Mildred García Keynotes Reception Celebrating 75 years of Fulbright in France
The French Embassy in Washington, D.C., hosted a June 2 reception to celebrate 75 years of Fulbright in France and the Franco-American Commission for Educational Exchange. AASCU President Mildred García was the event’s keynote speaker. García has special ties to the program; first participating in the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program for Presidents in 2011 and the Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) Seminar in 2017.
Drawing on her own background as a student from an underrepresented community, García shared the transformative power of study abroad experiences and urged those in the audience, many of whom were leaders in French international higher education, to ensure that international education initiatives, including Fulbright France, adapt to changing times. She emphasized the need for evolve to ensure the continued relevance and vitality of international education and Fulbright activities in France for the next 75 years.
“Programs like Fulbright France and the Fulbright IEA Seminar are vital, and in today’s societal upheaval, we need them now more than ever,” she told attendees. “We also need them to serve more diverse students and scholars — and a broader range of students and scholars — than ever before. As our demographics change, with more immigrants becoming new citizens not only must we educate with knowledge and skills, we must also educate students to be global citizens in a democracy.”
She also highlighted AASCU’s global initiatives that prepare students to thrive in a world that is increasingly interconnected and the commitment of AASCU member institutions to educate a diverse student population and the integral role of international education, including programs like Fulbright France, in strengthening local and global communities. García concluded her remarks by calling for action on key issues, including the need for financial support, representation, program requirements, and the potential for shorter program durations.
Garcia proudly shared how she encourages AASCU member presidents to participate in the IEA Seminar. To date, four presidents have done so, and this year Colorado State University Pueblo President Timothy Mottet was selected.
