Halle Foundation Features UGA German Program in Summer Journal

The University of Georgia German program has been lucky to share a close relationship with The Halle Foundation, an organization that "seeks to promote understanding, knowledge, and friendship between the people of Germany... and those of the United States."

In their most recent journal issue, the Foundation celebrates the rich history between the American Southeast, especially Atlanta, and Germany. The Southeast has been instrumental in strengthening the ties of business and friendship between the U.S. and Germany, from hosting German immigrants across a wide swath of America's history to currently housing in Atlanta one of the eight German missions in the United States. Moreover, the German Consulate General in Atlanta facilitates discussion and collaboration between the American Southeast, Germany, and other European Union nations. 

The Halle Foundation particularly recognized UGA's German program in their journal's Special Feature, where they discussed the efficacy and enrichment of UGA's German and Engineering dual degree program. That "graduates of this program emerge with two bachelor's degrees and are uniquely prepared for work in Germany or the United States" is only one of the benefits mentioned in the article, which also includes student testimony in favor of the program and an explanation of the unique opportunities available to dual degree students. Towards the end of the journal, the Halle Foundation demonstrates a testament to their vowed support of the program by listing the University of Georgia German-Engineering Karlsruhe program as one of their biggest grant recipients of 2022. The article also especially highlights Dr. Martin Kagel's efforts in collaboration with Dr. David Stooksbury from the College of Engineering in devising the program. 

The article then mentions the Munich-based programs that the UGA German program has developed in conjunction with the Halle Foundation, particularly UGA's new partnership with Ludwig-Maximillian University (LMU). The presence of the UGA German program in Munich is important since the city "has... emerged as perhaps the most important European business hub for Georgia companies." Both universities have benefitted from their relationship via fellowships, student internships, and faculty exchanges. Because of the program's success, moreover, the Halle Foundation announced that they will be offering incentive grants to students in order to increase undergraduate student participation in the program. German program alumni Nathan Howrey had testimony featured in the article, and was celebrated for his work as a Halle Foundation Program Officer "working to strengthen the relationship between Germany and the state of Georgia."

The Halle Foundation named the University of Georgia as "a leader in German education" and expressed their wish of expanding opportunities for students in our German program, which is praised as "consistently [producing] smart, dedicated graduates who are committed to furthering friendship and understanding between Germans and Americans."