The First Class of Fulbrighters - Fulbright-Kommission

A Dream of a Lifetime
by Trudy Gilgenast
AS I REFLECT on the wonderful opportunity I had in
1953, I realize how fortunate I was to have been a member
of the first Fulbright class and attend the Universität
München. It was an exceptional opportunity that prepared
me for a lifetime career teaching German, as well as bringing
me a step closer to understanding and learning more
about my own heritage. It was the dream of a lifetime!
During that year in München, I witnessed history in the
making with visits to Bonn and Berlin. I listened to Chancellor
Adenauer speak and heard stories of the horrors of
World War II. All had a profound impact on how I viewed
this land of my forefathers. The opportunity to study at the
Universität Munich with renowned professors of the day,
and spend a year touring Germany, getting to know the
people, their traditions, foods, and festivals, were all highlights
that have greatly influenced my teaching career and
my entire life.
The year abroad made an indelible imprint on my teaching
approach. I came to understand and appreciate the value
of being comfortable in a second language and I wanted to
pass this on to my students. I did so during the nine years I
taught German in the local public high schools and during
29 years at the University of Delaware. I experimented with
various techniques and focused more on the speaking aspect
of a foreign language so that eventually many of my classes
were conducted entirely in German. Conversation made my
classes come alive and students were very enthusiastic. I
encouraged them to major in German, to study abroad, or
to minor in German as an asset to their chosen careers, as
well as for their own edification. Many have gone on to further
study, won scholarships and awards, and had successful
careers because of their proficiency in the German language.
Early on in my career, I became active in local and
national professional organizations and continued to hone my
skills through additional summer grants, Fulbright seminars,
and further study abroad. In 1957, I earned a master’s
degree in German from Middlebury College, Vermont. Then
in 1970, almost 20 years after my first Fulbright, I was
awarded a one year Fulbright teacher exchange grant at the
Max-Josef Stift in Munich. Experiencing Germany, now on a
professional level, opened new doors and provided opportunities
to interact and learn with faculty abroad. I am still in
touch with several teachers who have remained close friends.
Clearly, the year at the Max-Josef Stift had a strong influence
on my teaching as I incorporated several conversation techniques,
observed abroad, into my classes at the University of
Delaware. Believing strongly in the first-hand experience, I
encouraged study abroad and led several student groups to
Germany for travel and study during semester and winter
sessions. Over the years, I continued to thoroughly enjoy my
teaching, enhanced my classroom presentations with many
experiences from my Fulbright years, and wrote numerous
articles on language teaching methods.
Along the way, I became
intrigued in and published
an article on the Pennsylvania
German broadside. This
has grown into a deeper
interest and I am currently
preparing a manuscript for
publication. During a sabbatical
semester in 1982 I
wrote, Das Mehl Ist Anders, a
cookbook of German recipes
and traditions. Now in its
fifth printing, it has proven
to be popular with several
generations of those with a
German background. I
recently co-authored a book,
The Saengerbund: A 150 Year
History of the German Club in
Delaware, in celebration of
its 150th anniversary during
2003.
Although now a professor
emerita, I have continued
to pursue my interest in
Germany and its people by
leading group tours to some
of my favorite towns and
cities in different parts of
the country. For many years,
I have been active in our
local Saengerbund by singing
in the chorus and serving on
the Culture Committee.
This committee supports
and encourages programs
that share the German language,
customs, and traditions
with members and the
community. High school
students of German are
invited for a day of workshops
and exposure to a
“German” atmosphere. Oth-
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A native of Delaware, Trudy Gilgenast
earned a B.A. in Education from the
University of Delaware in 1953 and an
M.A. in German from Middlebury College,
VT in 1957. She was a Fulbright
Scholar in Munich in 1953 and had a
Fulbright Teacher Scholarship in 1960 to
the Max-Josef Stift in Munich. Gilgenast
taught German at the University of
Delaware and at Conrad and Pierre S.
DuPont High Schools. She served as
Director of the University’s study abroad
programs in Vienna, Austria and
Bayreuth, Germany. Gilgenast was the
recipient of the Certificate of Merit from
the Goethe Institute and AATG in 1984
and the Federal Republic of Germany
Friendship Award in 1987. She is also
the author of Das Mehl ist Anders ( The
Flour is Different), a German-tradition
cookbook and co-author of The Saengerbund,
A 150-Year History of the German
Club in Delaware. She is currently
preparing a manuscript for publication on
Pennsylvania German Broadsides.
“The Gang:” Hildie, Flo, Trudy,
Louise, and Loel make an excursion
to Assmannshausen during
orientation.
er programs enhance and honor the traditions and keep them
alive for each new generation to experience and enjoy.
My enthusiasm was sparked many years ago by an inspiring
year abroad as a young girl just out of college. It was a
year highlighted by experiences and special memories.
Although my energies might be slower today, my enthusiasm
has not waned in passing on the torch of German language,
customs, traditions, and sharing experiences with family,
friends, and other interested people.