In Memory of 2025/26 Fulbright ETA Alexander Patrick Stanger

The German-American Fulbright Commission mourns the loss of our ETA Alexander, who passed away last week following a tragic accident in the mountains.

Alexander was a double major in German and Film at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, and graduated in June 2025. During their time at Lawrence University, Alexander was named to the Dean's List three years in a row — a testament to their dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm for their studies and their university community.

Alexander had previously studied abroad in Berlin, Germany, in 2023 and cherished their time there, feeling at home and embraced by their Berlin community. They had hoped to return to Germany to take part in a long-term cultural exchange that would allow them to apply their teaching skills in the classroom and share their passion for film. After completing a teaching practicum at the Appleton Bilingual School and working as a camp counselor at a German immersion camp Alexander developed a growing interest in a career in education and, as a finalist of the Fulbright ETA program, travelled to Germany to bring their teaching talents to the Gymnasium Eppendorf in Hamburg. Having taught language students across a wide range of levels, Alexander quickly became a valued and cherished member of the school community.

Alexander was a curious and creative person who loved to travel and was passionate about film and animation. They had a gift for building community and a genuine joy in meeting new people. It was their deepest wish to create a welcoming and safe space for others — a place where everybody could feel accepted and valued. Their respectful, open-minded, and empathetic nature allowed them to connect with others with ease and to foster deep, meaningful bonds with the people around them.

Alexander was held in the highest regard by their friends and the school community in Hamburg. They will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.