Gilman-Fulbright Alumni Networking Reception

On Tuesday, March 18, 2014 the U.S. Department of State’s Gilman International Scholarship Program hosted the second networking event in New York City, co-sponsored by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and hosted at the Institute of International Education (IIE) in New York City.  Over fifty U.S. Department of State alumni from the Gilman Scholarship, Fulbright, Critical Language Scholarship, National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) and American Youth Leadership programs learned of governmental and diplomatic career, as well as more international exchange opportunities to enhance their academic studies and careers. These alumni of the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) programs ranged from current students to employed professionals, who were eager to meet fellow alumni and special guests, including Diplomat in Residence of the NY Metro Region, Patricia Guy; Mrs. Georgia Gilman, Chair of the Gilman Group and wife to Honorable Benjamin A. Gilman for whom the scholarship is named; and IIE Trustees and staff.

Dr. Allan Goodman, President and CEO of IIE, gave welcoming remarks recounting a story of a Gilman alumnus whose study abroad experience in Thailand sparked business changes in his mother’s cleaning company in the U.S and his own personal career in Washington, DC.  Mrs. Gilman expressed her happiness with the tremendous growth and impact of the Gilman Scholarship Program and to have the opportunity to meet with so many young, bright alumni.  Lindsay G. Calvert, Director of the Gilman Scholarship Program at IIE Houston, informed alumni of how to remain engaged with their alumni community in the city, through connecting with their program and Department of State social media and alumni groups (including the International Exchanges Alumni website), and through the IIE Generation Study Abroad campaign. Alumni had the chance to network within career interest groups, including U.S. Department of State and government careers by speaking with Diplomat in Residence Patricia Guy. IIE/Fulbright staff were able to answer questions for those interested in continuing their international exchange experiences. In addition, a photo booth was set up to allow alumni to share their stories and take photos stating their affiliation with #GenerationStudyAbroad.

This event inspired the alumni of these prestigious U.S. Department of State sponsored scholarships to become more active in their community and within their alumni networks, as well as consider further international opportunities to enhance their academic and professional careers.  The Gilman Scholarship Program will continue to host these networking receptions across the U.S. and to speak with more alumni of these Department of State programs in order to connect them to a larger network, including other career diplomats, Foreign Service Officers, distinguished leaders and members of the Institute of International Education.