Recognizing the expertise Fulbright Scholars bring to their work and their lasting impact on American academia and industry, the Fulbright Program has identified Fulbright U.S. Scholars to serve as alumni ambassadors to expand outreach and recruitment efforts.
Alumni Ambassadors come from a broad range of states, disciplines, and institutions. They have completed Fulbright exchanges across all world regions. Through their teaching, research, and professional activity, they share a common commitment to strengthening American communities and inspiring future generations.
Alumni Ambassadors promote Fulbright opportunities by sharing firsthand experiences and advising prospective applicants. They participate in conferences, presentations, and webinars; contribute to articles and podcasts; and engage in special initiatives across the United States. They offer guidance to applicants on topics including developing strong project proposals and navigating life and work abroad.
The Fulbright Program has selected a special cohort of Alumni Ambassadors in 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which the U.S. Government is commemorating as "Freedom 250," and to mark the Fulbright Program's 80th anniversary.
Alumni Ambassador activities are supported by IIE’s Fulbright Legacy Fund, sponsored by the IIE Board of Trustees.
Meet the Ambassadors
| Name | Countries | Discipline | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aksamitauskas, Milda | Lithuania | Public Policy | University of Wisconsin |
| Antoniou, George | Albania | Info Sciences/Systems | Lynn University |
| Bollas, George | Greece | Engineering | University of Connecticut |
| Delatte, Norb | Italy | Engineering | Oklahoma State University |
| Gamage, Kusali | Sri Lanka | Geology | Austin Community College |
| Goergen, Craig | France | Medical Sciences | Purdue University |
| Gulia-Nuss, Monika | Uruguay | Agriculture | University of Nevada--Reno |
| Regan, Jo Ann | Czech Republic | Social Work | Catholic University of America |
| Richards, Ryan | Australia | Chemistry | Colorado School of Mines |
| Thornton, David | Austria | Computer Science | Jacksonville State University |
| Waring, Scott | Czech Republic | Education | University of Central Florida |
| Yanchulova Merica-Jones, Petia | Bulgaria | Astronomy | Space Telescope Science Institute |
- History and Funding
The Fulbright Scholar Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, supports more than 800 U.S. faculty and professionals each year to teach and/or conduct research in more than 135 countries around the world. To support this goal, IIE launched the Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador Program.
The Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador Program selects, trains and utilizes a select group of Fulbright Scholar alumni to represent the Fulbright Scholar Program and assist with outreach and recruitment efforts across the United States.
Alumni Ambassador activities are supported by IIE’s Fulbright Legacy Fund, sponsored by the IIE Board of Trustees.