The event was a special opportunity for Irish and US ‘Fulbrighters’ past and present to come together, give thanks, and celebrate the year
The Irish Fulbright Alumni Association (IFAA) was pleased to host its annual Thanksgiving dinner on 25 November in the medieval surrounds of Waterford City. This was the 27th anniversary of this celebratory event, the third to be brought to Waterford, and the first to be hosted by a Technological University.
Facilitating the exchange of knowledge between nations
The IFAA is a voluntary association of past and present participants in the Fulbright Scholarship exchange program that operates between the USA and Ireland. The IFAA is a unique social and professional network, committed to promoting the vision of American politician, statesman, and academic, Senator Fulbright, who believed that facilitating the exchange of knowledge between nations can create a pathway to greater cultural understanding and acceptance.
Celebrations in Waterford's Viking Triangle
Each year the IFAA organises a range of educational programmes and social events for its members and guests, and acts as a welcome point for visiting US Fulbrighters, with Thanksgiving dinner one of the highlights of the calendar.
This year’s celebrations took place in Ireland’s oldest city. SETU Fulbright alumni, visiting US scholars, and guests attended a pre-dinner reception at Waterford’s historic Medieval Museum, before proceeding to Thanksgiving dinner at The Reg, next to the iconic Reginald’s Tower. Guests were also invited to join a complementary tour of the Viking Triangle the following day.
Giving thanks
Speaking at the event, IFAA President, Anne Graham said, “Many of us have very fond memories of Thanksgivings past. We are delighted to welcome IFAA board members, former IFAA presidents, Fulbright alumni, visiting US 'Fulbrighters', and our friends from South East Technological University to this wonderful occasion.
Thanksgiving is a special time to take a step back from our busy lives, gather together around the table, and give thanks for the many kindnesses and comforts that grace our lives. I encourage everyone to give thanks for all we have received in the past year, to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and to share our bounty with others.”
2024-2025 Fulbright opportunities
The Fulbright Commission of Ireland annually awards grants to Irish and EU postgraduate students, scholars, and professionals to study, research, and lecture in the US. In addition, a new Fulbright-Teagasc Scholar and Professional Award was launched this year that offers the opportunity for a scholar or professional to research or lecture at a US Higher Education institution or organisation in the fields of agriculture, food, forestry, or the environment. For more information on the 2024-2025 opportunities available, eligibility criteria and application details visit: https://www.fulbright.ie/
Photo credit: Patrick Browne
Photo Caption: Attending the IFAA Fulbright Thanksgiving Dinner 2022 (left to right) Dr Anne Graham Cagney (IFAA President and Senior Lecturer School of Education and Lifelong Learning, SETU Waterford), Dr Mark White (Vice-President of Research, Innovation & Graduate Studies, SETU Waterford), Michelle Greene (PhD student), Bernard Concannon (PhD student).