On October 2nd, in the presence of Romanian and American guests, the American Studies program at the University of Bucharest kicked off the new academic year with a special ceremony attended by current students and alumni as well as faculty and staff. Special welcome addresses were given by Ms. Merry Miller, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy, Dr. Rodica Mihaila, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission, Dr. Octavian Roske, Head of the English Department and Professor of English and American Studies, Dr. Roxana Oltean, Coordinator of the American Studies program and Professor of English and American Studies, as well as Ms. Karina Patrascanu, PhD student in American Studies and alumna of the American Studies program. Dr. Mihaila addressed the audience in her capacity as pioneer of the institutionalization of American Studies in Romania and founder of the American Studies program at the University of Bucharest, encouraging the students to make the most of the opportunities afforded to them by their chosen study path.