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.
Winter Holiday Meeting and Enrichment Program
On December 8th and 9th, the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission organized the Winter Holiday Meeting and Enrichment Program devoted to current U.S. Fulbright grantees who are teaching and conducting research in Romania. The event took place in Timișoara, the 2023 European Capital of Culture, and was hosted by the West University of Timișoara.
The group was welcomed by Prof. Marilen-Gabriel Pirtea, Rector of the West University of Timisoara, Assoc. Prof. Cătălina Ancuța, Vice-Rector, and Prof. Mircea Dumitru, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission. The American Fulbrighters had the chance to learn about the university, a dynamic educational and research institution in western Romania, its history, values and mission.
One highlight of the program was the launch of the American Studies Center at West University of Timișoara. Fulbright Alumnae Prof. Loredana Pungă, Dean of the Faculty of Letters, History and Theology, and Prof. Cristina Chevereșan, Director, American Studies discussed the history of teaching American Studies in Timișoara and the future plans and activities of the newly launched Center.
The Fulbrighters also had the chance to present their main teaching and research activities in the first couple of months in Romania, as well as various academic and artistic projects and events they have participated in, such as public lectures, poetry readings, recitals, and volunteering work.
The group also had the opportunity to learn more about Timișoara and its role during the 1989 Revolution through a visit to the Memorial of the Revolution and a walking tour of the city center with Dr. Alexandru Drăgan, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry, Biology and Geography.
A big “Thank You” to our colleagues and friends at the West University of Timisoara for their warm welcome and to all our Fulbrighters for all their work.
More photos are available on our Facebook page.
Short UVT Media Hub review of our meeting at West University of Timișoara: