Events

Ambassador Peter Coneway with Fulbrighter Nathaniel Wood (far right) and his colleagues from the Basel Schola Cantorum.  Click to enlarge

26 September 2007 -- Ambassador Coneway Hosts Welcome Reception for U.S. Fulbrighters

Current Donors Also Recognized for Their Contributions

U.S. Ambassador Peter R. Coneway hosted U.S. Fulbright grantees, Swiss and German Fulbright alumni, and current and potential donors to welcome the newly arrived 2007-08 U.S. Fulbrighters and to celebrate the prestigious U.S. Fulbright-Swiss Scholarship Program. The reception acknowledged a remarkable group of past and current students and their role in promoting mutual understanding between Switzerland and the United States. Ambassador Coneway personally thanked the donors represented at the reception – Novartis, Kudelski Industries, and Concord Watch – for their generous support. The Ambassador also recognized those donors who were unable to attend, including new donors Goldman Sachs and Swiss Re.

The U.S. Fulbright-Swiss Scholarship Program is managed and financially supported by both governments; however, it also depends on generous private sector contributions. The importance of private sector support is a critical factor in the success of doubling the size of the program starting in 2008-09.

The Fulbright program will double in 2008-09 because of the efforts of Ambassador Coneway and Swiss Ambassador to the United States Urs Ziswiler. Other advancements in the program include a new award and a newly formed Swiss Fulbright Alumni Association with support from the U.S. Embassy. “Switzerland and the United States are two of the world’s leading science and technology countries. Our scientists are conducting joint research in some of the most cutting edge subjects today. One significant example of this is the second-consecutive awarding of a Fulbright Science and Technology Award to a Swiss candidate. The Science and Technology Award began last year in an effort by the United States government to underscore our commitment to welcoming international talent.”