Past Events
Special Guided Visit to the WWII SS Jeremiah O'Brien Liberty Ship
Fulbright Alumni visit to the historic WWII SS Jeremiah O’Brien Liberty Ship
Join the Northern California Fulbright Alumni Association for a special guided visit aboard the historic SS Jeremiah O'Brien, one of only two fully operational Liberty ships remaining from World War II.
This unique event offers an opportunity to reconnect with fellow Fulbright alumni while exploring a remarkable vessel that represents both American history and the origins of the Fulbright Program. Following World War II, proceeds from the sale of surplus war property—including Liberty and Victory ships—helped establish the Fulbright Program, creating educational and cultural exchange opportunities that continue to foster international understanding today.
Come enjoy an afternoon of history, conversation, and community as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Senator J. William Fulbright's vision and the remarkable connection between this historic ship and our shared Fulbright experience. Afterwards, for those who wish to continue our conversations, we will gather at Fisherman’s Wharf for an afternoon snack.
TICKET DETAILS & PRICE
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Time: 1-3PM
Place: Pier 35, 1454 The Embarcadero, San Francisco
Cost: $10 Fulbright Alumni and Guests
Please RSVP no later than November 1 , 2026
Join the Fulbright Alumni Association here.
Organized by Carmen Reid, Secretary, Northern California Fulbright Alumni Association, ncalfulbright@gmail.com
Fulbright at 80: Celebrating Global Exchange and International Understanding
Join the Northern California Fulbright Association for a special evening celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Fulbright Program at the historic International House, UC Berkeley.
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has advanced mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchange, creating a worldwide community of scholars, educators, artists, researchers, and leaders committed to fostering international cooperation and peace.
The evening will feature two distinguished UC Berkeley faculty members whose careers exemplify the spirit of intellectual curiosity, public service, and global engagement that defines the Fulbright Program.
Keynote Speaker: Professor Emeritus Gordon Rausser
An internationally renowned agricultural and resource economist, Professor Emeritus Gordon Rausser is one of UC Berkeley's most distinguished scholars. His pioneering research has shaped global policy on food security, environmental sustainability, and international development.
Distinguished Speaker: Professor David Sedlak
Professor David Sedlak is one of the world's leading experts on water quality, environmental engineering, and sustainable infrastructure. A MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipient and acclaimed author, his work has transformed how communities think about water resources and environmental resilience. His insights into the intersection of science, public policy, and global sustainability will be especially meaningful to Fulbright scholars and alumni committed to solving international challenges through research and collaboration.
Current Fulbrighter Speaker: Carmen Dondé García Urtiaga, Mexico
Carmen Dondé García Urtiaga is an incoming Fulbrighter who will be studying a Master in Business Admnistration at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. In her most recent role as Head of Growth & GTM she developed a comprehensive financial educational program targeting 40% of Mexico’s unbanked population, and desiged a scalable curriculum for nationwide rollout.
Guests will also enjoy an evening of networking with Fulbright alumni, current Fulbright scholars, students, and members of the international community while reflecting on eight decades of educational exchange and international friendship. The program will include opportunities to reconnect with fellow Fulbrighters, celebrate the program's remarkable legacy, and look ahead to its future.
Whether you are a Fulbright alum, current scholar, or prospective applicant, we invite you to join us in celebrating one of the world's most influential international exchange programs.
We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of inspiration, conversation, and community as we honor 80 years of Fulbright.
TICKET DETAILS & PRICE
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 7-9:30PM
Place: UC Berkeley International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Berkeley, CA 94720
Cost: $15 Fulbright Alumni
FREE for Current Fulbright Scholars and Students
Organized by Carmen Reid, Secretary, Northern California Fulbright Alumni Association, ncalfulbright@gmail.com
Fulbright Event at CA State Railroad Museum, Sacramento
Join fellow Fulbrighters to explore the California State Railroad Museum! The museum details the western expansion of life-changing railroad technology and the social implications of how the expansion was done and what it enabled. See in person an incredible range of locomotives, experience what cross-country rail transportation was like in earlier eras, and see how trains have captured the imagination of millions via toy trains and scale model railroading. Optional lunch following guided tour and optional 45-minute, 6-mile round trip train ride from Old Sacramento Waterfront along the Sacramento River.
TICKET DETAILS & PRICE: $11 CA State Railroad Museum, $18 Train excursion
NorCal Fulbright Alumni Association Members may invite one guest
Organized by: Jon Clark
Fulbright Global Day of Service
Please join us for our Fulbright “Bee the Change” Global Day of Service event in San Francisco's beautiful Presidio.
This year, we'll be working alongside the Presidio Trust team on bee habitat restoration, helping create and maintain healthy habitat for native pollinators. It's a meaningful way to give back while spending a morning outdoors with fellow Fulbright alumni.
TICKET DETAILS & PRICE: $12.51 per person
NorCal Fulbright Alumni Association Members may invite one guest
Place: Rob Hill Campground, San Francisco
Organized by: San Francisco Habitat Stewards, Eventbrite
Fulbright Summer Soirée
Come to meet and connect with fellow Fulbright alumni and scholars in the Bay Area, share stories about research, travel, and your summer plans! We will provide appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks. Food trucks on site to purchase other food and drinks.
TICKET DETAILS & PRICE: Cost: $10 per person
NorCal Fulbright Alumni Association Members may invite one guest
Place: Corner Cove area at SPARK Social, 601 Mission Bay Blvd N, San Francisco, CA. Accessible by public transportation. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990211656640?aff=oddtdtcreator
SF Opera: Barber of Seville Encounter
Please join the Northern California Fulbright Alumni Association for a special evening at the San Francisco Opera on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, for The Barber of Seville Encounter. This unique "part opera, part party" experience features a high-energy performance followed by an immersive flamenco-themed celebration within the historic War Memorial Opera House.
TICKET DETAILS & PRICE: $25 per person
NorCal Fulbright Alumni Association Members may invite one guest
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 6:30PM
Place: War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
Frugal Foodies Summer Potluck
In the spirit of “Frugal Foodies”, a NorCal Fulbright tradition started by Matt O’Brien, one of our chapter members, we welcome you to join our community for a backyard potluck event in Alameda.
Fulbright Rocking Holiday Networking Mixer
It’s not a NorCal Fulbright holiday networking event without tacos and an electric vibe – so we are doubling down on both!
The amazing NorCal Fulbright gang connected with Bay Area luminaries across diverse work paths in the arts, design, tech, the sciences, and the humanities.
Our venue:
Underdogs Cantina— a modern taqueria. “Underdogs is much more than your typical restaurant. Our food is local and sustainable. We feel we have a duty to supply fresh food to each customer, while also being environmentally conscious. We are very proud of our Surfrider Ocean Friendly certification!”
An Evening in Piemonte: Campi dei Nonni
Join us for a celebration of the culture and cuisine of Piemonte, Italy at the Museo Italo Americano in San Francisco.
The event will feature a presentation by our very own Matt O’Brien, board member of the Northern California Fulbright Alumni Association, of Campi dei Nonni, his photographic exploration of traditional farming, wine making, and family in Piemonte, where he has deep roots, as well as antipasti and wine from Piemonte.
Frugal Foodies: Fulbright Edition #2
Back by popular demand! Join us for an evening of fun, food, and friendship as we come together for Frugal Foodies, Fulbright Edition #2.
Fulbright visits the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose has the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America.
Fulbright Young Alumni Garden Party
Please join us for a Garden Party celebrating Young Fulbright Alumni!
Art, Fashion & Tunisia - Soukra
Pauline Eveillard (Fulbright to Tunisia, 2005-2006), invites you to an evening of Art, Fashion and Tunisia
Holiday Dinner Mixer
Calling all Northern California Fulbrighters as we bring the year to a close and begin the season of holiday celebrations! Join us for a Fulbright Holiday Dinner Mixer at Yoshi's Oakland.
The Future of Telehealth: The Importance of Equity and Collaboration
Join us in welcoming Sadie Ricci, Associate Director of Marketing at Molecular Loop and former Product Manager at Mammoth Biosciences virtually on July 18th, 7-8pm PT for a talk on The Future of Telehealth: The Importance of Equity and Collaboration.
Summer Soiree!
We're excited to invite you to our Fulbright Summer Soiree in July! Come meet new friends and feel free to bring guests along.
Date: Sunday, July 16, 3-5 p.m. PT
Location: SPARK Social at 601 Mission Bay Blvd N, San Francisco, CA. We have The Corner Cove reserved.