American University Washington College of Law Hosts Prestigious Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board Meeting
Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Lee Satterfield Inspires Humphrey Fellows
American University Washington College of Law had the distinct honor of hosting the US Department of State's quarterly Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board meeting, a testament to its commitment to international education and diplomacy. The event was marked by the addition of a new board member, engaging interactions with university dignitaries, students, and scholars, and insightful conversations with the accomplished Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows, whose participation is integral to the Fulbright Program.
In her welcome remarks, American University President Sylvia Burwell underscored the invaluable role of international education in nurturing civil society.
"AU has been an active supporter of the Humphrey fellows program for more than 30 years," she said. "In 2002, the Washington College of Law became the only law school in the country to host the program. We are particularly proud of the worldwide network that our Humphrey fellows have created, building a camaraderie that spans the globe and enables our fellows to continue to work together and engage long after leaving our campus."
A significant highlight of the morning was the presence of Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield, who emphasized the transformative impact of the Fellows.
“People-to-people exchanges are one of the most powerful tools in public diplomacy, and the Fulbright and Humphrey Programs create connections in a complex world," Satterfield said. “Those connections in turn lead to greater understanding among people from different countries, advance knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world.”
Veteran political strategist Donna Brazile, who serves as Chair of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, offered motivational words to the twelve Fellows.
"I've been in Washington DC for 42 years and one thing I can tell you about Washington DC is that it changes – not every two years, not every four years, but it changes every season," she said. "This is your season and I hope you seize the moment. Why you? Because there's no one better. Why now? Because tomorrow's not soon enough. That's why I am so grateful that you have taken on this leadership role to become Fellows and to help build that bridge to ensure that the next generation can also cross over."
Adding depth to the discussions, a panel of three distinguished Fellows, hailing from Brazil, Pakistan, and South Africa, shared insights into their law and human rights studies and work. Their contributions reflected the diverse and impactful nature of the Fulbright Program.
"AUWCL has one of the very best international law programs in the United States – and indeed the world," said Roger A. Fairfax Jr., dean of American University Washington College of Law. "I can think of no better place to host the esteemed Humphrey Fellows program."
Throughout the day, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board and AUWCL faculty held extensive discussions regarding the prospects of the Fulbright and Humphrey Fellows programs.
The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board comprises 12 members appointed by the President, responsible for overseeing the Fulbright Program and selecting participants from the United States and abroad. Donna Brazile, as Chair of the FFSB, and Michael Trager, as Vice Chair, convene quarterly meetings to deliberate Fulbright Program policies and engage with program participants.
The Fulbright Program stands as the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program and aims to increase mutual understanding and foster friendly, peaceful relations between the people of the United States and those of other countries. The program annually supports more than 8,000 students, scholars, artists, and professionals from the United States and more than 160 countries in their exchange.
~Story by Keith Pierce. Photos by Hilary Schwab
***See more photos here.