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W A I N Y S G T H N A I T T C M E A N T N T E O R C K N N O O I S W S L A E P D M G O E C R N E O A S ANNUAL REPORT 2014 connect. We connect alumni, grantees, friends and supporters of the U.S. Fulbright Program through local and national events, volunteer and service opportunities and innovative programs to continue a lifetime of experiences, collaboration, networking and meaningful connections. Through these interactions, we connect alumni to likeminded individuals and organizations who share a passion for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between nations and people around the globe. engage. We engage Fulbright alumni to connect in meaningful ways through 60 chapters and national programs, hosting visiting scholars, mentoring fellow Fulbrighters, collaborating at dinners and lectures and giving back through service programs in other countries for a continued role in cultural diplomacy. Fulbrighters share a transformational experience and our alumni enjoy continuing to foster these shared experiences over a lifetime. support. We support and actively advocate for the Fulbright Program and related international exchanges to ensure future generations of Fulbright grantees will continue to carry out our mission of advancing international understanding among all peoples. We make proactive contributions to world societies and help catalyze progress on select challenges for multi-year initiatives that promote the Fulbright ideals globally. We are a visible, vocal champion of the Fulbright program and represent the ideals of the Fulbright legacy and vision of using international educational exchange to foster peace through cross-cultural understanding, capacity building and action. inspire. We inspire future generations of Fulbrighters and alumni to continue in their lifelong quest for mutual understanding, people-to-people dialogue and action on national and global issues. Our vision is to: • Advance Senator Fulbright’s goal of promoting mutual understanding and peace globally through international exchanges • Serve the international Fulbright alumni community, one of the most impactful groups of international exchange participants in the world • Focus our U.S. Fulbright community on core initiatives of global significance that advance the Fulbright ethos TEDxFulbright Washington D.C., themed, “Dare to Think ,” featured 16 inspiring speakers presenting to the largest audience ever assembled at a Fulbright Association event. Contents Letter from the President 4 Advocacy: Making Your Voice Heard 18 Message from the Executive Director 5 Vision for 2015 & Beyond 20 Membership: Connecting in Ways That 6 Financials: Working Responsibly 24 Matter Donor Contributions & Appeals 25 Chapter Network: Supporting Alumni 7 Board of Directors & Staff 26 Chapter Events & Networking 8 National Events & Conferences 14 TEDxFulbright & Social Innovation Challenge Berlin Conference: Entrepreneurs in a Borderless World 37th Annual Conference & Fulbright Prize Selma Jeanne Cohen Lecture Award & Photo Exhibit Letter from the President Dear Fulbrighters and Friends, for International Understanding for his tireless efforts to reduce international conflict. Later that It was a dynamic year! Our month, the Fulbright Program was honored with Executive Director, Steve the Prince of Asturias Award for International Reilly, continued to expand the Cooperation presented by King Felipe VI in Association’s innovative ideas Oviedo, Spain. Evan Ryan, Asst. Secretary of and partnerships, and turned State, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, over the reins in late 2014. While accepted the award on behalf of the Program. we’ll miss him and thank him for his service, the Both Harriet Fulbright and Stephen Reilly were transition has in no way slowed us down. We’re also invited to attend. fortunate to have as our Executive Director, Jennifer Gennaro Oxley, who joined us in 2014 as We also participated in the SaveFulbright Director, Development & Outreach. She continues advocacy campaign that engaged Fulbrighters to do an excellent job and we’re pleased that she around the globe, resulting in bipartisan U.S. decided to serve us in this capacity. Congressional support to reinstate full program funding. It was a grassroots effort that rallied We continue to benefit from the 2013 merger alumni, friends, media and public attention – a with the Fulbright Academy. Our expanded, testament to the power of the Fulbright voice to incredibly dedicated board contributes sustain Fulbright scholarships. immeasurably to the Association, its events and programs. In 2014, we strengthened our chapter I extend my gratitude to our talented team of network by reactivating chapters, increasing smart, connected and valued national and chapter chapter engagement in advocacy and forming a boards, members, supporters and staff. We’re also Chapter Advisory Board for more collaboration appreciative of the continued support of the U.S. on regional events, input into national programs State Department, our international community and best practices training. and the Alliance for International Education. It was the first year we organized and sponsored The Fulbright Association is committed to a TEDxFulbright event. This dynamic event with advancing the legacy of the Fulbright Program. thought-provoking TEDx talks, themed Dare to This year, we will enhance and expand our Think, attracted 430 attendees from 83 countries. mission-driven initiatives. We depend on you We also launched our first-ever Social Innovation to help us advocate for sustainable funding, Challenge, where amazing Fulbrighters presented and to expand our service programs. To reach social innovation ideas. EnvisionFulbright, one our potential, we need your help. Please give as of the finalists raised $8,000 via crowdfunding to generously as possible. distribute reading glasses in South America and Thank youwith best wishes, Africa and has since partnered with the Fulbright Association, RestoringVision and Timmy Global Health to engage alumni in this program. A highlight was our 37th Annual Conference and John H. Vogel Fulbright Prize, with record attendance of alums and friends who participated in 57 sessions, with President & Chairman, Board of Directors 87 speakers on inspiring Dare to Act topics. We presented Dr. Hans Blix with the Fulbright Prize 4 | Fulbright Association Message from the Executive Director Dear Members and Friends, • Increasing the public awareness of the Fulbright effect by highlighting the I’d like to introduce myself, thought leadership, impact and profiles of our five Jennifer Gennaro Oxley, as our alumni and their causes; I’ve recently assumed the core impact role of Executive Director of • Connecting, inspiring and supporting the Fulbright Association. I’ve had the our community in ways that matter such areas pleasure of meeting many of you and I look as service, events & programs; guide our future programs forward to meeting many more of you in • Strengthening our local chapter network. & strategic initiatives the future. I’d like to assure you our devoted members, volunteers and supporters that the Every alumnus/alumna, institutional 1. International Education organization’s vision, strategy and plan are supporter and international partner has a 2. Peacemaking & being executed in 2015 and we will continue vital role to play in our future and the success Conflict Resolution our momentum of growth, innovation and our global Fulbright community. We’ll make greater global visibility. every effort to be a visible, vocal champion of 3. Global Health the Fulbright program. We’ll strive to listen, In a time of great change and conflict in 4. Economic Development & engage, champion and inspire you for an the world, the Fulbright program stands Entrepreneurship environment where we can collectively secure as an inspiring platform through its goals 5. Sustainability the future of the Fulbright program and you of mutual understanding and a global can achieve your aspirations. community dedicated to citizen diplomacy. In collaboration with our Board of Directors, We appreciate your continued support, chapter network, global partners and staff, volunteerism and guidance – what a talented I look forward to increasing the Fulbright and valued community. You make the Association’s efforts to secure the future of the difference in ensuring a great future for the Fulbright Program by increasing awareness of Fulbright Program! the alumni impact across the globe. Feel free to reach out to me, our committed The Fulbright Association plays a key role in board or capable staff at any time. advocating for the Fulbright Program and We’re here for you! connecting alumni in ways that matter and I am honored to be a part of this community. Warm Regards, It is through you, our alumni and supporters, that we ensure future Fulbrighters continue to experience this transformative program that embodies cultural understanding, respect and Jennifer Gennaro Oxley diplomacy. Executive Director Together, we’re focused on these goals: • Advancing our global alumni community’s advocacy efforts; 2014 2014 Annual Annual Report Report || 5 Membership: Connecting In Ways That Matter Univ. of California, Riverside The Fulbright Association extends the In 2014 our outreach focused on membership Univ. of Central Florida international exchange experience of the growth and engagement through our 60-chapter Univ. of Central Oklahoma network, resulting in 230 events, higher Univ. of Cincinnati Fulbright Program by promoting opportunities