A Night of Inspiration, Music, and Community: Fulbright Thanksgiving Celebration 2025
From heartfelt speeches to collective creativity, the program highlighted the strength and warmth of our One Fulbright community.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Jennifer Porto, who guided guests through the program with warmth and energy. Her introduction set the tone for what became a memorable and joyful night. Following her remarks, our Executive Director, Hakan Tosuner, also greeted the audience and expressed his delight at seeing so many current and former Fulbrighters gathered together.
Jennifer Porto (1st from left)
The event continued with a beautiful musical performance by Bridget Kinneary (Fulbright Alumna to Germany) and Dexter Stanley-Tauvao (Fulbright New Zealand Alumnus), whose artistry created an immediate sense of connection among the audience.
We were especially honored to welcome Bettina Martin, Fulbright alumna, Minister for Science of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and President of the Conference of Ministers of Science in Germany. In her inspirational keynote, she reflected on the transformative power of international exchange and science, the importance of academic collaboration, and the personal impact of her Fulbright experience. Her words were a highlight of the evening.
A lively interactive musical segment followed, inviting guests to participate in a collective soundscape inspired by Bobby McFerrin and the pentatonic scale. This playful moment captured the creativity and collaborative spirit at the heart of Fulbright.
A cherished tradition of the event–the Turkey Carving Ceremony–was led by Fulbright Germany Board Chair, Anke Reiffenstuel and Co-Chair, Scott Weinhold, each offering warm words of welcome. The ceremony symbolized gratitude, togetherness, and the longstanding cultural ties that bring our German-American community together each year.
With the formal program concluded, guests were invited to enjoy a shared meal and join in conversations that continued late into the evening. The atmosphere of connection, celebration, and mutual appreciation reflected everything this annual gathering stands for.
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful Fulbright community for making this evening truly special.
We look forward to many more moments of inspiration, exchange, and shared celebration.
