AMHERST, N.Y. – Daemen College will host for the first time the U.S. Fulbright Association Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter spring conference scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 22 in the Wick Campus Center Alumni Lounge.

“We are proud to have Daemen host this regional conference for the prestigious Fulbright Association, which is the largest academic exchange program in the world,” said Dr. Joseph Sankoh, chapter president and Daemen associate professor of political science/director of African initiatives. “As chapter president, I look forward to welcoming our guests to this educational and rewarding conference.”

Keynote speaker Jennifer Gennaro Oxley, executive director of the U.S. Fulbright Association, will give an overview on the organization’s initiatives and programs in her address, “Fulbright Today: Advancing Peaceful Societies and Careers, Connecting Our Global Communities in Ways That Matter.”  Under her leadership, the organization has developed new programs, reinvigorated global advocacy efforts, and increased staff and membership.

The conference will also include sessions on the Fulbright Traditional, Specialist and Student Awards, and the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence program.

The Fulbright Association has 60 chapters across the country that provide opportunities to be actively involved with the Fulbright program, and engage with program participants in the U.S. and with Fulbright alumni. The association supports the program’s international exchange experience by promoting lifelong learning, collaborative networking, and service at home and abroad for alumni, supporters and friends of the program.

Conference co-sponsors are the Fulbright Association Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, Daemen Offices of Academic Affairs, Arts and Sciences, Global Programs, and Health and Human Services, and the History and Political Science Department.

The conference, which includes lunch, is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Dr. Sankoh at jsankoh@daemen.edu or at 839-8448.