On May 8, 2025, the Fulbright Association hosted the inaugural #StandforFulbright: Night of Champions, a landmark event held in Washington, DC, and broadcast globally to supporters and alumni around the world. The evening served as both a celebration and a call to action—a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of the Fulbright Program and the community that sustains it.
The event took place at a critical moment for the future of international exchange. As global challenges rise and policy priorities shift, the Fulbright community stood united to reaffirm the program’s values and mobilize for its continued support. With a full in-person audience and a wide-reaching virtual attendance, the evening set a new precedent for Fulbright advocacy, recognition, and inspiration.
View the Recording | Event Photos
A Night Rooted in Legacy and Leadership
Jennifer Gennaro Oxley, Interim Executive Director of the Fulbright Association, opened the evening with a welcome that emphasized the urgency of the moment. “Tonight is more than a celebration,” she said. “It is a stand for the future of Fulbright—together.” She extended gratitude to event co-hosts, the National Capital Area Chapter, and highlighted the presence of distinguished guests, including Ambassador David Gacheru of Kenya, Ambassador Radovan Javorčík of the Slovak Republic, and Representative Chuck Edwards of North Carolina.
Oxley also acknowledged Fulbright board members, chapter leaders, and congressional staffers present, and invoked the words of Senator J. William Fulbright: “Educational exchange can turn nations into people.” She reminded the audience that with Fulbright now operating in over 160 countries—supported by 49 binational commissions—its reach is global, its impact measurable, and its future worth defending.
Fulbright Stories: Generational Impact
Opening remarks were delivered by Bryce Moulton, a recent Fulbright English Teaching Assistant to Nepal, who spoke about the transformative effect of his time abroad and the mentorship he now offers future Fulbrighters. Bryce described how Fulbright empowered him to lead in his home and host communities, and how his experience inspired him to speak at his alma mater and engage with students across the country.
He then introduced his mother, Dr. Patrice Moulton, a Fulbright Scholar to Nepal and Professor at Northwestern State University. Dr. Moulton delivered a stirring reflection on Fulbright’s legacy—one that spans careers, families, and entire communities. “The transformation Fulbright creates doesn’t end when you return,” she said. “It intensifies your values, deepens your sense of service, and multiplies through the people whose lives you touch.”
Her words underscored the evening’s theme—Hope for Our Future—by highlighting the multigenerational ripple effect of Fulbright and the immense heart and service of its alumni.
Honoring Champions of Exchange and Advocacy
The evening featured the presentation of three categories of honors recognizing those who contribute to the Fulbright mission across sectors:
Institutional Champions
Presented by Tom Bowling (Frostburg State University) and Leland Lazarus (Florida International University), this recognition celebrates universities that support Fulbright through advocacy, advising, and global programming. Honorees included:
- Howard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- The Pennsylvania State University
- University of Arkansas, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences
- University of Maryland Global Campus
Industry and Nonprofit Champions
Presented by Sarah Happel (Spectrum Leadership Solutions) and Greg Cooper (The Bancorp), this award honored organizations advancing international collaboration in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Honorees included:
- ADP Foundation
- Georgia-Pacific
- Hunton
- Venable LLP
- Youth Activism Project
Lifetime Advocate Awards
Presented by Christian Bolden (The Bolden Group) and John Vogel (Crowell & Moring LLP), the 2025 event marked the renaming of the Lifetime Advocate Award in honor of Dr. Bruce A. Fowler, a distinguished Fulbright alum and public health leader whose dedication to Fulbright spans decades. The Bruce A. Fowler Advocate of the Year recognitions were awarded to:
- Hazel Blackmore Sánchez
- Loren Hershey
- Lonnie Johnson
- Mary Ellen Heian Schmider
Each of these honorees represents a lifelong commitment to public diplomacy, international education, and policy advocacy that has strengthened Fulbright’s standing across continents.
The Next Generation: A Future in Focus
The evening culminated in the Voices of the Future panel, moderated by journalist and Fulbright alumna Virginia Gunawan, who facilitated a rich conversation with four emerging leaders:
- Dan Szetela, Fulbright ETA to Russia
- Emma Schlauder, Fulbright to the UK
- Etinosa Obanor, Fulbright ETA to South Korea
- Kelsey Woodrick, Fulbright ETA to Thailand
Together, they reflected on how their Fulbright experiences shaped their worldview, empowered them to give back, and launched careers in international education, policy, research, and advocacy. Their stories illuminated how Fulbright builds not just scholars, but servant-leaders and changemakers.
What Comes Next: Calls to Action
As Dr. Walter McCollum, President and Chair of the Fulbright Association’s Board of Directors, closed the evening, he reminded the audience that the work continues. “Tonight, we honor our champions,” he said, “but tomorrow, we continue our advocacy—loudly and locally.”
The Fulbright Association invites all members, alumni, and supporters to take the following steps:
- Sign the Action Alert from the Alliance for International Exchange here. Tell Congress to reject the President’s budget proposal and support funding for international exchange programs. The Fulbright Association will also launch our letter writing campaign over the summer as the Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees conduct their budget markup – stay tuned.
- Take Action Locally: We’re working with the Alliance for International Exchange to ramp up our summer advocacy efforts for Fulbright at the local level. Stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, our 54 chapter network and affinity groups are meeting with legislators in the district, as well as hosting effective advocacy efforts.
- Connect with your local Fulbright Chapter or Interest Group here.
- Not near a chapter or have legislative connections – reach out to Fiona Breslin directly.
- Support the 1946 Campaign: Our efforts require ongoing resources to maintain advocacy momentum.
- If you haven’t already, please consider contributing to our 1946 Campaign.
- Every donation helps amplify Fulbright’s impact and ensures the program’s future.
- Many thanks for the 800+ donors and counting thus far!
We are deeply grateful for your continued advocacy, generosity, and belief in the transformative power of educational and cultural exchange. Let’s continue to stand together—for Fulbright, for future generations, and for a more connected and compassionate world.
This first-ever Night of Champions was more than an event. It was a demonstration of strength, unity, and commitment—a reminder that the Fulbright community is a powerful force for diplomacy, learning, and peace.
Together, we will continue to #StandforFulbright.
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