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U.S. Embassy and The Fulbright Commission Commemorate Fulbright Colombia's 50th Anniversary
On November 27, The U.S. Embassy and the U.S. –Colombia Fulbright Commission organized a reception to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fulbright Colombia program. The event was hosted by Ambassador William R. Brownfield at his Residence, and featured the first Distinguished Fulbrighter Award which was given to physicist Javier Botero Alvarez. There was also the performance of the “Fulbright Sonata” composed by ex-Fulbrighter Juan Antonio Cuellar. This was performed by a trio that included two former Fulbrighters.
Ambassador Brownfield in his welcome remarks highlighted the contributions of 50 years of Fulbright Scholars to bilateral ties and the development of Colombia. He encouraged the attendees to revitalize the Fulbright Alumni Association with the collaboration of PAS and the Commission, and pointed to future directions and goals for the Fulbright Program.
These goals included:
- Increasing the number of grantees,
- Increasing regional representation,
- Increasing diversity through the core program and new programs directed at Afro-Colombians and the indigenous through the Ministry of Culture and ICETEX, and
- Increasing the level of private sector support and sponsorship.
The reception attracted an enthusiastic group of nearly 300 current and former Colombian and American Fulbrighters, media personnel, institutional contacts and sponsors.