16FRANK The Fulbright Alumni e.V. Newsletterly Ausgabe 2005 Letter from Content the editor

Greetings from the President 1 Dear friends of the The Board 2 Fulbright idea, J. William Fulbright – Biography 5 in the 16th issue of the Reflections on the Fulbright Centennial Celebration FRANKly you will find the special section on the by Birgit Wassmuth 6 Centennial Celebration for How Fulbright changed my world Senator Fulbright. It brought together many like us and revived the spirit all over again. by Heiko Engelkes 8 It shows me how important it is to support international ex- The Man and His Legacy changes and the Fulbright Program by means such as donating dedicated funds to enable others to share this gift. by Harriet Mayor Fulbright 11

Senator J. William Fulbright 100th birthday I am proud to present this FRANKly, mainly because it is beautiful and enriching but also because it marks another by Ulrich Littmann 14 step toward professionalization of the Fulbright Alumni e.V. History and Purpose of the Fulbright Alumni e.V. 17 With a growing number of members and an increasing work load it is essential that volunteering is concentrated on what Membership Application 19 is possible and feasible. After all, pro bono work in an associa- Centennial Celebration Press Review tion like ours is supposed to be fun, too. Therefore, this year, I have been able to do much less work for the FRANKly than Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 23 was possible last year so that it was necessary to narrow my Frankfurter Woche 25 focus to content alone. Thanks to wise decisions of the board and thoughtful preparation of a contest by Matthias Stecher, Süddeutsche Zeitung 26 an external graphic designer for FRANKly has been found. I Hessischer Rundfunk 27 enjoy working with her and I hope you will find it worthwhile to read FRANKly and pass it along to others. We welcome Centennial Celebration Notes 28 your comments. The Atlantic Review Enjoy, and don’t forget to contribute Silke Wolter by Sonja Bonin und Jörg Wolf 29 [email protected] Regional Chapters Silke Wolter holds a diploma in Visual Communications (FH) from Hamburg 31 the Fachhochschule des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz at Mainz. She was a Munich 32 Fulbright scholar from 1987-1989 and studied design at the University of Minnesota, where she received a Master of Arts and discovered Frankfurt 34 her affinity and talent for teaching. She has worked for German and Athens – 27th Annual Conference of the international advertising and design agencies in Germany and the American Fulbright Association Czech Republic. She exhibits her art sporadically and has won awards with her graphic work. When she isn’t working at her agency, FeinDesign, by Ursula Mich 35 in Bad Soden/Taunus, she loves to read or garden with her husband and three children. Impressum

Frankly No. 16 Editor Design by Photographs of J. William Printing and Lettershop by December 2005 Silke Wolter, Bad Soden Astrid Weingarten, Fulbright appearing on Liebeskind Druck, Apolda Copyright by Fulbright (06196) 643914, Fax 643814 Leverkusen pages 1, 5, 13, 22, and 25 Alumni e.V. [email protected] (02171) 719135 courtesy of the Fulbright Postfach 10 08 65 [email protected] Papers, Special Collections, 60008 Frankfurt/Main, Most photos by University of Arkansas Germany Wiltrud Hammelstein Proofreading by the Board Libraries, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA. Greetings from the President

Dear Members and Friends of the Fulbright Alumni e.V., This edition also highlights many events of the past It is my great pleasure to introduce to you the 16th edition of year, from the international the FRANKly. As always, the contents of this journal reflect conferences in Athens, Greece, the efforts of the authors and editors, but most of all they pay to our national Winterball tribute to the work of active members in organizing events. and General Assembly, the Welcome Meeting in Munich, This edition of the FRANKly concentrates on the “J.W. Fulbright and the activities of our Centennial Celebration” held on April 9, 2005 in commemora- regional chapters. tion of Senator Fulbright’s 100th birthday. With the support of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, the Amerika Haus in Finally, each member of the Board of Directors introduces him Frankfurt and the Fulbright Commission, our association organ- or herself and tells of his or her own personal motivation for ized the largest of these celebrations worldwide, receiving an working on the Board. ample amount of press and attention within the international Fulbright community. This edition contains a number of excerpts I hope you enjoy this edition of the FRANKly! from German newspapers and radio, as well as impressions from guests, the Fulbright Commission and speakers Harriet Joseph Kristensen Mayor Fulbright and Ulrich Littmann. Berlin, October 2005

International Understanding Changes the World

“Our future is not in the stars but in our minds and hearts. Creative leadership and liberal education, which in fact go together, are the first requirements for a hopeful future for humankind. Fostering these – leadership, learning, and empathy between cultures – was and remains the purpose of the international scholarship program that I was privileged to sponsor in the U.S. Senate over forty years ago. It is a modest program with an immodest aim – the achievement in international affairs of a regime more civilized, rational, and humane than the empty system of power of the past. I believed in that possibility when I began. I still do.”

Thema · Frankly 16 1 Introduction

Matthias Stecher, members of our association Vice President Communications to write articles for the FRANKLY or the FAIN. Born in Hamburg in 1960, I was brought up in the middle of Getting the new FRANKly on nowhere in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. After graduating track has become more com- from high school and my military service, I studied electrical plex compared to the “good engineering at the RWTH Aachen and at the VaTech in old times”. Since we have Blacksburg, Va. My Fulbright year in Virginia was actually the decided during the last general assembly to have a “beauty most entertaining and challenging of my university career. contest” for the graphics and layout of this FRANKly edition, Besides diving into a different scientific culture, I mostly en- I am in charge of the corresponding activities. This is quite joyed my active student life in the master dorm making friends time consuming, but also interesting. with students from all over the world. After my master thesis I completed my PhD in Aachen and I started working in Austria Apart from these well-known activities in the communication in the semiconductor industry. Momentarily, I am living in area there is also a new one. It is the “Atlantic Review” which Munich where I am still engaged in many activities of the has been created and is managed by Sonja Bonin, Jörg Geier regional FAeV chapter. and Jörg Wolf. Within this edition of the FRANKly you will find an interesting article introducing this publication and its After helping to organize the Welcome Meeting 2004 in internet site. Munich, I decided to get more involved in the management of our Alumni Association. Having been Vice President for Of course, I also take care of the communication beyond those Events at the beginning of the 90’s I am in a good position to mentioned. For example, I wrote an article for the FUNNEL, compare activities of the board with those in the past. Mainly a regular publication of the Fulbright Commission, to make our the board meetings have become more professional and association and activities more known to the new Fulbright “mature”, which is not surprising, since the board can rely on scholars and the German-American Fulbright community. the experiences of many former boards and discussions about In the upcoming months I will try to get in contact with other basics are no longer necessary. European Fulbright Associations to help revive the idea of a third European Fulbright meeting. Now in 2005, I am Vice President for Communication. For com- munication inside and outside the FAeV we have our publica- If you have any wishes, concerns or recommendations for tions FRANKly, FAIN and our www.fulbright-alumni.de web- improvements do not hesitate to contact me. We will discuss site, managed by Silke Wolter, Martin Marenke and Dagmar them frankly in our monthly board meetings. Schreiber, respectively. Actually, they are doing the main work. My job is to support them in their work, to be the connecting Yours, link to the board and sometimes to help them to motivate Matthias Stecher, Vice President Communications

Introduction

Ursula Mich, mind up I applied for a Vice President Events Fulbright scholarship, which took me to Chapel Hill, I spent a beautiful and happy childhood in Bad Homburg North Carolina – totally v. d. H. close to Frankfurt am Main, where I was born on unknown to me, in August April 28th 1960. After finishing school successfully I moved to 1982. UNC and the Carolina Stuttgart studying Library Science to work at Public Libraries. became my second home During my studies I visited the United States and decided during my two year stay after finishing them to return to the U. S. Having made my there. Thanks to my excel-

2 Frankly 16 · The Board lent professors at the Library Science Department of UNC I In 1995 members convinced me to become head of the regional became very knowledgeable in children- and juvenile literature. chapter Frankfurt am Main and to organise our Winterball for our 10th anniversary. Since then I organised two more balls, It was not easy to return to Germany in August 1984. The 1999 and 2003, and one Welcome Meeting in 2000. Normally I reverse culture shock lasted a few weeks and it took months do not like being a member of associations, but the FAeV is to get used to Germany again. This was eased by starting my exceptional in having gathered very interesting people of dif- professional career with a job as head of the juvenile de-part- ferent ages and professions. Beside, they are the only ones ment of one of the best-known bookstores in Frankfurt/ West knowing what experiences we had and want to return a bit Germany. The knowledge I gained in the U.S. I used for 11 of that what we took with us in idealistic and materialistic years with parents and children, I think quite successfully. In manners. the mid 90ies I changed to the Commerzbank AG Frankfurt am Main, where I know work as assistance to the CIO after This is the reason I finally said yes to become candidate for the working at the credit department and transaction banking. elections of the vice president events and decided to extend this a second year. I hope the board and I will find new ideas The German Fulbright Alumni Association I have known from and deepen old ones – keeping experiences and find new con- its beginning in 1986, because our founder, Dr. Jürgen Mulert, cepts of events – because in the future we will have changes visited the bookstore I worked at and recognized me immedi- for sure by a growing number of members and new definitions ately. He remembered me from the interview and the orienta- of society. tion meeting in Bonn in 1981/82 and told me about the new association he initiated. Ursula Mich, Vice President Events

Introduction

Joseph Kristensen, pleased with this good relationship and am confident that it President will continue into the future.

Two major events have greatly As we prepare for our 20th-anniversary, it is a central goal of influenced my second term this year’s board to further the project of documentation. We as president of the German began last year with the overhaul of the “Org-Manual”, a guide Fulbright Alumni Association: to planning national events, and this year we will publish a the “Centennial Celebration” held in honor of J. William handbook for regional coordinators – chock full of ideas for Fulbright’s 100th birthday on April 9th, and the preparations activities, useful forms and documents. for our association’s 20th anniversary in 2006. As I write these lines, the former lies three months past, and the latter Making the board accessible and our work transparent to our is yet to come. members through regular e-mails, the so-called “Vorstands- berichte”, has been a continued goal of mine. A great motivational factor is the continued excellent coope- ration with the Fulbright Commission. The Commission’s Working with Uwe Koch, Petra Steinmetz, Ursula Mich, and support and enthusiasm over the past 18 months has helped a Matthias Stecher is a very rewarding experience. I look for- great deal in further developing the standing our association ward to the next months of our collaboration, leading the has in German-American circles, and with the US-Embassy. FAeV into its third decade. Rolf Hoffmann, Executive Director of the Commission’s Secretariat in Berlin, made a special effort to thank the FAeV Joseph Kristensen, for the organization of the Centennial Celebration. I am very President

The Board · Frankly 16 3 Introduction

Petra Steinmetz, further. During my last Vice President Members period I had started the development of a manual for This year, I stood again for elections because I truly enjoyed the regional chapter coordi- my work for Fulbright Alumni during the last three years. It was nators, which is now about great to see how many things advanced a great deal thanks to to be distributed and hope- the support of our members, who are the ones making things fully a good source of support for their future work. Another possible. Having a certain continuity in the board is a big ad- part of my responsibilities is to coordinate the production of vantage for our association, and it helps save time and energy. our membership directory. Fortunately, I had great support For the year 2005 it was a true matter of heart for me to cele- from Hermes Winands and Reinhard Koch for this task. brate the 100th birthday of the Senator in such a way that the general public in Germany and elsewhere would be more Another goal is the recruitment of new members from older aware of the “brand name” Fulbright and its meaning. Fulbright classes. The older alumni bear a lot of potential for our association. Thanks to our splendid relationship with the When Wiltrud Hammelstein had the idea to celebrate the Fulbright Commission we are able to get in touch with the Centennial and discovered that this special occasion fell on a grantees even before they are coming back from the States. Saturday, I used all my energy to convince the board and the That is why we were able to recruit more members than ever regional chapter in Frankfurt of the importance of this unique before among the Returnees. During my term on the board opportunity and to motivate them to support the organizati- the numbers of member has increased every year by more on of the Centennial. Very important for this event was the than 10%. concept, the title of the event and the successful invitation of the Fulbright Music Scholars and famous speakers (Harriet My ideal association would consist of many more active Mayor Fulbright, Heiko Engelkes, Dr. Ulrich Littmann, Rolf members who strive for international understanding. Only if Hoffmann, and Prof. Hans-Jürgen Schröder). Our Centennial we manage to communicate we might have a chance to ensu- was the best of several such events on the planet – in terms re the survival of this planet and mankind. If everybody were of both quality and quantity.The wonderful success of this a little bit less selfish, it could serve the whole community, event has not gone unnoticed in the international Fulbright and in the end it would be good for every single person on community and in the U.S. earth. In that sense I am looking forward to an active future together with you. Our relationship with the Fulbright Commission is a very good one, and I would like to continuously improve it even Yours, Petra Steinmetz, Vice President Members

Introduction

Uwe Koch, Treasurer members as treasurer. But the feeling of belonging to a great world wide family more than makes up for that. It’s the team-experience – that could be a short answer Especially organizing the Centennial Celebration would be a to Silke’s question “What is very good example. Have you ever thought about aquiring new your motivation for volun- skills in an area unrelated to your professional or scientific life? teering for an office in the Accepting an office in an organisation like the FAeV gives you FAeV?”. But it's not only that. the opportunity in a “safe” environment. As a physicist I’m Of course it’s a lot of fun to comfortable with numbers (which makes bookkeeping easier)

Photo: J. Kristensen work at common projects but the German tax system is another challenge. And sharing with other open minded, these skills with others is very rewarding. That’s why I hope I ressourceful and great personalities – even so, it’s often quite was and will be able to make a little difference in some lifes hard work. And of course some of it is not really rewarding – and to the transatlantic relations. like discussing membership fee responsibilities with unwilling Uwe Koch, Treasurer

4 Frankly 16 · The Board J. William Fulbright (1905-1995) Biography

J. William Fulbright was born on April 9, countries as well as to the overall goal 1905 in Sumner, Missouri. He was edu- of advancing mutual understanding. cated at the University of Arkansas where he was awarded the B.A. degree in Poli- In 1949 Fulbright became a member of tical Science in 1925. He then attended the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar From 1959-1974 he served as chairman, where he received an M.A. degree. the longest serving chairman of that committee in history. His Senate career When Fulbright returned to the United was marked by some notable cases of States, he studied law at George dissent. In 1954 he was the only Senator Washington University in Washington, to vote against an appropriation for the DC. During the 1930's, he served in the Permanent Subcommittee on

Justice Department and was an instruc- Investigations, which was chaired by Centennial Celebration As a young man tor at the George Washington University Senator Joseph R. McCarthy. He also Law School. lodged serious objections to President Kennedy in advance of the Bay of Pigs In 1936 he returned to Arkansas where invasion in 1961. he was a lecturer in law and, from 1939 to 1941, president of the University of He was particularly in the spotlight as a Arkansas, at the time the youngest uni- powerful voice in the chaotic times of versity president in the country. the war in Vietnam, when he chaired the Senate hearings on United States He entered politics in 1942 and was policy and the conduct of the war. In elected to the U.S. House of Represent- 1963 Walter Lippman wrote of Fulbright: atives, entering Congress in January 1943 “The role he plays in Washington is an and becoming a member of the Foreign indispensable role. There is no one else Affairs Committee. In September of that who is so powerful and also so wise, year the House adopted the Fulbright and if there were any question of remo- Resolution supporting an international ving him from public life, it would be a peace-keeping machinery encouraging national calamity.” United States participation in what became the United Nations, and this After leaving the Senate, he was of At a Foreign Relations Committee Hearing brought national attention to Fulbright. counsel to the Washington law firm of In November 1944 he was elected to the Hogan & Hartson and remained active U.S. Senate and served there from 1945 in support of the international exchange through 1974 becoming one of the most program that bears his name. influential and best-known members of the Senate. His legislation establishing He received numerous awards from the Fulbright Program slipped through governments, universities, and educa- the Senate without debate in 1946. Its tional organizations around the world first participants went overseas in 1948, for his efforts on behalf of education funded by war reparations and foreign and international understanding. In loan repayments to the United States. 1993 he was presented the Presidential This program has had extraordinary Medal of Freedom by President Clinton. impact around the world. There have been more than 250,000 Fulbright Senator J. William Fulbright died on grantees and many of them have made February 9, 1995 at the age of 89 at his significant contributions within their home in Washington, DC.

Fulbright was awarded an honorary doctoral degree by the Law School of the University of Tübingen on May 7, 1965

J. William Fulbright, Biography · Frankly 16 5 Reflections on the Fulbright

Centennial Celebration by Birgit Wassmuth, Ph.D.

April 9, 2005, marked the 100th Birthday German Fulbright Commission, Berlin, of the late Senator J. William Fulbright, stated in his remarks, the Fulbright and I had the pleasure of participating program has grown to be the largest in the Centennial Celebration held at exchange program in the world. “It is a the AmerikaHaus in Frankfurt that very success story in outreach and networ- day. The all-day event was organized by king” with the purpose of producing the German Fulbright Alumni e.V. and leadership as Senator Fulbright said attracted more than 200 attendees from during his visit to Germany in 1977. “Open- near and far. It was a day of reflection mindedness” is the key to the Fulbright and dialogue, celebration and enlighten- experience Dr. Hoffman reminded us, ment, hugs and memories. which means that a Fulbrighter should not just do research and spend time in

Centennial Celebration As Joseph Kristensen, president of the the library, he or she should venture out Fulbright Alumni e.V., stated in his ope- and talk to people, and live life. ning remarks, “a big part of what makes the Fulbright program so special is that “Senator J. William Fulbright: The Man it has a face, a human being with ideals and His Legacy” was the title of Harriet

and convictions. … The Fulbright expe- Mayor Fulbright’s speech about her late Steinmetz Photo: P. rience is meant to be long-lasting not husband’s life and career in politics. It Birgit Wassmuth just limited to the year we spend abroad,” was touching to listen to her personal he added. “We have this strong desire and public stories and to see the many Journalism at the University of Kansas, to give something back.” With that he pictures she shared with us in her pre- is the former Head of “Tagesthemen” announced that the Fulbright Alumni e.V. sentation. I was struck by her comment and “Tagesschau” at ARD. (He was sent is proud to offer four to five additional that for the rest of his life Bill Fulbright to Monaco to be the chief commentator stipends that enable German students “maintained that, more than any other for German TV during the funeral of Prince to study in the U.S. factor, his study at Oxford as a Rhodes Rainer, and therefore couldn’t attend Scholar determined the course of his the Fulbright Centennial Celebration in His words rang true with me. I was a career.” person.) Fulbrighter to the U.S. in 1974 and have been actively involved in international Dr. Ulrich Littmann, former Executive Listening to his words I was reminded matters on various levels ever since. Director of the German Fulbright Com- of my own observations of feeling more Yes, there is a great desire to give back mission for more than 30 years, shared like a European than a German while on and help others, especially future some insights from his unique perspec- our Fulbright exchange in the U.S. As Fulbrighters. tive. “Fulbright, a wise and generous Engelkes so eloquently stated, “we dis- humanitarian, was a man of convictions covered our own cultural identity, which As I was listening to John Cloud’s wel- and someone who could be very out- strengthened us and enabled us to come address, (CDA, US Embassy in spoken. Some even feel that he was very appreciate and understand the different Berlin), I tried to imagine the intellectual difficult and complicated. Who knows materialistic American way of life, multiplication factor of nearly a quarter that better than we do?!” he stated. which fascinated and at the same time million students, educators, and scholars “Fulbright would have been the ideal irritated us.” who have drawn on the benefits of the Fulbrighter himself,” he concluded with “Fulbright Experience” since the incep- a big smile and a chuckle. The audience The panel in the afternoon provided a tion of the Fulbright exchange program loved it, and we nodded in support. wonderful dialogue regarding the in 1948. Do we really serve as “transla- Fulbright program as a transatlantic tors,” people who know and understand Petra Steinmetz, on behalf of Heiko source of ideas. Dagmar Skopalik, Head the world on both sides of the Atlantic? Engelkes, delivered his keynote address of the Department of International on “How J. William Fulbright Changed Relations, ZDF, Mainz, led the discussion. To some extent, yes, we do. As Dr. Rolf my World.” Engelkes, a 1954 Fulbrighter It was a touching moment when Professor Hoffmann, Executive Director of the to the William Allen White School of Dr. Hans-Juergen Schroeder, Historical

6 Frankly 16 · Reflections on the Centennial Celebration Institute at the Justus Liebig University available at German universities at the spirit of “exchanging words instead of in Giessen, started his comments with time. Yes, Vance Packard and Ernest bullets,” and on how it has flourished “I am not a Fulbrighter, but I feel like Dichter were my inspiration to pursue over the past 60 years. After all, as one.” He was in the U.S. in the mid-1960s. an advanced degree at an American Harriet Mayor Fulbright commented, “It was the most important year of my Institution of Higher Education in 1974. “Today, these ideas are more important life,” he explained. He suggested that than ever before.” we need to revitalize the Fulbright idea Panelist Roman Paul, Film producer, by tapping into the resources of former Berlin, also shared a very personal > Dr. Birgit Wassmuth is a professor of Fulbrighters, we need to strengthen account of his Fulbright experience advertising and head of the advertising pro- nation relations, and we would like to when he came face to face with stereo- gram at Drake University in Des Moines, have access to the Fulbright papers and typing while on his Fulbright in Trenton Iowa. She initially came to the U.S. on a speeches. Harriet Mayor Fulbright was and New York in 1992. His friends called Fulbright scholarship to study advertising

quick to respond to that plea by informing him “Dieter” after the character on the psychology at the University of Minnesota- Centennial Celebration us that the digitization of the Fulbright comedy show Saturday Night Life, who Minneapolis where she earned her M.A. documents is now underway. embodies and personifies “German-ness.” and Ph.D. degrees in mass communication. Overcoming language barriers and pre- ([email protected]) Professor Dr. Harald Schwalbe, Institute judice was an important learning ex- for organic Chemistry and Chemical perience for him as a Fulbrighter. Biology, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe This article is reprinted from the University Frankfurt, expressed his con- Professor Dr. Crister Garrett, guest pro- Funnel, Volume 41, No.2, pp. 18-19, cerns that German science research fessor and Fulbright Chair for American with kind permission of the German lags well behind the American research Studies at the University of Leipzig this American Fulbright Commission. agenda. With his perspective of having year, was the only “Ami” on the panel taught at M.I.T he made a plea to increase as he affectionately called himself. the stipends for American researchers “Fulbright,” he says, “creates a common to come to Germany. language.” It is more than a transatlan- tic source of ideas, it fosters the “em- Dr. Hubertine Underberg-Ruder started powerment of those ideas, and thus her remarks by saying that “our source serves in the fullest sense both the spirit of inspiration is always people.” She then and the potential of the Fulbright Legacy.” took us back in time when her grand father managed to successfully sell The lunch and coffee breaks allowed Underberg in the U.S., even through participants and attendees to mingle Prohibition, because Underberg was and interact in typical Fulbright fashion. considered a “spirit not suitable for con- Forever curious and probing, they are sumption as a beverage.” She spoke never short of questions to ask and equally proudly about her father who, stories to tell. It was an atmosphere without a college education, attended of reminiscing, sharing and laughing. Harvard Business School for three semesters in the mid 1960s to learn The event concluded with a stellar about this new American concept of performance by Fulbright musicians “marketing.” Jennifer Borghi (Mezzo-Soprano), Michael Flaksman (Cello), Laura Paulu Listening to that compelling story I was (Flute), and Joseph Nykiel (piano). reminded of my own reasons to go to the U.S. on a Fulbright scholarship: to To me, the Fulbright Centennial Cele- study advertising psychology, motiva- bration served almost like a transatlan- tion research, and consumer behavior, tic “state of the union” address, an because those areas of inquiry were not opportunity to reflect on the Fulbright Andrea Möller, Sebastian Bülte and Hermes Winands

Reflections on the Centennial Celebration · Frankly 16 7 How Fulbright changed my world

Key-Note-Address by Heiko Engelkes, Paris

Mrs. Harriet Mayor Fulbright, Ladies and freedom. We could read foreign news- students of the University of Hamburg and Gentlemen, let me first of all under- papers, listen to foreign radio stations, who applied for a scholarship. Only about line how much we feel honored by your become fans of AFN, the American a dozen had the chance to go, and I was, presence, Mrs. Fulbright and by the fact, Forces Network with a Glenn-Miller- 21 years old, among them – it seemed to that you made all the way to Frankfurt program every afternoon at 5 p.m. We me a miracle, like an elevator to heaven. to be able to participate today at the took part in a program, which the occu- celebration of the hundredth birthday pying forces of the United States called The second miracle: When I arrived of your late husband, the former US- “re-education”, later on “re-orientati- at KU, which is Kansas University in Senator James William Fulbright, inventor on”, until the Fulbright-Program took Lawrence/Kansas, I learned that I had and founder of the famous Fulbright-Act. over and proposed genuine partnership. been granted a Scholarship at the William Allan White School of Journalism, We all present here today – former During those years after the war and and not, as I feared, at the faculty of

Centennial Celebration Fulbright-Students and members of the especially during my first years at the international law. I had the huge chance Fulbright Alumni Association – have universities of Wilhelmshaven, Hamburg to learn and to practice the rules and made the experience, that international and Berlin, I participated in several stu- principles of American newspaper jour- exchanges – as former US-president dent-activities which had all the same nalism, I learned how to construct a Clinton once said – “build bridges of purpose: promoting democracy and headline, how to write a lead or how to understanding and friendship among international understanding. I studied distinguish between report and editorial. nations and cultures”, and that those law, because my father wanted me to do In fact, William Allan White had been bridges, as Senator Fulbright has fore- this. I was personally more interested one of the greatest American journalists, seen, that those bridges “have made a in Journalism. I published a student he worked as editorialist for the famous significant contribution to the develop- newspaper, organized debates, wrote Kansas City Star. „His straightforward ment of a global community based on articles. These activities were certainly coverage of controversial issues, com- peace, prosperity and freedom”. one of the reasons, why I received a bined with an often blunt writing style, Fulbright-scholarship in 1954, which set him apart from other journalists at For myself and for the other German was – so far as I know – the second his time“, this quote I found in the web fellow-students, who participated in German class that went to the United about William Allan White. the first exchange-classes since the States. There had been more than 800 inception of the program in 1952, the Fulbright-Act had a very special value: It gave us the possibility to travel to America and to study in the United States only less than ten years after the end of the Second World War, during which we were enemies, during which we tried to kill each other.

In 1945, when the war ended, I was twelve years old. I had lived in a world of Nazi-propaganda, dictatorship, lack of freedom. We had no possibility to travel, to inform ourselves, to discover other cultures. We were forced to wear the uniform of Hitler-youth-organisation every Sunday, we were prepared to par- ticipate in the war, which was so sense- less and so useless. And all of a sudden the end of the war, the end of the Nazi- dictatorship. We entered into a new and unknown world – the world of peace An attentive audience

8 Frankly 16 · Centennial Celebration, Key-Note-Address and other parts of the world met Ameri- union member and worked for several can Students and their families, and they, weeks during the 12-hours-night-shift the typical Midwest Americans, met us, in a pea-canneries in Walla-Walla/ the foreigners. Washington. Later I picked Tomatoes and prunes together with students, My stay as a Fulbright-exchange-student teachers, Mexicans, coloured Americans, in Kansas had another effect on me – as with bums and tramps from all over the it had on other students from France, country. Italy, Finland or Austria: All of a sudden we felt as Europeans with a common or During these months as an illegal worker at least similar cultural background and I learned as much about America as I we felt quite different from our American did during my studies at KU, and this

peers. We discovered our own cultural was the very moment, when I started Centennial Celebration identity, which strengthened us and to understand and to like the American which enabled us to appreciate and to way of live – with all the aspects of a Senator Fulbright understand the different materialistic multicultural society, with its chances, American way of live – which fascinated its struggles, with its defeats and its These were exactly the journalistic guide- and at the same time irritated us. success-stories. The State Department lines which I learned and practised during spotted me finally and urged me to leave my Fulbright-scholarship in Lawrence/ One of these days I looked at the web- the country, but thanks to some friends Kansas and which accompanied me site of KU, Kansas University and I found of friends in Washington I could finish throughout my professional life. Since out, that some of these differences exist my job in Walla-Walla and continue to 1904 the KU-School of Journalism pub- even today. An unknown donator gave travel all over the States I was even lishes the „Daily Kansan“, the newspaper 10 Million Dollars to KU to build a new refunded – when back in Germany – of Lawrence, and I became – being centre of intelligence-design – bravo, the income-tax I payed but were not European – t h e specialist for inter- this happens never in Germany. At the obliged to pay during my jobs as a stu- national affairs and – as in 1964 the same time a rumour irritates Kansas dent – very important for me, because anti-communism of a certain Senator University. It says: There will be naked at that time one US-Dollar was worth McCarthy was still alive – t h e specialist actors at the next play presented by the almost five German Marks. for the communist world. Sometimes department of English. The dementi my editorials caused political problems of the stage-manger, published in the Did the Fulbright-scholarship change to the university, for example when I Daily Kansan: „This is not true, - quote - my world? Yes it did, at once and in the ridiculized the State of Kansas, which „some people might be sensitive about long run. At once I skipped my law stu- planned a system of volunteer-sky- partial nudity, but the showing of skin on dies and tried to become a journalist. spotters, looking for low-flying commu- stage is comparable to a beach movie.“ It took another five years until I could nist planes attacking Kansas, the so- This is KU/Kansas/USA, in April 2005. join German radio and TV and the WDR called wheat-state in the middle of the in Cologne as writer, reporter, editor, far-west. During my stay at KU I found Against all existing rules and laws – I head of TV-news, correspondent in out, that not only we from Germany or dare confess today – I did not travel Paris, editor in chief of Tagesschau and from the other European countries had home at the end of my scholarship, but Tagesthemen, the main news-programs been cut off from the rest of the world I travelled West, drove an old Chevy for of ARD, the first German TV-channel. during the war, but that the United a used-car-dealer from Kansas City to States as well had stayed in a kind of Seattle in Oregon. There were rumors, In the long run Fulbright changed my splendid isolation. We knew nothing that one could earn a lot of money in world, because I learned a lot about the about them, and they knew nothing the pea-canneries or as a prune-picker American people and about American about us. The Fulbright-exchange-pro- somewhere in the states of Oregon and politics, I was able to report and to gram was the first step towards a better Washington. So I ended up in a labour- comment on the relations between knowledge of each other, a better under- camp like the one shown in the famous Germany, France and Europe and the standing and a better comprehension. film “Grapes of wrath” after the famous United States with more knowledge We, the foreigners from Europe, Asia novel of John Steinbeck, became a labour- and with better understanding.

Centennial Celebration, Key-Note-Address · Frankly 16 9 Meanwhile I learned a lot about the man, whose 100th birthday we celebrate today together with you, Mrs. Fulbright. When we were invited to the US as Fulbright-grantees we did know very little about the Senator from Arkansas. It was him who had at the end of the Second World-War the unique and brilliant idea to finance an exchange- program for American and international students with the sales of leftover war- materials. He included Germany into

Centennial Celebration the program in 1952, about 200 German students, teachers and professors cros- from left to right: Jeffrey Arnold sed the Atlantic in 1953, the first class of (Vice Consul of the up to now 30 thousand German partici- US Embassy), pants in the Fulbright exchange-program. Josef Rolf Hoffmann (Executive Director of the German-American In the United States the former Senator Fulbright Commission), James William Fulbright was for many, Dr. Ulrich Littmann (for- many years, from 1944 until 1974, one of mer Executive Director of the German-American the most influential experts for inter- Fulbright Commission), national affairs. During 15 years, longer Harriett Mayor Fulbright, than anybody else, he chaired the influ- Joseph Kristensen (President Fulbright ential Senates Foreign Relations Com- Alumni e.V.), mittee. And whenever necessary the Photo: Michael Mendetzki Democrat Fulbright raised his voice against political developments which divided into the old and the new Europe he did not appreciate. He was the only because of the war. During all his life he Senator who voted against the Investi- fought for international understanding, gation-Committee chaired by the famous in favour of peace and against war. Senator McCarthy, he criticised president Kennedy when he planned to invade We, the Fulbright-Alumni, today and Cuba, he condemned the US-behaviour tomorrow have the task to act in the during the Vietnam-war. Walter Lippman spirit of Senator William Fulbright, and wrote about him: “There is no one else we should never forget, what he and in Washington who is so powerful and the United States gave and give to us also so wise”. with their invitation, to come, to study, to learn in their country and to send The Senator Fulbright died in 1995, he Americans to us, to study, to learn and was 89 years old. If he would have been to find out, where we are, who we are alive during the last two years, he cer- and how we are and finally to develop tainly would have raised his voice to our common interests. comment on the US-policy of President Georges W. Bush to bring peace and > Heiko Engelkes received a Fulbright grant democracy to areas and countries like to Kansas University in 1954-55 to study Iraq by starting a war. He certainly would journalism. Since 1957 he has been active in have tried to avoid a confrontation radio and television reporting for German between the United States and Europe – public broadcasting. Discussion during the break

10 Frankly 16 · Centennial Celebration, Key-Note-Address Senator J. William Fulbright

The Man and His Legacy by Harriet Mayor Fulbright, Frankfurt, Germany, 9 April 2005

It is hard to believe that I am standing And before anyone accuses me of coming studying history and learning to write here in Germany to celebrate the cente- up short as a mathematician, let me ex- and think with precision and clarity and nary of the birth of Senator J. William plain that he really did complete 13 years traveling extensively throughout Europe Fulbright, and I am deeply grateful for of schooling in 12 years. Because his during his vacations. your invitation to help you celebrate this father did not approve of idleness in his important event. It seems particularly children, he was sent at the age of 12 to After returning home, Fulbright went to appropriate because as many of you a family farm in the summer to work in Washington, DC, and earned a law degree know, the Fulbright forefathers lived in the fields. The task given him was sho- at The George Washington University. Germany as the Volbrecht family until veling grain into feed bags. At the end After graduation he worked for the Justice the early part of the 19th century when it of each day he was not only sweltering Department and then taught law at his emigrated to the United States. No one from the humid 90+ degree heat but alma mater for a few years before retur- knows whether the name change was covered with chaff and dust. The next ning to his home in Fayetteville. His life

the work of an immigration official who summer when he was given the choice as law professor at the University of Centennial Celebration could not pronounce Volbrecht or whether between another similar summer job or Arkansas and business partner of his Herr Volbrecht himself decided to begin school, the decision was easy. As a result mother in the family business came to life in the new country with a more Bill advanced quickly through high school an abrupt end with the untimely acciden- American sounding surname. Whatever and graduated from the University at tal death of the University’s president. the reason, the Fulbright family crossed the age of 20. The Board chose Fulbright to become half the country and settled in Missouri the youngest university president in the until Bill’s father moved his young family During his senior year, his English pro- country at the age of 34. During that time to Fayetteville, Arkansas when he was fessor encouraged him to apply for a he made a name for himself as a forth- only 4 months old. Rhodes Scholarship. Unlike most other right speaker, in demand at colleges scholarships, the Rhodes had three around the country, unafraid to express Young Bill Fulbright grew up in this small equally important requirements: a good unpopular opinions, always in the elo- university town in the northwest section academic record, a clear demonstration quent English he learned at Oxford. of Arkansas. He was a middle child in a of leadership skills, and athletic prowess. family of six children, the son of an ener- Though his grades were not the very The honor was short-lived, however. getic entrepreneurial father and a mother best among all of the applicants, he had Within two years, the state’s newly elec- with a love of company and conversation. an advantage over the others in the ted governor, Homer Adkins, controlled Here he is as a young boy enjoying the non-academic spheres. While in college the board of trustees with an iron hand, White River that he helped to protect and he led the tennis team, and believe it or and he was not a favorite of President develop while in the Senate. not, he was a football star, gaining fame Fulbright’s mother Roberta, who ran as the most valuable player in one of the the local newspaper. She had supported His parents considered the education of few games Arkansas won against Texas his political opponent, and after his elec- both boys and girls as one of their highest A&M. He was also elected senior class tion she wrote an editorial bemoaning priorities so he was sent off from the start president, which fulfilled the scholar- the fact that the people of Arkansas to the experimental school run by the ship’s requirement of leadership potential. seemed to prefer a back-slapper to a man University of Arkansas, where the curri- of substance. It was not long before culum emphasized self reliance, intellec- Bill Fulbright was therefore chosen to Governor Adkins, unable to punish the tual assertiveness and experiential lear- represent Arkansas at Oxford as a Rhodes mother, dismissed her son on graduation ning as advocated in the writings of John Scholar, and for the rest of his life he day after only two years of service, so Dewey. While the content was largely maintained that more than any other Fulbright returned to the family business that of a classical education, it also had factor, it determined the course of his and to teaching law part time. a good deal of psychology, sociology and career. His mother was so proud of him political economy. There he remained that she paid him a visit and was photo- Less than a year later a former student until he graduated from high school, graphed here at Oxford’s Pembroke told Professor Fulbright that he was giving him the opportunity to say much College with his classmates. For three going to retire as Congressman in the later that he held the record for taking and a half years he worked harder than House of Representatives and was looking longer than anyone else to get through ever before under the tutelage of for a successor. After looking over the the University of Arkansas: 16 years. Pembroke Master Robert McCallum, possibilities, he felt his former teacher

Centennial Celebration, The man and his legacy · Frankly 16 11 was the outstanding candidate. He there- fore told Fulbright that it was time he put his actions where his words had run on for so many semesters. In class one of Professor Fulbright’s favorite phrases was that if the best and brightest did not run for office, democracy would not thrive.

Fulbright took his student’s challenge

Centennial Celebration and won a seat in the House of Represen- Harriet Mayor Fulbright tatives in 1942. One year later, he gained nationwide notice by initiating the reso- the people’s experience, or in instances of started modestly with small boat-loads lution that led to the establishment of conflict between groups in which the larger of students moving to and from the the United Nations and by managing to interest of the community is unclear, the United States. steer it through the House of Represen- political leader has a greater responsibility – tatives with a landslide vote of 329 to to identify the larger interest and to explain Fulbright stayed quiet for the first seve- 61. In 1944 he won the Arkansas Senate it. It then becomes his responsibility to lead ral years because of the suspicions that seat in a race against the very governor and to educate.” anything international engendered. To who had him fired – something he always give you an example of American isola- related with a quiet smile. So in 1945 right after the atomic bombs tionist attitudes at that time, about six were dropped on Japan he called to the months after the passage of his bill, a As Senator, Fulbright made many signifi- Senate chambers not only military and Senate colleague told Fulbright that he cant contributions to his state of Arkansas political experts to testify on the long- would have stopped such nonsense if in the fields of agriculture, water conser- term effects of the event but physicians, he had caught it because it was dange- vation, interstate commerce, and edu- psychologists, environmentalists and rous to expose our fine young boys and cation. He made a name for himself in the scientists who created the bomb. girls to those dangerous foreign “isms.” reforming the laws by which the banking What he heard so appalled him that he industry was regulated, and for being felt compelled to look for some means, However, he was quietly persistent, and the only Senator to vote against appropri- any means, of preventing another world he traveled to many countries to help ations for McCarthy’s House UnAmerican war. Atomic warfare was no longer an celebrate the establishment of Fulbright Activities Committee. Whatever legisla- acceptable continuation of politics by Commissions and later their anniversa- tion he proposed was only submitted other means. In a world with nuclear ries. His reputation in the whole field of after careful research, often through weapons, the enemy cannot be destroy- foreign affairs grew slowly but steadily, hearings that he considered a means to ed because the true enemy is war itself. and in 1959 he became Chairman of the educating the public as well as himself Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a and his fellow congressmen. In fact the The program which grew out of the post he kept for 15 years, longer than any single most important role of a legislator hearings is the one he considered his Senator in history. in a democratic system was, in his opinion, greatest accomplishment: namely, the that of educator. international education exchange pro- Fulbright’s interest in education, how- gram which bears his name, signed by ever, remained a primary interest and “My own belief … is that the basic issues President Truman on August 1, 1946. It was not confined to the international of foreign policy – as distinguished from its became clear to him, especially as he sphere. He considered the education of details and technicalities – are well within looked back on his experiences as a all citizens to be the essential cornerstone the grasp of ordinary citizens, provided Rhodes Scholar, that if we could get to of a democracy. Only with a thoughtful these issues are explained, clearly and accu- know one another and learn to exchange responsible committed citizenry could a rately, by competent and responsible lead- ideas, then perhaps we might not be so democratic country offer all who lived ers… To the extent that issues fall beyond willing to exchange bullets. The program and worked within its confines the chance

12 Frankly 16 · Centennial Celebration, The man and his legacy thinking, to change minds through per- sistent persuasion rather than by force. As he said

“In our quest for world peace the alteration of attitudes is no less important, perhaps more important, than the resolution of issu- es. It is in the minds of men, after all, that wars are spawned; to act upon the human

J.W. Fulbright speaks upon receiving the Medal of Freedom mind, regardless of the issue or occasion for Centennial Celebration doing so, is to act upon the source of con- for a decent, productive and satisfying the Voice of Reason, a man interested in flict and the potential source of redemption life. Education in his view was the only fairness and justice for all. Once he left and reconciliation.” hope in the struggle to break down the the Senate, numerous countries besto- barriers of prejudice and xenophobia, to wed their highest honors on him. Here “Extreme nationalism and dogmatic ideolo- increase knowledge of self and in so doing, Japan’s Foreign Minister Miyazawa, a gy are luxuries that the human race can no to gain a better perception of others. He Fulbright alumnus who later became longer afford. It must turn its energies now tried to convey this message to every Prime Minister, awarded him the Royal to the politics of survival. If we do so, we person who worked in his office, including Order of the Rising Sun in 1975, and in may find in time that we can do better than one young man from Arkansas who 1989 he went to Greece to receive the just survive. We may find that the simple won this country’s last two presidential Onassis Peace prize. A year later the human preference for life and peace has an elections in the 1990’s. Kennedy Center honored him as the man inspirational force of its own, less intoxica- who conceived of the idea of a national ting perhaps than the sacred abstractions of Part of his concern came from the gro- center for the performing arts. In 1992 nation and ideology, but far more relevant wing international entanglements of his he was invited by the German Fulbright to the requirements of human life and country: namely, the Vietnam War. For Commission to attend Berlin Week. On human happiness.” months in the mid-1960’s, Fulbright tried his 88th birthday in 1993, President to convince President Johnson that the Clinton attended the celebration and as My husband’s voice is still now, but we battle was not in the interests of the a surprise gave him the United States can and must gather from all continents Unites States for myriad reasons. As long Presidential Medal of Freedom. and use our minds and hearts to wrestle as the discussion was in private, they with vital global issues with a major remained friends, but as soon as Fulbright In his last book, “The Price of Empire,” impact on all our lives. The Fulbright made his views public, Johnson’s intense Senator Fulbright made it clear that of experience is not something one can hostility toward him was perhaps the all the legislation and programs he dismiss after returning home. Like it or greatest trial of his political life. President initiated, the most important was his not, one way or another, it is a life-long Johnson lashed out at him in many international education exchange program commitment. Thank you one and all for ways, including engineering a cut in the in the pursuit of peace: your great work and for your willingness Fulbright Program funds of 70%. As we to make that commitment. all know the Program survived the attack “The great strength and enduring value of and grew considerably afterward, but the Fulbright program has been its ability to > Harriet Mayor Fulbright has spent the the two men, who were close friends work patiently and persistently to build majority of her adult life in the fields of until that time, never spoke again, and human networks around the globe.” education and the arts. She has traveled to this hurt Fulbright deeply. numerous countries on all five major conti- These networks are essential because nents and all over the United States to speak By 1974 Senator Fulbright had spent 30 the path toward a peaceful world must about the importance of international edu- years of service in the Senate. He had be paved by those with the ability to cation exchange and the pivotal role played made a name for himself as The Thinker, listen, to understand differing ways of by the Fulbright Program.

Centennial Celebration, The man and his legacy · Frankly 16 13 Senator J. William Fulbright

100th birthday by Ulrich Littmann, Frankfurt, Germany, 9 April 2005

Friends, Ladies, and Gentlemen, American version of power, that is – made him, still make him, an acceptable Senator Fulbright used to grumble that progressive – provided we can neglect the birthday greetings and wishes from some more orthodox attitudes of the my wife Ellen and myself were, really, not Southerner. Of course, some members of necessary and, actually, not very common the German senior generation still re- in his environment. Yet, he enjoyed being member their anger when, back in 1961 so recognized. I am sure that he would during the Khrushchev era, Fulbright be delighted to celebrate his centennial had – allegedly – suggested to end the event here in the company of people Berlin crisis by moving the entire city representing family, friends, profession and dropping it on the “vast open space and, by all means, grantees and alumni south of Hamburg” meaning the Lüne-

Centennial Celebration of the educational and academic ex- burg Heath. change program that bears his name. Let me take a few minutes to reorganize Thank you, Harriet, for joining us today such impressions and to recall what and for sharing memories and images of Senator Fulbright in his life time meant Bill’s life and times. Thank you, Amerika- Dr. Ulrich Littmann to me and perhaps more generally to Haus, for your hospitality and unfailing Germany and to Germans. If this approach cooperation in the common German- Johnson’s novel is fitting today: “Jahrestage: looks unacademic and narrow you may American cooperation. And thank you, Aus dem Leben von Gesine Cresspahl” – take some comfort in knowing that the the Fulbright Alumni, for initiating and Anniversary days – exactly this is one in life and times of Fulbright were so rich organizing this meeting which honors several connotations. in events that even learned biographers the man who himself was – and re- could not cover the caleidoscope of news mains – the role model of a Fulbright In our days and in our region the signifi- with which the United States had to deal. grantee: a successful scholar in his cance of Senator Fulbright appears to Take the voluminous Fulbright biography chosen field with a heart for humanity, be reduced to his significance as the of the Powells published in 1996 and still following his own principle of “Law and founder of an interesting educational being presented as a special gift by the Reason” in domestic and international exchange program, a few older people University of Arkansas [Lee Riley Powell efforts, striving for peaceful relations may recall his position as a dissenter or with James O. Powell, J. Willam Fulbright between nations as well as between as the critic of American imperialism. and His Time, Foreword by President Bill individuals – and getting caught from However, like in the U.S., hardly anyone Clinton, Memphis/Tenn, 1996]: while the time to time in conflicts with less intel- remembers his role in the much larger Cuban Missile Crisis is covered in every lectual or understanding contemporaries. arena of peace policies in the U.S. and detail, the Berlin Crisis is not mentioned in the United Nations, or in the discus- at all; apparently it had never happened. It would have come as a true surprise for sions of constitutional reforms, or higher My personal experience with the name the Senator to find himself depicted in a education administration. and person of Fulbright began in a rather grand novel written by one of Germany’s abstract manner. When I was an exchange great authors. Within a complicated At best, in several German academic student in the U.S. in 1951/52 I came transatlantic family story Uwe Johnson circles, quoting the major biographies, across the name of the “Junior Senator reflects extensively on a German immi- Senator Fulbright’s remembered in that from Arkansas” for the first time – grant’s belief in Senator Fulbright and he stood up against American Presidents through an interview in the radio – (we his doubts and concerns over the U.S. even of his own political party, sugges- are talking about the pre-computer time government’s credibility in conjunction ting that Truman should resign, that and, in fact, the time when the only TV- with the Tonkin incident and the fate of John F. Kennedy should have avoided the set in the entire dormitory was under young Americans in the Vietnam War. Bay of Pigs invasion, or that President constant repair) and the topic was on Johnson describes the Senator from Johnson should pull out of Vietnam. development aid to the emerging new Arkansas as “sincere, serious, and cir- That he objected to Joe McCarthy’s nations in Africa and Asia. This man from cumspect” – the honest representative fascist manipulations, and that he dis- somewhere in the South was talking and inquisitive mind. The full title of covered the “Arrogance of Power” – the about partnership of nations, the role of

14 Frankly 16 · Centennial Celebration, Senator J.W. Fulbright 100th birthday the United Nations, and he was talking Commission in the Federal Republic of cans appointed by their Ambassador. intelligently in a brilliant style that Germany, as the administrative arm of Chancellor Adenauer chose his top Foreign commanded immediate attention; and Fulbright exchanges was (still) officially Relations Secretary Prof. Hallstein and as he corrected the journalist’s state- called. My welcome in that office, how- the Presidents of the most important ments this European (me) kept wondering ever, was less Fulbright and more re- organizations of academic self-admini- how “Democrary in Action” was produ- education: From a cloud of pipe smoke I stration – and they all came, in fact, cing quite a number of highly educated heard the voice of the Executive Secretary because they could influence activities members for public careers – you realize (known as the “Master-Sergeant with a that they could not pursue in their own my affection for Adlai Stevenson’s cam- PhD.”): “I want you to keep in mind: houses; they participated in person (!) in paign. The wish to see “Democrary in (1) I always want to see you in the office; numerous committee meetings as chair- Action” actually could be read in many (2) Never use the terms ‘we, I, or you’ – men or simple members, and thus pro- scholarship applications of that period – it’s The Department, The Commission, The vided a sound group for cooperation on

and in my generation we were, indeed, Embassy; (3) Always put the monkey on a national as well as a transatlantic level, Centennial Celebration serious about that. I had no idea that someone else’s back. That’s all.” I decided especially as the American Ambassa- the first U.S.-German Fulbright Agree- to regard that welcome as a challenge dors named congenial members to the ment was signed during those months. rather than an instruction – and thus board, representing the diplomatic, aca- set to work for the next decades. demic and business professions. That changed after my return to Göttingen, when my “academic twin” I believe enough has been said about the And third: within this structure it soon and former roommate Karl Roeloffs beginnings of the Fulbright legislation in turned out that consensus could be (later remembered as Secretary-General 1946 and the Executive Agreement with reached on almost all topics through of DAAD) moved to Bad Godesberg, to the Federal Republic in 1952. However, frank discussion, and frank discussions start a job as Chief, American Program our understanding of transatlantic rela- they were. As a consequence, coopera- Unit with the Fulbright Secretariat, and tions should recall why the Commission tion between organizations, instituti- I signed on as manager of the Fridtjof- and its program developed as a key in- ons, public sponsors and all respective Nansen-Haus, the International House of strument in several respects. individuals became a reality not only Göttingen University. Karl sent American inside the “Bundesrepublik” but also Fulbright grantees to live in our dormi- First, the German Fulbright Program across the Atlantic. The Commission’s tory, and I could share my experiences came into existence at about the same place soon established itself as a mee- to help getting the first Berlin Week of time that the traditional organizations ting ground to deal with bilateral issues, Fulbrighters under way – incidentally, by of international academic exchange problems or plans, often way beyond its sending the participants in the locked were re-founded: DAAD (1950), the DFG own exchange program. military train from the West to Berlin and or German Research Association and the retour. The idea of Fulbright exchanges, Max Planck Association as successor to The course of events is known in part, a advancement of academic knowledge and the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gesellschaft (1951), small comment may still be in order. In mutual understanding between nations, and the Alexander von Humboldt Foun- 1961, of course, the Fulbright-Hays Act appealed very much to the basic princi- dation in 1953, but whereas these orga- had passed Congress, and the German ples of the International House movement nizations had to take cognizance of their Federal Government immediately seized as well as to the new “Kollegien-Gemein- traditional partners all over the world the opportunity to apply its provisions, schaft” being a noble effort for accommo- and had to cope with minimal funding, as the funds under the 1952 agreement dating Humboldtian educational goals Fulbright operated as a daring new con- were coming to an end. At the 10th Anni- in modern society. Also, it was generally cept on a strictly bilateral basis with a versary of Fulbright exchanges with known that the Fulbright Program was fairly stable large budget. Germany actually the first cost-sharing the leverage to replace the Allied post- agreement was signed in November 1962. war policies of re-education and re-orien- Second, the Executive Agreement of It was a big event in Bonn, the Senator tation by fostering the (West) German July 1952 provided for a remarkable part- from Arkansas was honored by everyone universities’ return to the World of free nership in planning and conducting ex- from politics and academe, but he struck scholarship. Therefore, I happily an- changes; the German government could almost everybody with his unassuming, swered a call to temporarily serve on appoint 5 national Commission (board) friendly aura which he turned into a the staff of the United States Educational members, equal to the number of Ameri- sharp intellect when the occasion arose.

Centennial Celebration, Senator J.W. Fulbright 100th birthday · Frankly 16 15 Wayne Hays, the Republican co-sponsor of the bill in the House and best forgotten for other reasons, did not come to Bonn, but he gave cause to the dictum of the “non-political character” of the Fulbright Program. Somehow that expression was stressed as an official statement at a meeting with dignitaries from both sides, while some of us minor staff members had been allowed to sit in the background. Well, friends, those among you who know me long and well enough would not be

Centennial Celebration surprised to see me rise and bellow “of course it’s highly political if you have in- volved both houses and both parties and foreign nations!” Some officals hastened to explain my unruly behavior on other occasions, others laughed and the Senator observed: “the young man does not have the floor, but he is correct, do we both agree that it is non-partisan?” This was the beginning of an acquaintance that grew into a friendship over the years and beyond the time of our respective service. Incidentally, the “non-political character of Fulbright exchanges” was propagan- dized once more during the Vietnam years with the same result.

In assessing the Fulbright legacy today we ought to keep in mind that the Sena- tor viewed “his” exchange program in a global context rather than in strictly U.S. relations to other countries, and as one element in his peace policies. It is ob- Dr. Ulrich Littmann and Harriet Mayor Fulbright vious that the Fulbright Program is still hinged on the principles that the Sena- ments, benefits, and responsibilities. cussions and implementations of tor’s proposed legislation envisaged It is fair to state that the German part- reforms and cooperation. with slightly different emphases in 1946 ners in the binational Fulbright Program and 1961: The exchange program was as well as in the extended responsibilities Back in 1955, Fulbright started the Ger- directed to the younger generations as have done their share, even if develop- man administration of the “Cleveland a means to promote peace through ments over the decades have led to new Youth Leader Program”, an exchange of education and mutual understanding priorities and to new emphases in goals volunteers and social workers initiated (and respect); it was a gift/initiative of and operations. by a German refugee, Dr. Henry Ollendorff the United States people (represented with civic groups in Cleveland, Ohio. by its Congress) to pursue in honest Let me mention some examples, an in- More recently the cooperation with the partnership with other countries/peoples complete list, where the Fulbright Pro- Fulbright Program ceased, but it may be the goals of this program; partnership gram or the Fulbright Commission itself worthwhile to realize that these ex- should develop into shared commit- could make major contributions to dis- changes formed the base for later > please continue on page 21

16 Frankly 16 · Centennial Celebration, Senator J.W. Fulbright 100th birthday Pow Wows/ Focus Conferences Different regional chapters of our associa- tion organize several national conferences and seminars every year, usually covering a History and Purpose Activities specific topic. The German Fulbright Alumni e.V. was Based on a young, lively and broad- founded in Frankfurt in 1986 by former based membership, our association 1988 Minorities, Conservatism and Fulbrighters. By 2005, our membership organizes a diverse range of regional Design, Frankfurt has increased to over 1200. The asso- and nationwide events. 1988 The United States and Germany ciation brings together internationally- Corporate Cultures in Comparison, oriented students, scholars, and prac- General Assembly & Winter Ball Mannheim titioners from a wide range of academic Once each year all members are invited 1989 Playground Future, Stuttgart fields and areas of professional expertise. to our General Assembly. At the assem- 1989 The French Revolution in American Most of our members have spent a bly, each Board member reports on his and German Perspectives, Fulbright year in the United States. or her activities during the year, follo- Regensburg Fulbright Alumni e.V. is the platform for wed by the election of a new Board. The 1990 The Future of the Information former grantees with a special affiliati- assembly is also the forum for members Society - Personal Communication on to the U.S., who want to promote to make movements for decisions by in a Crisis? Hamburg global under-standing. As we are com- the attendees, which are then binding 1990 Signs for Tomorrow’s Architecture, mitted to tolerance and true internatio- for the association. Landscape and Urban nality, we are striving to learn more After the General Assembly, the annual Development, Darmstadt about other peoples’ customs, surroun- Winter Ball is celebrated. 1991 Traffic Concepts for the Future - dings and histories. How Mobile will our Society be in Based on the personal and educational Welcome Meetings the Year 2000? München experience and insights gained as parti- Each fall our Welcome Meeting offers 1991 German Reunification and the cipants in an international exchange the opportunity for contacts and net- Future of German-American program, it is the overriding mission of working between former and new Relations, Berlin German Fulbright Alumni e.V. members to German returnees as well as American 1991 Living and Working in Changing Fulbrighters currently in Germany. The Structures, Todtmoos • strengthen and support cross-cultural meetings also serve as forums for the 1992 Health, Köln contacts and exchange between Ful- discussion of any issues relevant to 1993 Market Leadership and Brand brighters from all around the world; people after a year abroad. Names, Böblingen Arranged by the regional groups the 1993 Ecology and Structural Change, • encourage dialogue and interaction Welcome Meeting has taken place each Essen between international scholars, experts, year since 1986 in many different cities 1994 Where is our New Frontier? and activists on topics important to in Germany. Stuttgart the political, social, and cultural life 1994 Organizational Development and of nations. Strategy Meeting International Competitiveness, At the Strategy Meeting, the most de- Frankfurt The German Fulbright Alumni e.V. is voted core of the members come toge- 1995 First Fulbright Fun & Future Camp, guided by the idea of the program’s ther to discuss the present and future of Lenggries founder, Senator J. William Fulbright, to the association we all hold so dear. 1995 Environmental Strategy, bring together people of different nations Heidenheim and contribute to world peace through Strategy Meetings have so far been 1996 A Chance for Global better international understanding. held in 1997, 2000, 2002 and 2004. Understanding, Berlin 1996 Multimedia, Stuttgart In promoting its political support for Regional Chapter Activities 1997 Managing Public Organizations, the Fulbright program, our association Regional chapters organize more infor- Frankfurt stays in close but independent contact mal cultural and social events on a 1998 Intercultural Communications, with the Fulbright Commission in Berlin. monthly basis, including lectures, dis- Frankfurt cussions, and ”Stammtische”. To find 1999 Biotechnology, Frauenchiemsee Fulbright Alumni e.V. is supported by its out about the next ”Stammtisch” in 1999 Educational Systems, Frankfurt members only. Grants and contributi- your area, contact the regional coordi- 2001 Nutrition, Calw ons from foundations, corporations and nator listed on the overleaf. 2002 Quo Vadis USA, Berlin individuals are welcome. 2004 EU Enlargement, Berlin

Info · Frankly 16 17 Regional Chapters International Activities National Office Aachen Our association has put an emphasis on Postfach 10 08 65 Sebastian Bülte, (0241) 1 69 94 87 strengthening personal contacts among D-60008 Frankfurt / Main [email protected] Fulbright Alumni all around the world. Germany Some core activities have been: Phone+Fax: +49-69-4 05 96 64 Berlin [email protected] Steffen Schmuck-Soldan, 1993 European Fulbright Alumni http://www.fulbright-alumni.de (030) 4405 3823 Convention, Brussels. [email protected] 1996 World Fulbright Alumni Advisory Board www.fulbright-alumni.de/berlin/ Conference, The Spirit of Dr. Karen Kramer Global Understanding, Dr. Ulrich Littmann Bremen Budapest Dr. Georg Schütte Ingeborg Mehser, (0421) 376 00 80 1998 European Fulbright Alumni Hans-Burkhard Steck [email protected] Workshop, Strasbourg Dr. Ulrich Wickert 2000 3rd European Fulbright Alumni Dresden workshop in Toledo Executive Board Elke Brosin, (0351) 427 26 07 2004 The International President – Joseph Kristensen [email protected] Interdisciplinary Fulbright [email protected] Conference, Olympism and the Treasurer – Uwe Koch Franken Fulbright Spirit: Humanism in [email protected] Désirée Doyle, (0172) 834-6629 Action, Athens Vice President Communication – [email protected] Matthias Stecher www.fulbright-alumni.de/franken/ Other Activities [email protected] ”Bright People under Full Sail”. Inter- Vice President Events – Ursula Mich Frankfurt am Main national sailing trips on the Baltic Sea, [email protected] Steffi Winter, (069) 91 50 88 25 every two years since 1991. Vice President Members – [email protected] Petra Steinmetz www.fulbright-alumni.de/frankfurt/ Family Weekend, yearly event for sin- [email protected] gles, couples and families, since 2000. Hamburg Coordinators Uta Heyen, (040) 89 70 99 69 Our Services FAIN [email protected] The association publishes a national Martin Marenke journal “FRANKly”, an internal news- [email protected] Köln/Bonn letter “FAIN”, and an Alumni Member- Thomas Dickmann, (02233) 213 58 ship Directory. FRANKly [email protected] Silke Wolter As a service to the general public, the [email protected] Leipzig national office provides information and Bernhard Englitz, assistance to any private person, uni- Member Database [email protected] versity or institution on questions of Hermes Winands cultural and academic exchange with [email protected] München the United States. Birgit Hiller, (089) 69 39 36 97 Each regional chapter contacts and Electronic Media [email protected] assists American Fulbright visiting Dagmar Schreiber scholars in its local area. A host pro- [email protected] Niedersachsen gram for American Fulbrighters in Gabriele Launhardt, (0511) 388 91 03 Germany was successfully established Mailing Lists [email protected] in 1993. Holger Schöner [email protected] Ruhrgebiet/Westfalen For further information, please contact Stephanie Bodenbach, (0170) 63 75 558 our national office in Frankfurt or one of J.W. Fulbright Centennial [email protected] our officers listed. Andrea Möller [email protected] Stuttgart/Südwest Marion Rauch, (0179) 217 79 96 [email protected] www.fulbright-alumni.de/suedwest/

18 Frankly 16 · Info Fulbright Alumni e.V. Membership Application

AUFNAHMEANTRAG – Entscheidend für den Aufnahmeantrag sind die Kerndaten (ohne*). Die Angabe der Zusatzdaten (mit*) ist freiwillig. Über die Aufnahme entscheidet der Vorstand.

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Aufnahmeantrag · Frankly 16 19 Fulbright Alumni e.V.

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20 Frankly 16 · Aufnahmeantrag Senator J. William Fulbright – 100th birthday

Fachhochschule exchanges conducted at Please note: in all these cases Fulbright Washington expect to shut student pro- the request of the Federal Government was doing pioneer work, and – let’s face tests against the Vietnam engagement as a pilot project to show the acceptan- it – each of such proposals appeared to out, when the Fulbright name provided ce of the new structure within American violate sacred cows and immaculate the credibility of democratic expression higher education; the "CYLP returnees" academic or educational traditions or and mutual understanding in educational will soon celebrate their 50th anniver- values that were associated with the exchanges? The Senator agreed whole- sary with now participants from about name of Saint Humboldt, Wilhelm von … heartedly to a suggestion of Ambassador 100 different countries. Even worse: Many of such actual project Hillenbrand (who actually had been proposals could not be packed into the Chairman of the German Fulbright In 1961 the Fulbright Commission ap- policy boxes or categories of the super- Commission in an earlier assignment proved teacher colleges (Pädagogische vising administrations in the government as DCM and now served as Honorary Hochschulen) as eligible institutions to departments in Washington and Bonn. Chairman) to make it Commission policy

participate in its program. If I, meanwhile in charge of the Com- not to tolerate if grantees would make Centennial Celebration mission’s Secretariat, could and can statements “in the name of grantees or A bit later Fulbright-Germany initiated claim one special expertise, it is “com- in the name of the binational Commission” a special program for highly talented parative bureaucracy”, and I can recall on religious, social, or political issues, German “Abiturienten” which turned out some private meetings with Senator while they could so as individuals. (In to be a complete failure – because these Fulbright when he gave encouragement parenthesis: in my time of service only grantees were so good that American and – more important – good advice how two cases were cited for Commission universities lured them into long-term to move through the jungle of opportu- action, one referred to missionary acti- degree programs, and they did not return, nities and restrictions. vities, the other to queer support of except years later as respected profes- German neo-nazi groups.) The Fulbright sors. The Commission also found itself Others will stress other contributions, Commission or its program never expe- deeply involved in the then popular even claim fatherhood for programs that rienced any anti-American activities. study-abroad programs of American Fulbright actually had invented and institutions. navigated through rough seas – such as Bill Fulbright was a man of remarkable the entire area of short-term seminar- modesty as far as his personal interests type projects; colleagues from other were concerned, witty and relaxed in exchange organizations have gladly the circle of family and friends. When he cooperated on those thorny issues of stayed in one of Bonn's most traditional advising, of settling the problems invol- and poshest hotels, he could not rest on ving equivalences of curricula and cre- his bed because the mattress was too dentials, or the inclusion of the German soft and the covers were too heavy. He Rectors’ Conference List of German asked the elderly chambermaid – then Tertiary Institutions into the American still a German and very Rhenish at that – List of Eligible (accredited) Institutions to take care of the matter, and that lady to participate in U.S. guaranteed student let him know, in her Rhenish style, that loan programs. senators come in all forms and shapes from local associations and organizations, At times of the Vietnam debates Bill but today she had the honor to look after Fulbright and I would recall that inappro- the needs of a real “Herr Minister” a priate term of the “non-political charac- few rooms down the corridor. By chance ter of Fulbright exchanges” which had it turned out that “Herr Minister” was marked our first meeting. That term a clergyman from somewhere in Africa returned now as it allowed riders on invited by a Protestant parish. Instead Congressional appropriation bills, i.e. of raising hell, Bill simply asked my wife Fulbright scholarship documents required Ellen for help, and the three of us took a grantees to stay away from any political blanket and a slatted frame to his hotel statements while abroad. But how could room, fixed his bed for a good rest and A tasty lunch buffet

Centennial Celebration, Senator J.W. Fulbright 100th birthday · Frankly 16 21 did not bother to complain further to personality. Senator Fulbright’s legacy had brought about and formulated. As the hotel management. Since then, Bill is preserved in many activities, three of we observe the centennial birthday of Fulbright used to explain that Ellen which deserve special mention beyond the man to whom we are committed, “tucked me in.” this anniversary celebration: we older folks want to wish you every The exchanges under the umbrella of bit of success. Let me add to that that To Bill Fulbright intellectual integrity the Fulbright name may continue and you did a marvellous job in preparing was non-negotiable. I agreed with him flourish and add to the efforts for promo- and running this birthday party turning that clear language and precise termi- ting mutual understanding and broade- into a conference which the Senator nology are essential for mutual under- ning of knowledge among nations, their and man William Fulbright would have standing and documenting knowledge, people, and their representatives. enjoyed; to Joe Kristensen and his entire as I had learned also from my academic team, as well as all of you who have come teachers (but we agreed that diplomacy We have to thank Harriet for her inde- here to join us today, I take my hat off

Centennial Celebration occasionally might require words with- fatigable engagement and her work to and wish you the very best for the next out a clear meaning). This exactly was keep the values and the memories of years – until we shall have another the basic principle of my own activities Bill Fulbright alive; and we do thank opportunity to observe more than a in and for the Fulbright Program. Harriet for her loving care with which round birthday. she accompanied her husband through If I may digress for a moment, let me the years of retirement and departure Thank you emphasize that the current debate of from public life. German university reforms is using a > Dr. Littmann served as Executive Director variety of terms that are specific to And last, but not least, it is the alumni of the German-American Fulbright Com- the entirely different system (or “non- who carry the torch and the civic respon- mission from 1963 to 1994, and was a close system”) of American higher education. sibility for the ideas that Senator Fulbright friend of Senator Fulbright. It reminds me of discussions that we had four decades ago, when we asked ourselves if the promotors of plans understand the American structures from which they glean models that do not fit our system. I could spend hours to show that our “experts” do their best to repeat that mistake. I let it go at that.

Bill Fulbright who, after all, is the key personality in this morning’s presenta- tions took a keen interest in what hap- pened to “his” program – but he never intervened in local or regional policies and topics. Yet, his advice and his back- ground – and certainly his including “our women” meaning his wife Betty (who had been so important for his per- sonal and political career until she pas- sed away) and my wife Ellen – influenced my own professional life, and I shall be grateful forever for the gift of his friendship. The Fulbright Program has become a living monument to his vision and his Fulbright with Congressmen Sol Bloom and Charles Easton after the passage of the Fulbright Resolution on Sept. 21, 1943

22 Frankly 16 · Centennial Celebration, Senator J.W. Fulbright 100th birthday Press-Review – Hessischer Rundfunk

Mitschrift 9. April, 9:15 Daniel Bauer (HR1): Moqi Xu: Auszüge in hr-info Menschen aus allen Nationen friedlich Sicherlich ein sehr anerkannter Name, zu vereinen, der Grundgedanke des der da im Lebenslauf steht, einerseits, Radiosprecher: Studenten-Austauschprogramms, der aber was ich sehr viel wertvoller fand Der US Senator William Fulbright gab Gedanke von J. William Fulbright. 1946 war das Netzwerk, was man sich damit einem weltweiten Austauschprogramm brachte der damalige Senator das Pro- aufbaut, die Menschen, die man bei die- den Namen. 1945 hatte der Sohn eines gramm durch den US-Senat. Seine Witwe, sem Stipendium trifft. Farmers aus dem Bundesstaat Arkansas Harriet Mayor Fulbright, erinnert sich. vorgeschlagen, den Austausch von Daniel Bauer (HR1): Studenten und Professoren zu fördern – Harriet Mayor Fulbright: Es muss eben nicht immer Politik sein. finanziert durch den Verkauf von aus- Sein Ziel war es, künftige politische Führer Auch für eine Karriere in der Wirtschaft rangiertem Kriegsmaterial. Aus der Idee, dazu zu bringen, in fremde Länder zu ist der Name Fulbright nicht hinderlich.

sozusagen Schwerter zu Scharen von reisen und neue Kulturen und Ideen Aber – und auch das ist Fulbright – 50% Centennial Celebration Studenten zu machen, entstand 1946 kennenzulernen. Er hoffte, wenn diese aller Stipendien werden nach wie vor an der Fulbright Act, der das gleichnamige Personen später wichtige Posten inne- Geisteswissenschaftler vergeben. Programm sicherte. Zehn Prozent der hätten, würden Sie politische Unstimmig- Der Vater des Programms, J. William heutigen Fulbright Stipendiaten kommen keiten eher am Verhandlungstisch, als Fulbright, wäre heute 100 Jahre alt aus Deutschland und heute wird im durch militärische Gewalt lösen. geworden. Seine Witwe ist sich sicher, Amerikahaus gefeiert. mit dem Erfolg seines Programms, wäre Daniel Bauer (HR1): er zufrieden. Daniel Bauer (HR1): Schon damals richtete sich das Fulbright 1953 waren die USA für viele Deutsche Programm an eine Gruppe, die man hier- Harriet Mayor Fulbright: vor allem zweierlei: Siegermacht und zulande auch heute noch lieber nicht Gegen Ende seines Lebens sagte er mir, sehr weit weg. Für den Mainzer Psycho- findet: die Elite. Zwar werden längst nicht dass er das Fulbright Programm für das logiestudenten Ulrich Diesing änderte alle Fulbright Stipendiaten Regierungs- wichtigste hielt, was er je getan hatte. sich beides durch einen Flug. 1953 war chefs oder Minister, wer eines der 250 Er war überwältigt, dass es weit erfolg- er unter den ersten deutschen Fulbright Stipendien erhalten will, muss aber nach reicher geworden war, als er es sich je Stipendiaten. wie vor einiges vorzuweisen haben. hätte vorstellen können. Joseph Kristensen ist Vorsitzender der Ulrich Diesing: ehemaligen Stipendiaten. Radiosprecher: Wir fuhren mit der Scandanavian Airlines, 53 Jahre Deutsch-Amerikansiches ein Propellorflugzeug, mussten in Joseph Kristensen: Fulbright Programm. Heute hat er Ge- Kopenhagen unterbrechen, in Glasgow, Potentielle Fulbrighter sind die Leute, burtstag, würde 100 Jahre alt. William in England, und dann nach Gander und die sehr sehr gute Noten haben, auf Fulbright; das war ein Bericht von dann nach New York. jeden Fall, also akademische Leistung Daniel Bauer für HR1. bringen. Die werden künftige Botschafter Daniel Bauer (HR1): sein – ihres Landes, ihrer Kultur und Abdruck mit freundlicher Genehmigung des Ein Jahr besuchte der heute 77-Jährige ihrer Herkunft. Sie müssen also auch Hessischen Rundfunks in Lawrence im Bundesstaat Kansas die auf Menschen zugehen können und Universität. Am liebsten denkt er aber vielfältige Interessen haben. zurück an die kurze Zeit nach der Ankunft in New York. Daniel Bauer (HR1): Die Idee, eine aufgeklärte Elite zur Er- Ulrich Diesing: haltung des Friedens, wirkt 60 Jahre nach Dort waren wir im „I-House“, „Interna- Kriegsende allerdings fast zwangsläufig tional House“, wurden dort noch begrüßt ein wenig altmodisch. Und der Flug nach von Frau Elenor Roosevelt. Wir waren New York war für die junge BWL Studentin dort zusammen mit Leuten aus 30 Natio- Moqi Xu vor wenigen Monaten sicher nen, haben abends immer draußen im nicht so aufregend wie für Ulrich Diesing Warmen auf der Wiese gesessen und vor 50 Jahren. Trotzdem, auch heute hat ein Bier getrunken und uns unterhalten. ein Fulbright Stipendium seine Vorteile. Joseph Kristensen thanks Harriet Mayor Fulbright

Press Review, Hessischer Rundfunk · Frankly 16 27 Anmerkungen zu Senator William Fulbright

Seit vor 50 Jahren meine Deutschlehrerin – William Fulbright hatte mit seiner Idee, Ruth Privat – als Fulbright Stipendiatin dass Völkerverständigung durch gegen- in den USA war und uns gebannt lau- seitiges Kennenlernen und Respektieren schenden Schülerinnen von ihren dortigen am besten zu bewerkstelligen sei, so Erfahrungen berichtet hatte, war mir grundsätzlich recht, dass wir uns heute Senator William Fulbright ein Begriff. oft irritiert fragen, wo dieses fundamen- So war es auch nicht verwunderlich, tale Wissen geblieben ist. Ich möchte dass ich 15 Jahre später – nun selbst in aus seinem Buch „Arroganz der Macht“ Washington DC – gern mit ihm ein Ge- zitieren:„Die Fähigkeit des Menschen, sich spräch über die „Vorstellungen der Mit- anständig zu benehmen, scheint direkt davon glieder des amerikanischen Kongresses abhängig, dass er sich andere als Individuen zur Deutschlandpolitik der USA nach mit menschlichen Motiven und Gefühlen vor-

Centennial Celebration dem 2. Weltkrieg“ – meinem Promotions- stellt. Dagegen nimmt seine Fähigkeit, sich thema – geführt hätte. Dazu kam es barbarisch zu verhalten, anscheinend dann zwar nicht, aber anekdotische Begeg- zu, wenn er seine Gegner nur als abstrakten Thank You Note nungen mit Mitarbeitern seines Büros Begriff wahrnimmt.“ (Hamburg, 1967, S. 162). in Washington DC sind mir noch lebhaft Liebe Fullies, in Erinnerung. Es bleibt uns allen nur, uns dieser trau- rigen Beobachtung ständig zu erinnern der 9. April 2005 – das Centennial von und dagegen zu steuern. Senator Fulbright – ist für uns nicht nur eine Gelegenheit gewesen, die Bedeutung Es freut mich sehr, dass meine Vaterstadt und Tragweite seiner Ideen und Pro- Frankfurt die Ehre hat, die Gedenkfeier gramminitativen, die an Aktualität nichts zum 100. Geburtstag von William Ful- verloren haben, zu würdigen. Es war bright ausrichten zu dürfen. Er war eine auch eine eindrucksvolle Demonstration großartige Persönlichkeit, deren Lebens- der Früchte seiner Arbeit, denn Ihr habt – werk in bester Weise weltweit fortwirkt. aus ganz eigenem Antrieb, gemeinsam und mit großem Engagement – den Hannelore Kraus, Rahmen für dieses festliche „Get-Together“ Frankfurt am Main, 21.03.2005 der Fulbright-Familie geschaffen. Es ist Marriet Mayor Fulbright and Hannelore Kraus schön, als Fulbright-Kommission solche Partner zu haben, es ist befriedigend, zu sehen, wie die „Fullies“ ein in Europa Stilblüten Centennial Guestbook einzigartiges Alumninetzwerk tragen und ausbauen, und es ist bewundernswert, mit welchem Elan und welcher Selbst- „Eine unglaubliche Runde kreativer Leute, „Besonders beeindruckend fand ich Frau verständlichkeit Ihr weitergebt, was Ihr die sich hier getroffen haben. Zukunft ist Fulbright, unser endlich mal weibliches einmal erhalten habt. Ihr lebt diese Idee wirklich nicht in den Sternen, sondern in Role Model. So was ist Inspiration.“ Fulbrights, und dafür möchte ich Euch dem Herzen der Leute.“ im Namen der Kommission danken. “I am current Fulbrighter – married to a “A source of inspiration to follow the exam- German Fulbright Alumna. I believe now, Rolf Hoffmann ple and spirit of Senator Fulbright.” in the value of international exchange (…not just exchange of marriage vows).” > Dr. Hoffmann has been the Executive “It was a great honour and pleasure to be Director of the German-American Fulbright here and to meet Mrs. Fulbright. Thank “My first event with Fulbright after having Commission since February 2004. Prior to you for organizing the event.” been an alumnus for 22 years…Thanks for this position, Dr. Hoffman held various a phantastic organisation. I’ll come again.” positions at the German Academic “Congratulations on a very successful Exchange Service (DAAD) in Bonn, Fulbright Centennial Celebration!” “Thank you for a beautiful day.” (HMF) New York, and Washington DC.

28 Frankly 16 · Centennial Celebration The Atlantic Review – Laying the ground for insightful discussion:

Three Fulbrighters publish the transatlantic newsletter and website www.AtlanticReview.org By Sonja Bonin and Jörg Wolf

The Atlantic Review recommends com- dated continuously and contains current alternative media sources from both sides mentaries, analyses and reports on the and past issues. The website has already of the Atlantic for you: First we select United States and transatlantic relations attracted many readers beyond the glo- the most interesting and insightful arti- and is edited by three German Fulbright bal Fulbright community to this German cles, analyses, reports and essays on Alumni: Jörg Wolf (Berlin), Sonja Bonin Fulbright project and to the Fulbright transatlantic affairs. Then we summarize (Seattle) and Jörg Geier (Hamburg). Alumni e.V., to which we link. the most important information and We founded our press digest with Scott arguments in our own words and/or pre- Brunstetter (Washington DC) in July Balanced and multifaceted news and sent significant quotes from the original 2003 out of a concern for the deteriora- analysis via the internet article. Last but not least we direct you tion of the US-German relationship. We Thanks to the internet, our access to to the original news source with a direct sent this digest to a German (fa-forum) information is not restricted to our own link so that you can read the full text if and an international Fulbright mailing side of the Atlantic any more. Most US you are interested. list twice a month ever since. and European newspapers and journals publish large parts of their content on The Atlantic Review hereby offers a great We hope to contribute to mutual under- the internet for free. That way, it has time saving service for our busy fellow standing by summarizing in a nonparti- become much easier for us Europeans Fulbrighters and other readers. Moreover, san way interesting press articles from to learn why Americans perceive certain we believe that our website contributes respected sources and different points of political issues so differently than we to mutual understanding by informing view published on both sides of the At- do, and vice versa. The only problem is our German readers of ongoing debates lantic and freely available on the internet. that most people do not have the time in the US that are not sufficiently covered to surf to the websites of various news in the German media and vice versa. The Sponsored by the Fulbright Alumni e.V., sources searching for good articles on a information in the Atlantic Review can the Atlantic Review is published on the regular basis. help our readers not only to stay well internet (www.AtlanticReview.org) and informed about German, EU- and US offers it’s own free HTML newsletter That’s where the Atlantic Review helps: foreign policies and transatlantic rela- since June 2005. While the newsletter We scan a large number of credible news- tions, but also to confront anti-American is sent twice a month, the website is up- papers, magazines, TV programs, and sentiments in Germany as well as Anti-

Jörg Geier Sonja Bonin Jörg Wolf

Atlantic Review · Frankly 16 29 New reading recommendations on transatlantic issues can be found on our continuously updated website www.AtlanticReview.org. The following legend explains the numbers on the screenshot: The middle column lists the most recent entries in chronological order. We provide a link to the recommended article on the website of the respective newspaper. The brief introduction or summary of an article includes a link to the entire article on the web- site of the respective newspaper and is usually followed by an interesting citation from the original article, which is indented from the left. You can read comments from our readers or write your comment on this article, if you click on “Comments.” You can read additional reading recommenda- tions in this category by clicking on its name. Here you can view all reading recommenda- tions structured in six categories: Transatlantic Relations, Fulbright (for everything related to the Fulbright experience and other exchange programs), US Foreign Policy, US Domestic and Cultural Issues, International Economics and Quotes. The monthly archive includes all our reading recommendations since January 2005. If you use a newsreader, you can subscribe to our RSS and ATOM feeds. The easiest way to make sure you receive the Atlantic Review twice a month is to subscribe to our free newsletter by submitting your email address here. The right column features the logo of our spon- sor the Fulbright Alumni e.V., followed by a quote from Senator Fulbright that serves as the Atlantic Review's motto. Underneath there is a list of our most recent entries. Links to the most recent comments from our readers are listed as well.

German/Anti-European sentiments in for the possibility that others may see some- site at www.AtlanticReview.org and the US. The Atlantic Review lays the thing that we have failed to see, or may see subscribe to our free newsletter. ground for deeper understanding and it more accurately.” • Submit your own reading recommen- insightful discussion. dation! If you come across a good As former Fulbright grantees, who have article about a US related issue and Our reading recommendations neither had the privilege to participate in and you want to share it with your fellow reflect our own opinion nor do we intend appreciate the culture and way of life on Fulbrighters and others, please send to convince you of the author’s thesis. the respective other side of the Atlantic, an email to: Rather, we are trying to offer a wide and in accordance with the Fulbright [email protected]. range of facts and different opinions – spirit, we believe it is our joyful respon- We appreciate the many contributions because we believe that a critical and sibility to continue our work as cultural we received from our fellow Fulbrighters thorough, but balanced and multifaceted ambassadors and to help improve our in the past. coverage of the United States, Europe mutual, transatlantic friendship. • If you are interested in sponsoring us and transatlantic issues is very much or if you are associated with an organi- needed to understand, appreciate and How you can support zation that might want to sponsor or improve the transatlantic partnership. the Atlantic Review: cooperate with the Atlantic Review in Or, to put it in Senator Fulbright’s words: • Encourage your friends, family, col- any way, please contact us at: “The essence of intercultural education is leagues, (fellow) students, and busi- [email protected]. the acquisition of empathy – the ability to ness partners, who are interested in Drop us a line if you have any ques- see the world as others see it, and to allow transatlantic issues, to visit our web- tions whatsoever.

30 Frankly 16 · Atlantic Review Organizing the Winterball and general assembly in Hamburg 2005

agreed to be the organizing chapter for city development at the Hamburg January 2005. It soon turned out that all harbour “Hamburg Hafen City” turned my fears were unfounded, as a very dedi- out to be extremely popular, but the cated organizing team formed itself in other two tours, one inside the “Museum the summer of 2004. für Hamburgische Geschichte” and the other at the “Holsten Brauerei” were First we tackled the task of finding the also no reason for disappointment. right venue – and after looking at a By the middle of November the main variety of places settled for a place with preparations were finished, so that the real Hanseatic flair – the old freighter invitations could be written – this was Cap San Diego. The premises at the Cap more work than anticipated, due to the San Diego, in the hull of this large ship fact that neither pictures nor maps with had been transformed from its original copyright could be chosen, so we drew purpose of storing large quantities of our own maps and asked the Cap San goods to a place, where people could Diego for permission to print some of On the dancefloor dance the night away – still enjoying their online pictures. some of the original “industrial charm” Until the fall of 2003 and already for sev- of the place. After selecting food and DJ Some delays at the printing company eral years the attendance at the Fulbright (by no means the less important choi- were responsible for a rather late sen- Alumni “Stammtisch” in Hamburg had ces), Saturday evening for the upcoming ding of the invitations, in consequence been very low to nonexistent. weekend was prepared. most of them reached their recipients well after Christmas. After a change of the monthly date from For the annual assembly (MV) we were Friday to Tuesday, and also the change able to rent the rooms from “Bürgerverein of activity from going to the movies to Bahrenfeld” which were to be inaugu- meeting in a pub, things had started to rated in November 2004, and where look more promising by the middle of construction was still not finished when 2004. Some people were beginning to we signed the rental agreement. Fortun- show up regularly, and also new people ately everything was in perfect working were attending the Stammtisch every order when the general assembly took month. Still, all this had been a rather place in January. recent development after a long dormant period of Fulbright Alumni activity in With a lot of enthusiasm, the rest of Hamburg. the program for the weekend was then decided on, namely the places for the get Hamburg city tour So I, as coordinator of the regional chapter together on Friday evening and the one was rather hesitant and sceptical when for the brunch on Sunday morning. It In turn we in Hamburg were a little Ursula Mich, the national event coordi- proved a little more difficult than antici- worried if we would reach the required nator, approached me in July of 2004 to pated to find places capable of seating number of about 130 attendees in order ask if the Hamburg chapter would be able such a large number of people, but with to reach the financial break-even (with- to organize the Winterball and annual the “Ständige Vertretung” for Friday out a major sponsor). In the end 125 assembly for January 2005. evening and the “Cafe Fees” for Sunday people responded to the invitation – so morning we were confident to have to our great relief, we did not cause the The reason for my hesitation was that I found just the right places. ruin of the Fulbright Alumni association. did not know for sure if there were enough people in Hamburg who were willing to The tours for Sunday afternoon were The weekend itself was full of joyful participate in the rather time consuming selected with the goal to have something reuniting and meeting new people (as task of organizing such an event on a to offer to the experienced Hamburg all Fulbright Alumni events always are!), national scale. But on the Hamburg 4th traveler as well as to the people being and worth every effort in preparing for it! of July party most people were in favor in Hamburg for the first time. On the of accepting the challenge – and so we weekend itself, the tour through the new Uta Heyen

REGIONAL CHAPTERS Winterball 2005 – Hamburg · Frankly 16 31 Regional Chapters – Munich/Southern Bavaria

As one of the largest regional chapters in Germany, the Munich Fulbright group turned into some sort of secret marriage brokerage during the last years. Among the latest examples are our coordinator for returnees and American grantees, Melanie Kükenbrink, who in a surprise move exchanged vows with Andreas Siebert in December 2004. In conse- quence we have witnessed a true baby boom of Gen-F’ers (F as in Fulbright). Among our youngest members are Charlotte von Frankenberg, Luca Alan Tröger, Anne-Cathrine Gerber, Johannes Kolk, Charlotte Tonke, Lucia Elizabeth Guldner, and most recently Sarah Anna Ford in February 2005. Welcome to the Fulbright Family!

The sheer size of the Munich chapter contributes to a considerable reproduc- tive rate as well as to a flurry of activi- ties. Even the fool-hardiest no-shows among our members cannot resist to join us for our regular festivities: 4th of July, Thanksgiving Dinner, and “Wichteln” before Christmas, which have been sta- ples in our program for years now. Our Stammtisch is regularly visited by well above 20 Fullies which encourages us to keep our innovative concept to move to a new “watering hole” every month. The Munich Baby Boomers In addition the cinema group and the climbers meet on a regular basis. The caving club. The ascent to the entrance but critical step halfway into the cave top event of the last outdoor season – was already an adventure of its own, and then continued to explore the maze no doubt about that – was a trip down leading across two creeks and uphill of tunnels extending some 600 m into Schneckenloch cave in September 2004 towards the enormous portal of the the mountain. The rainy weather actu- professionally guided by the Donauwörth cave. We all managed to climb a small ally proved to be an advantage, with

The Munich Chapter enjoys a cave tour

32 Frankly 16 · Regional Chapters – Munich REGIONAL CHAPTERS water dripping, splashing and gushing 2005 started out with a guided tour at In February we held our regional elections, all over otherwise bare walls. the ICE maintenance building at Donners- and the results turned out the same berger Brücke near Hauptbahnhof. Just team – talk about voter retention… Of Alas, for our chapter 2004 was the year the dimensions of the hall were breath- course, the four of us will be happy for of the welcome meeting – THE Welcome taking – close to 500 m in length, fitting any feedback, suggestions and support Meeting. Notwithstanding the un- two complete highspeed trains in a row. from all of you to make things happen! counted hours spent (and e-mails written, Impressive as well the talent of Johannes for that), it paid off with a lot of experi- Kolk, one of our above-mentioned Take care ence gained for the Orga Team, who youngsters: he found the horn in the The Regional Chapter cooperated efficiently and smoothly for driver’s stand all by himself. Birgit, Melanie, Lissi, Andreas almost half a year. [email protected]

Welcome Meeting downtown Munich, tested locations, opportunities for young scientists How would you bring together 150 looked for speakers and sponsoring, offered by the BMW Scientific Award; returned Fulbrighters for a weekend negotiated with caterers, created the Prof. Dr. Kaspar Spinner, expert for loaded with activities, new insights and invitations,… teaching literature, provided insight lots of fun? into the meaning of eating and drinking The variety of our final schedule reflects in Grimm’s fairy tales. Setting up a great team was the main in- the Fulbright idea not only on an intel- gredient to our secret recipe for a success- lectual, but also on a gastronomical A city rallye leading to the famous ful event when the regional Fulbright level: the culinary journey took us from “Hofbräuhaus” and guided tours to the Alumni chapter decided to organize the Bavarian Food in a traditional restaurant highspeed train inspection site of the national Welcome Meeting 2004 in right next to the “Frauenkirche” to a deli- “Deutsche Bahn AG”, BMW, Siemens Munich. With highly motivated team cious international buffet on Saturday and a brewery completed the program. members and specialists for assignments evening and a relaxing Sunday morning such as budget planning or online regis- brunch with live jazz. As you would expect, the Orga Team tration it was surprisingly easy to take didn’t get much out of the extensive care of the numerous aspects of the event. Friederich Mielke, an expert in American program. After this long weekend with The relaxed atmosphere of Munich’s affairs, thoroughly and compassionately its minor glitches and major mishaps, beer gardens turned out to be ideal for analyzed the US presidential elections; we were all happy to finally catch a intense debates about the program, our Prof. Dr. Bolko von Oettinger of host good night’s sleep.Looking back, this most challenging task. While the date Boston Consulting Group gave an in- event can be considered as a roaring of the Welcome Meeting was approach- spired talk on “Strategy and Innovation”; success for a number of reasons. The ing, we also planed a paper chase in Martina Erwig introduced us to the location Munich and the program not only attracted the largest number of participants at a German Welcome Meeting so far – 165 regular attendees – but also resulted in over 30 new members of the Fulbright Alumni Association the same weekend. It also deepened the fruitful relationship to The Boston Con- sulting Group who kindly hosted the event. Last but not least our team gained the insight that a task like organizing a Welcome Meeting can be an unex- pectedly satisfying challenge and a lot of fun if one cooperates with great (Fulbright) people. The organizing team (from left to right): Birgit, Melanie, Matthias, Lissi, Hartmut, Andreas

REGIONAL CHAPTERS Regional Chapters – Munich · Frankly 16 33 Regional Chapters – Frankfurt

Warmest FRANKly-greetings from ter that night. No FRANKfurt. Let’s take a look at what is more monthly movie currently going on in one of Fulbright’s trips during the sum- largest regional chapters. April is the mer, we conclude. How- cruellest month, we have known that ever, the Sydney Pollack film, bank since T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land. In ‘The Interpreter’ with Nicole Kidman, set tower and marvelled terms of workload, we agree. Yet, the re- in New York and a fictional sub-Saharan at Norman Foster’s architectural achie- sults were stunning. With style and élan, state, offered laudable suspense and vement. In September, we organized a we hosted the JWF Centennial celebra- an inside glance at the U.N.’s General three-day trip to Florence, Italy, where tions in Frankfurt’s Amerika Haus on Assembly. we not only enjoyed delicious tripe, April 9th. Additionally, we cast in April crostini and superb mozzarella but our annual ballot for the regional team I will show you something different, wandered streets, museums, churches chiefs. Steffi Winter and Christina Hain T.S. Eliot offers. We do, too, and propose in search of the Medici, Machiavelli and succeeded Claudia Detje and Inga Sellien a special tour of “Ideal Worlds – Wunsch- Michelangelo. as coordinators. Information expert welten”, a current exhibition in Frankfurt’s Reinhard Koch and treasurer Klaus Schirn Kunsthalle in June. A group of Brüning continue to support the chapter. art-loving Fulbrighters learn about new romanticism in contemporary art and In the faint moonlight the grass was marvelled at works of 13 artists, among singing in May. More specifically, dozens them David Thorpe, Kaye Donachie and of men in purple gathered on the lawn Peter Doig. of the new Commerzbank-Arena. Frankfurt Galaxy celebrated a gigantic Where the hermit-thrush sings in the “Einzugsparty,” and Fulbrighters from pine trees, in our case in Offenbach- the Frankfurt and Mannheim areas Bürgel, we gathered for our annual enjoyed motorcycle stunt men, fire- Independence Day celebration in July. works, barbecued food and four quar- Knut Mittwollen, wife Christa and three 4th of July ters of American football against Berlin talented little hosts organized a lovely Thunder. A streaker running across the BBQ. German Fulbrighters and American OOOO that Shakespearian Rag – it’s so field in the middle of the game added guests shared a variety of ethnic food elegant, so intelligent. Tiger Reel’s pro- some spice; and comedian Otto roun- goodies (yum yum) and enjoyed relaxed duction of Shakespeare’s Midsummer ded off the event. chats under a starlit sky. Night’s Dream in the English Theatre Frankfurt cheered us up in October. So June meant fishing with the arid plain August offered a bird’s eye view of did Jane Austen’s “Price and Prejudice” behind me. Hot weather, little refreshing Frankfurt. We visited one of Europe’s at the Turmpalast. In November, we air in Frankfurt’s Turmpalast movie thea- tallest office buildings: the Commerz- celebrated Thanksgiving at the Tryp with a buffet of reindeer, roast goose, rabbit, and, oh well yes, turkey. Sorry, no sweet potatoes. Maybe next year.

What else? Twit twit twit jug jug jug – on the first Thursday of each month we chat at our Stammtisch at the Künstler- keller. Please, join us! Our website (www.fulbright-alumni.de/frankfurt) and our newsletter (contact: frankfurt @fulbright-alumni.de) contain more information on forthcoming events.

Steffi Winter Photos: S. Winter

34 Frankly 16 · Regional Chapters – Frankfurt REGIONAL CHAPTERS Athens – An unforgettable Journey

27th Annual Conference of the American Fulbright Association / The International Interdisciplinary Fulbright Conference – Olympism and the Fulbright Spirit: Humanism in Action, October 7 – 10, 2004

Finally, the 6th of October 2004 arrived: After quite some logistic preparations trying to avoid travel complications were finished, 22 German Fulbright Alumni were sitting on their planes on the way to Athens to attend two new highlight Alumni Conferences in Greece.

In the 18 year history of the German Fulbright Association it was the first time several our members could take part at the General Assembly of the American Fulbright Association, whose assembly took place the first time in Europe, and to attend then the following up 1. Inter- national Alumni Conference taking place in Athens/Greece as well. The idea for this conference was born in Washington in 2000, including the support of Wiltrud The German crowd and Harriet Mayor Fulbright Hammelstein and Birgit Klocke, former board members of the FAeV. We saw the Union in May 2004, which was dominated place, which is quite different from the results in reality in Athens, which would vividly by many remarks of the audience German assembly. I can not remember not have taken place without the tre- and the panelists. There was almost no ours ever lasting just two hours. This is mendous organizational efforts by our time to change clothes before we were due to the fact the American Association three Greek Ladies, Ms. Rita Panourgia, taken by bus to the US Embassy to cele- is guided professionally, ours on a volun- Ms. Anastasia Papaconstantinou and brate the Reception Party. In a wonder- teer basis. But while conferences went Ms. Roxani Angelopoulou. ful garden on a nice warm evening we on, Jane Anderson, director of the Asso- had a great Greek potluck dinner and the ciation, and others assured me how im- On the 7th of October 2004 the official opportunity to speak more intensively pressive and vividly our Association was part of the General Assembly started with the participants exchanging our guided over the years by diligent board with greetings by the American and Greek Fulbright experiences. I recognized a members and the members themselves. officials. Seminars dealing with topics lady from New York I happened to know She and her colleagues asked us to give from the Arts, Education and Sciences when she was an actress at the English support to the newly founded Swedish followed up. Very impressive was Theatre in Frankfurt am Main, and as and Chinese Associations, which we Mrs. Cohen’s Dance Seminar including she told me had been a cheerleader tried to fulfill. a rehearsal of Nijinsky’s Ballet Jeux in a with the Frankfurt Galaxy, the Frankfurt reconstruction. As well as we could, we Foot-ball team, as well. How small the After the General Assembly of the tried to split ourselves up among these world is. Impressive too, how many American Alumni Seth Kahan gave us different impressive seminars. While we Americans were Fulbright teaching an idea how the Global Fulbright Net- were eating lunch and listened to vari- assistants in Germany and still speak work World might be, a very dedicated ous speeches we met many very inter- German quite fluently. I was amazed presentation with many suggestions esting US American Fulbright Alumni by this large amount of American Ful- and hints by the audience showing par- we talked to. brighters having been in Germany I did ticipants are organized quite differently not know up to now. in their associations dealing partly with After lunch we had a panel discussion some difficulties, which was very inter- about Europe and Transatlantic Relations Friday morning the official part of the esting to listen to. Afterwards, various after the enlargement of the European American Alumni general assembly took workshops followed: the most impor-

Athens – 27th Annual Conference of American Fulbrighters · Frankly 16 35 tant for us was the workshop dealing with Senator’s Fulbright 100th birthday on April 9th 2005. Lead by Wiltrud Hammelstein, we were discussing an international link and calendar coordi- nating the national events worldwide which will occur. Just at the beginning of this workshop Harriet Mayor Fulbright arrived, who immediately was taken on board by the workshop members as a participant. Germany planned to have a one-day event on the 9th of April 2005 at the Amerikahaus in Frankfurt am Main. Impressions from the luncheon lecture After the first conference was finished, we rushed to the Akropolis to visit at least this sensational place. Having wonder- ful weather, we admired the temples and the fantastic view of Athens. But time was short and we tried to be in time at Athens University, where the official opening ceremony of the first international Alumni Conference took place. In this beautiful building we were greeted by the mayor, the minister of culture and the minister of sport. The highlight was the keynote by Harriet Mayor Fulbright regarding her husband and the program. The official part fol- lowed the reception party at the roof garden of the Greek – American Union with its wonderful panorama view. While we intensified our contacts we decided to go on with our party at the roof terrace of our hotel, a wonderful location at the beginning of the Plaka, the old city of Athens, which I highly recommend.

Next day at the Union, one had difficul- ties to decide which of these interesting seminars / panels to attend. As an edu- cated librarian majoring in children’s and juvenile literature, I decided to visit the panel regarding a European speech and translation program “Only Connect” developed for children, which started with an outlook of the translation of children books. Once more I experienced a surprise – the lecturer and one partici- pant I knew privately many years ago in

36 Frankly 16 · Athens – 27th Annual Conference of American Fulbrighters Germany, and I met here again and we renewed our acquaintance. The work- shop was a highlight as well as the work- shop entitled “Fulbrighter as Ambassa- dors" as I was told by the other partici- pants.

The day went on with various interest- ing lectures and panels. I tried to attend alternately humanistic or scientific ones, e.g. Ulrich Hueck’s lecture on the status of Jerusalem and Jörg Wolf’s lecture on the International Fulbright Mailing lists. Unfortunately I could not attend Kevin and Halil’s lecture regarding “The Hu- manity of Healing”, because we had to meet for our own board meeting. But the environment of the assembly was very singular and insofar discussions The US meets Europe and making decisions were easily to go. should be. The result of the discussion was that the American Association with the help of the former organizer will establish a call by internet until the end of December 2004, who might be inter- ested in becoming an organizer. When the organizer will be determined, they decide, which city will be host in 2008 for the 2. International Conference.

Now, the intellectual part of the confer- ence was finished. For farewell we were offered a guided tour to Cape Sounion admiring the gorgeous temple of Posei- don and the wonderful sunset. Having a final dinner at a wonderful ocean terrace we were quite sad to depart at least but not without reassuring to meet again at Three beautyful smiles one of our national, European or inter- national events. The evening belonged to us, which most different heritage in a Cape Town beauty of us spent in the Plaka where we were parlor were very touching. Thanks to the organizers of the Greek able to admire some Greek men dancing and American Associations for the won- Sirtós, very interesting and impressive. Impressive too was the final audience derful and successful managed Confer- Sunday followed by two wonderful panel regarding the event and its future ences with their more than 220 partici- workshops presented by two American ongoing. There was a vivid discussion pants, which made it possible to deepen who spent their Fulbright Year in South where the next international conference old contacts and to make new friends. Africa and Cameroon. Their lectures and should take place in 2008, what kind of videos about theatre against Aids in organization committee should be esta- On behalf of the FAeV Board Cameroon and an inquiry of Women of blished and who those participants Ursula Mich

Athens – 27th Annual Conference of American Fulbrighters · Frankly 16 37