Fulbright Day: Lebanon – September 1

A group of students standing on campus holding a U.S. flag and a Lebanese flag.
“The cultural exchange I had had was so empowering that in some ways it positively changed my perception of some concepts in my home country!” – Samer Gharios, Lebanese Fulbrighter

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut along with the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI) prepared a video clip which featured Fulbright alumni from various generations. The video clip highlights the Fulbright legacy in Lebanon and the program impact over the alumni careers and communities. The video will aired on LBCI starting on September 1. LBCI is Lebanon’s top television channel reaching around 60% of the Lebanese population. Watch the video below, or click here to view it on YouTube.

Ambassador Dorothy C. Shea also wrote a letter to Lebanese Fulbright alumni to congratulate them on their accomplishments. The text of the letter is as follows:

Dear Fulbright Alumni: 

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the prestigious Fulbright Program.  The Fulbright Program was established in 1946, and each year it provides awards to approximately 8,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals worldwide.  In commemoration of this milestone, we selected September 1 to highlight the many and amazing Fulbright alumni from Lebanon—now more than 500 of you!   

I want you to know that we are thinking of you, and that we are so proud of everything you have accomplished.  On behalf of my team here at the U.S. Embassy, my colleagues in the Department of State, and the American people, I send our sincere gratitude to each of you for being such exceptional ambassadors of Lebanon and such accomplished representatives of our Fulbright exchange programs.  We are constantly inspired by what you are doing to take care of each other and those around you—both in your communities and throughout Lebanon—during this time of challenges and adversity.  The United States stands by you and the people of Lebanon.  Whether through support for educational opportunities or provision of much-needed humanitarian assistance, we, like you, are living the motto of “in this together.” 

We recently produced a special TV commercial that features your voices and your photos in an homage to the flagship Fulbright Program and this special anniversary.  I hope that you will watch it with pride and fond memories of your program, your experiences, and your connection to the United States.  There is much work to be done, but I am confident that our collaboration and partnerships, through Fulbright and beyond, will lead us to solutions and successes.   

I wish you a happy Fulbright 75th anniversary.  Until we meet in-person, stay safe, stay strong, and keep up the amazing work. 

Sincerely, 

Dorothy C. Shea