President Joins Canada-U. S. Fulbright Board

President Peggy R. Williams has been named to the board of directors of the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America, the organization that directs the Fulbright program in Canada. A native of Montreal who holds dual American and Canadian citizenship, Williams will serve a three-year term. She was asked to join the board by Gordon Griffin, the U. S. ambassador to Canada.

"You would make an invaluable contribution to one of the most significant activities linking the two countries," Griffin wrote in his letter of invitation to Williams. "The addition of a prominent member of the academic community who is thoroughly familiar with both American and Canadian society will deep-en the board’s commitment to bringing the Fulbright program in Canada to a new level of greater exchange."

"I was honored by the invitation to hold a leadership position with this important educational association," says Williams. "While the United States and Canada are warm neighbors, traditional allies, and close trading partners, there is a lack of true mutual understanding that must be corrected for the continued vitality of our relationship. By fostering academic exchange, the Fulbright program helps to bridge the gaps in knowledge and understanding."

Other members of the board include James Kiernan Jr., president of Goldman Sachs Canada; Charles Young, chancellor emeritus of the University of California; David Mann, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Power; Manon Vennat, chairman and managing director of Spencer Stuart and Associates; and Loma Marsden, president and vice chancellor of York University.

Initiated by the United States following World War II, the Fulbright program now involves some 150 countries in a reciprocal exchange of students, scholars, and teachers. The Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America was established in 1990 to oversee Canada’s relationship with the program. Canada–U.S. Fulbright awards provide for research and teaching opportunities for Canadian and American faculty and students engaged in the study of Canada, the United States, and the relationship between the two countries. More than 350 fellowships, for time periods ranging from three to nine months, have been awarded since the foundation was established.

photo by Cascadilla Photography