2003 Embassy Events
December 18, Fulbright Reception In Georgia
On December 18, 2003, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Rowena Cross-Najafi hosted a reception in honor of the Fulbright Program in Georgia. Currently Georgia has over 50 alumni of the Fulbright program. Ambassador Richard Miles addressed the guests and spoke about the importance of the Fulbright Program. Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Many Fulbrighters are young professionals who will return to responsible positions in their home countries. They often are involved in building institutions and government service when they return home. Ambassador Miles commented that educational exchange programs such as the Fulbright Program greatly contribute to the development of democracy and civil society in Georgia. He thanked American participants Clifton Meador and William Eastwood, two U.S. Fulbrighters currently living and working in Georgia, for their fine work. Mr. Meador teaches art management at the International Black Sea University and Tbilisi State University of Culture, while Mr. Eastwood is studying Georgian language and literature at the International Center for Georgian language.
There are currently five Georgian Fulbright participants in the United States. Posters on display at the reception illustrated "success stories" of over 15 Georgian Fulbright Program alumni. Georgian Fulbright alumni have studied a wide variety of topics, including art, American studies, political science, psychology, conflict resolution, geography, and economics.
