The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) marked its 100th anniversary with memorable programming from April 3rd to 4th at the German House – home of the German Consulate and German Mission to the United Nations in New York City. The two-day event, themed "Building Lifelong Connections in Science and Education,” brought DAAD alumni, scholars, and thought leaders together to reflect on the impactful legacy and explore the future of international academic collaboration.

Thursday, April 3rd, opened with remarks from Secretary General DAAD Sicks, State Secretary BMBF Ertner, Director General for Culture and Society for the AA Beste and a warm welcome from Consul General Knorn of the German Consulate General New York; followed by a lively panel discussion featuring DAAD alumni from across North America – Fulbright US’s Kramer, Leuphana Univ.’s Ptatscheck, Columbia Univ.’s Wu, Univ. of British Columbia’s Huebner, moderated by DAAD North America’s Strowa. Their personal stories highlighted the transformative impact of academic exchange on their careers and fostering international connections and understanding. That evening, guests including UA Ruhr alumni attended the Sound Understanding concert at Carnegie Hall, an annual tradition celebrating the intersection of music, culture, and diplomacy. German Ambassador to the United States, HE Andreas Michaelis, opened the concert with remarks emphasizing the enduring importance of transatlantic partnerships in education and the arts. The evening was moderated by Fmr. Director of DAAD Britta Baron and the concert featured performances by current and former DAAD scholarship recipients, showcasing the program's commitment to supporting artistic excellence.

On Friday, April 4th, the focus shifted to the future of international education and research. The morning panel explored sustainable partnerships in a rapidly changing world, addressing challenges like digital transformation, climate change, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. In the afternoon, parallel sessions, including "Visions of the Future — Now and Then," examined forward-looking themes. Campbell, for example, DAAD alumnus and Associate Professor of Urban Planning at the University of Michigan, discussed sustainable urban development, balancing utopian and dystopian visions in the age of emerging technologies like generative AI.

A key moment of the day was the DAAD-AA Excellence Awards for International Exchange presentation. This year's honorees were Wong, Assistant Professor in the Economics Division at Babson College, and Daum, Professor in the History Department at SUNY Buffalo. Both were recognized for their exceptional research and contributions to transatlantic interconnectedness and academic collaboration.

As DAAD looks ahead to the next century, the New York Jubilee served as a powerful reminder of its mission to foster global academic exchange while strengthening enduring connections in science, education, and beyond. The University Alliance Ruhr was proud to take part in this historic celebration.