After a decade of dedicated leadership, Lynn Engle is stepping down as the director of the Buffalo Dortmund Student Ambassador Program. Lynn’s journey with the program began as a participant herself, and her passion for cultural exchange transformed the program into a co-ed experience, enriching countless students‘ lives.
Program Growth Under Lynn’s Guidance
Under Lynn’s leadership, the program flourished. She revitalized summer exchanges, allowing Buffalo students to visit Dortmund and vice versa. The program’s highlight remains the immersive four-month high school exchange, where Dortmund students live with host families in Buffalo, attending local schools and engaging in diverse activities—sports, music, theater, and clubs. These experiences fostered a deeper understanding of Western New York’s family life and culture.
Memorable Excursions and Lasting Impact
Lynn also expanded the program’s excursion offerings to include iconic locations like Niagara Falls, Ganondagan State Historic Site, and rafting adventures at Letchworth State Park. Her dedication to creating unforgettable experiences has left a lasting impact on every participant.
Introducing Amy Hardy as the New Director
Now, the program turns a new page with Amy Hardy stepping in as the new director. A lifelong Western New Yorker, Amy brings over eleven years of teaching experience in Germany and currently teaches German and Spanish at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute.
A recipient of the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship and a Fulbright alumna, Amy’s international experience and passion for language learning make her a perfect fit for this role. She is already planning the 2025 summer program and is eager to continue fostering cultural connections between Buffalo and Dortmund. Students and parents can reach her at buffalo.dortmundexchanges@gmail.com.
A Fond Farewell and a Warm Welcome
As we bid farewell to Lynn, Auslandsgesellschaft president Klaus Wegener expressed heartfelt gratitude:
„We are sad to see Lynn leave the Buffalo Dortmund Student Ambassador Program after ten successful years. Nevertheless, we are happy to welcome Amy as her successor.“ Thank you, Lynn, for your decade of dedication, and welcome, Amy, to this exciting new journey!
