The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) celebrated three milestones this past year: the organization’s 40th anniversary, the 30th anniversary of the Marshall Memorial Fellowship Program (MMF), and the retirement of GMF’s Founder and Chairman, Dr. Guido Goldman, after 40 years of service.

In celebration of these landmark occasions, GMF held a gala dinner at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, Wednesday May 8.

The event was hosted by GMF Board of Trustee co-chairs Marc Leland and Robin West. They, along with current and former members of the planning group, board, and presidents, remarked not only on the founding of the organization and its commitment to strengthen transatlantic relations in the spirit of the original Marshall Plan, but of Dr. Goldman’s vision, commitment, diplomatic prowess, and friendship.

Dr. Goldman’s efforts not only established GMF, and formed its Board of Trustees, but he served as GMF’s first president and helped to initiate the MMF program, which sends fellows across the Atlantic to develop emerging international leaders. The program now includes more than 3,000 professionals from 35 countries and counts among its alumni government ministers, mayors of cities, members of Congress and parliaments, and international business executives.

To thank him for his service and to create a fitting tribute in his honor, GMF’s Trustees established the Dr. Guido Goldman Directorship of the Marshall Memorial Fellowship program. A contribution to the Directorship will ensure that Guido’s legacy of fostering transatlantic cooperation be forever remembered.