A large group of people smiling and raising a glass in celebration
Fulbright Finland News Magazine

Homecoming

15 June 2026 • Text: Maija Kettunen, Photos: Studio Terho Photography
Fulbright Finland alumni from every decade since the 1970s came together to reconnect and celebrate the continued success and impact of Finnish–U.S. exchanges.

Each year, numerous U.S. alumni return to Finland from across the Atlantic, to what they often describe as their “second home.” To bring them together with alumni and grantees based
in Finland, the Fulbright Finland Foundation, in collaboration with volunteers from the ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association Board, organized a Homecoming Event in May. The gathering offered a chance to revisit shared experiences while building new connections across generations of Fulbrighters.

The event was particularly special as it coincided with several major milestones. This year is the 80th anniversary of the global Fulbright Program. The community also celebrated 50 years of the Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in North American Studies – the oldest Fulbright Distinguished Chair worldwide. Fifteen former Bicentennial Chairs from the U.S. attended the event. 

Photograph collage showing three scenes from a social event: a woman signing a guest book, two people posing in front of a blue backdrop holding a sign that reads "Once a Fulbrighter, always a Fulbrighter!", and a man holding up blue woolly socks. The event celebrates Fulbright program alumni, featuring casual interactions, branded materials, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Frances Karttunen has participated in three Fulbright exchanges in Finland. Her first grant took her to Tampere University in 1971, and she later returned twice to the University of Helsinki as a Fulbright scholar, including a year as the Fulbright Bicentennial Chair. “My life has been enriched beyond expression by these opportunities and experiences in Finland,” Frances wrote in the guest book.

Be the ‘Bright!

During the event, the Foundation launched its new public awareness campaign, Be the ‘Bright! Conceived by Foundation alumna Casie Hermansson, the campaign highlights the active engagement and positive impact of the Foundation’s alumni and grantees. In her welcome remarks, CEO Terhi Mölsä emphasized the importance of sharing these stories widely.

“Even in increasingly uncertain and volatile operating environments, and despite the many challenges that capture headlines today, our grantees and alumni are creating positive impact, driving meaningful change, and fostering a sense of agency and hope. The fact that Fulbright
Finland exchanges are now stronger than ever is a testament to this shared commitment,” Terhi Mölsä said.

Photograph collage showing social interactions at an event, including people conversing with drinks, a woman pinning a donor pin on a man's jacket, and attendees checking name tags on a table.

The event also provided an opportunity to recognize the generosity of alumni whose significant donations have played a key role in sustaining and strengthening the Foundation’s awards. Several alumni philanthropists were presented with special commemorative pins in recognition of their generous support of future exchange opportunities.

My grant term was truly memorable, but the best thing is that even after 10+ years, the Fulbright community still keeps on bringing inspiring people to enrich our professional and personal lives. 
– Olli-Pekka Malinen

Above all, the Homecoming reinforced a sense of belonging. Whether reconnecting with old friends or meeting fellow alumni for the first time, participants shared a common understanding of the transformative power of the Fulbright Finland experience. The event was a powerful reminder that the Fulbright Finland journey does not end with the grant but continues to shape the lives and communities long after the exchange. 

Two photographs from the Homecoming alumni event. On the left, a woman writes on a sticky note, which is placed on a map of the U.S. On the right, three men engage in discussion around a high table in a room with exposed brick walls.

Once a Fulbrighter, always a Fulbrighter!

Read the whole Fulbright Finland News magazine 1/2026!

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