Programs and Events
Remarks as prepared by Raymond McGrath U.S. Consul General for a reception in honor of the Fulbrighters
It is a pleasure to be here this evening in this warm send-off for the 46 Colombian Fulbrighters who are embarking on their period of graduate study throughout the United States. Being selected for a Fulbright award is no easy task, and I congratulate you all on your fine accomplishment.
I would like to thank Fulbright Colombia's Director - Ann Mason - for her excellent work and initiative in showcasing this year's Fulbright grant winners. As Honorary Chairman of the Board of Fulbright Colombia, The US Ambassador to Colombia, William B. Wood, shares her interest in presenting to the public this year's grantees, and the achievements of Fulbright Colombia.
We especially would like to thank Congressman Pedro Obando for his welcome and support of the Fulbright program. The strongest support for the Fulbright program comes from people like him who know first hand of the benefits of people-to-people exchanges.
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship program in international educational exchange. Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas proposed an academic exchange program in the aftermath of World War II as a vehicle for promoting mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other cultures. Nearly 300,000 scholars, artists and professionals from around the world have benefited from Fulbright scholarships since its inception in 1946.
To this day, in the words of the Senator, the Fulbright Program continues "to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs….". U.S.-Colombian relations are strengthened by the State Department's educational and cultural programs such as Fulbright, that aim to deepen our understanding and tolerance.
The Fulbright Program has evolved, however, into being much more than just a U.S. program. It is a binational entity, with broad participation by both governments. Today, Fulbright Colombia enjoys support from the Ministerio de Educacion, Ministerio de Cultura, el Departamento de Planeacion Nacional, Colciencias, and Colombian universities, both public and private. Both governments recognize the importance of the opportunities offered by Fulbright Colombia and share an interest in strengthening the Commission and its programs.
Fulbright Colombia celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. I hope all of you will help celebrate this milestone, and give recognition to the more than 2,000 Colombians with master's degrees and Ph.D.'s thanks to the Fulbright Commission.
This is an exciting time in U.S.-Colombian relations. Not only do we enjoy robust political ties, but we also anticipate that the TLC will be approved this year, deepening commercial and economic links between our countries.
Fulbright Colombia will no doubt be instrumental to Colombia's future economic and social development, as increasing numbers of talented citizens are afforded a chance to conduct advanced study and research in the best universities in the United States, and then put that knowledge and training to work for Colombia.
Fulbright Colombia represents one more program in our determined efforts to provide greater opportunities and a more prosperous future for all Colombians.
Bogotá, D.C.
August 2, 2006