President's Welcome

My name is Nyrie Palmer, President of the Australian Fulbright Alumni Association.  I would like to welcome you to Fulbright - the lasting legacy of William J Fulbright who, from the wreckage of World War II, created the scholarship with a vision of international understanding and lasting peace between the U.S. and the rest of the world. 

During my Fulbright year, I studied energy policy at Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs and was fortunate to work with the most engaged and accomplished students, and academics including Nobel Laureates, US Government Officials, and Diplomats. My Fulbright year was the most stimulating time of my life and the knowledge that I gained at Princeton has been absolutely fundamental in my career.

The lessons I learned from living and travelling in the U.S. have lasting and more vivid than anything that I could have learned in class.  I have a better understanding of the diversity of the U.S.: of its people, kind, welcoming and proud; of its landscape so rich and magnificent; of its art, music, and architecture.  I experienced the life that exudes from its cities; the homeliness and hospitality of its small towns.  The U.S. is a melting pot of race, religion and politics, which you can only begin to experience and understand by exploring the incredible country.

My Fulbright experience did not end at the completion of my Fulbright year - I am involved with an active and interesting group of Alumni and US scholars in Australia that meet regularly for social gatherings. Our Alumni include people in politics, business, science and the arts.  

Potential applicants - I encourage you to apply as the rewards are far beyond your expectations.

Potential donors - I implore you to endow our exceptional scholars who will contribute to their chosen field and Fulbright’s lasting vision. 

Alumni – I am so pleased that you are part of the Fulbright Community.  I urge you to be involved in Alumni activities and carry on Fulbright’s vision in your lives.

Through the Australian Fulbright Alumni Association, it is a pleasure for me to continue the Fulbright legacy, which is to “bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs… and …increase the chance that nations will learn at last to live in peace and friendship.” (J. William Fulbright)