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Fulbright Canada Launches 80th Anniversary Celebrations in Halifax
Fulbright Canada officially launched its 80th anniversary celebrations with a gala reception and dinner at the historic Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax on April 30, 2026. Held in conjunction with the organization’s Spring Board of Directors meeting, the evening brought together distinguished guests, alumni, partners, and supporters to mark eight decades of global impact and collaboration.
Welcoming attendees, Fulbright Canada’s CEO, Dr. Michael Hawes, reflected on both the legacy and continued relevance of the program. A Fulbright alumnus himself, Dr. Hawes underscored the program’s enduring mission to foster mutual understanding through academic exchange and intellectual partnership. He also acknowledged the continued support of the Canadian and U.S. governments, as well as the vital contributions of institutional partners and the Board of Directors.
The evening featured remarks from Penny Wilson, Chair of the Fulbright Canada Board of Directors, who spoke to the program’s global reach and transformative influence over the past eight decades. Jake Jacanin, Minister Counsellor at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, followed with reflections on Fulbright’s role as a cornerstone of U.S. public diplomacy since its founding in 1946.
Since its inception, the Fulbright Program has played a pivotal role in shaping international education. Established in the aftermath of the Second World War, it has brought generations of students and scholars across borders, helping to internationalize higher education and strengthen global academic networks. Today, Fulbright operates through bi-national commissions in 49 countries, grounded in a model of partnership and shared investment.
Fulbright Canada, founded in 1990, has contributed significantly to this legacy, building one of the world’s most dynamic bilateral academic relationships. Over the years, it has supported a growing community of scholars, students, and professionals whose work advances innovation, strengthens cross-border collaboration, and promotes social engagement.
The Halifax celebration also paid tribute to the individuals who have shaped Fulbright Canada’s success. Past Board members George T.H. Cooper and Frank C. Sobey were honoured with commemorative 80th anniversary medals in recognition of their leadership and lasting contributions. The evening also welcomed a diverse group of alumni spanning decades of Fulbright exchanges, highlighting the breadth and continuity of the program’s impact.
Following dinner, keynote speaker Dr. Brian Bow, Chair of the Political Science Department at Dalhousie University and a Fulbright alumnus, shared reflections on his experience within the program. Drawing on his expertise in Canada–U.S. relations and policy coordination, Dr. Bow offered a thoughtful perspective on the importance of cross-border academic collaboration in addressing today’s complex global challenges.
As the first event in a year-long series of anniversary activities, the Halifax gala set the tone for a celebration not only of Fulbright’s remarkable history, but also of its future. Rooted in values of excellence, innovation, access, and mutual understanding, the Fulbright Program continues to connect people and ideas across borders—strengthening relationships and shaping the next generation of global leaders.