connecting in Fulbright hospitality!
The Western Washington Chapter held their Fall Gathering event at Magnuson Cafe & Brewery where those in attendance got to meet chapter board members and socialize with other chapter members over food and drinks!
Both the Arizona Chapter and the Dallas Chapter recently hosted holiday gatherings to celebrate the season in their own unique ways! For the Arizona chapter, the holiday gathering brought together visiting students and scholars as well as FA members and American Fulbrighters who were attending chapter events for the first time. In the spirit of holiday giving, the hosting establishment Corbett’s provided complimentary non-alcoholic drinks for attendees to enjoy while socializing. Meanwhile, the Dallas Chapter’s holiday gathering event was held at the Dallas Arboretum where members viewed holiday displays, networked, and also had the opportunity to send off new 2023-2024 grantees!
The Connecticut Chapter, in early December, hosted their Annual Symposium Luncheon, an event that has been taking place for over 30 years! With over 50 attendees, the diverse turnout helps the chapter build momentum into the spring semester.
While these are just a handful of examples of the different events chapters have hosted this year, there are still more to come! To participate, find a chapter near you at https://fulbright.org/chapters/.
