A Fond Farewell to Fulbright Alumnus Marc Chavannes
On behalf of the Fulbright Commission and community, the Fulbright Board wishes to pay tribute to esteemed Fulbright alumnus, Marc Chavannes (1946-2024). Studying at the Columbia University School of Journalism on a Fulbright scholarship (1969-1971) helped Marc launch his storied international career as a journalist and political commentator for NRC Handelsblad, where he worked for 43 years. He referred to his inspiring time at Columbia as ‘baptism by fire’, where he was confronted with the breadth, depth, intensity and excitement of journalism as a profession and began building the network that would serve him throughout his career. His time in America and in New York City impressed him for life. ‘If enough young people could get to know America through a program like Fulbright, I think they would, just as I did, see that America is a land of conflicts and contrasts but also full of ideals.’ Marc was an active and enthusiastic alumnus, having represented Fulbright NL in Washington, DC, speaking at Fulbright alumni gatherings, and even marrying a fellow Fulbright alum, Anneke Wertheim. He will be missed.