Romania took hold of my heart in 2015 and since then has consumed my mind and soul. As with any genuine commitment, my relationship with this beautiful, complex country has grown and deepened over time as I have learned of its many tragedies, as well as its many triumphs. I have surrendered myself to Romania. [...] As I continue my Romanian journey, I marvel over the resiliency and fortitude of the people. I am fortunate to have developed close relationships, familial in many ways, with many Romanians. And I am eternally grateful to have been granted a Fulbright and honored to become part of this amazing community.
25th Anniversary of the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission
On March 22nd, the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission celebrated its 25th anniversary in the presence of a highly distinguished public, made up of ministers, diplomats, and representatives of the business environment, alongside U.S. and Romanian grantees, alumni and academia dedicated to educational exchanges.
The morning festivity, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its impressive Gafencu Hall, opened with a message from Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, President of Romania, delivered by Ligia Deca, State Advisor for Education and Research, Presidential Administration. Welcome addresses were also given by Mr. George Ciamba, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Abigail M. Rupp, Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy, Professor Remus Pricopie, President of the Fulbright Board of Directors and Rector of the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Professor Mircea Dumitru, Rector of the University of Bucharest and Fulbright Alumnus, and Professor Rodica Mihăilă, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission. Fifteen Fulbright alumni representing leading Romanian universities were awarded the title of “Fulbright Ambassador” (see the complete list here). The morning festivity concluded with a session in which Romanian and American academics and emerging scholars exchanged ideas about the impact that Fulbright program has had in Romania and around the world.
In the evening, a Fulbright anniversary reception was hosted by the Ambassador of the United States of America, Mr. Hans G. Klemm and Mrs. Mari Kano, at their residence. The U.S. Ambassador, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Teodor Meleșcanu, and the President of the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Board of Directors, Mr. Remus Pricopie, greeted the audience and congratulated the Romanian Fulbright Commission for its achievements and constant contribution to cultural and educational exchanges between the United States and Romania.
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The message from the President of Romania, Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, is available at: http://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/mesaje/mesajul-presedintelui-romaniei-domnul-klaus-iohannis-transmis-cu-ocazia-aniversarii-a-25-de-ani-de-functionare-a-comisiei-fulbright-romano-americane
The press release sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is accessible on their website at: http://www.mae.ro/node/45434
More photos are available on the Commission’s Facebook page.