75 years of transatlantic friendship
The town twinning between Graz and Montclair has been actively practiced since 1950
Posted in: Community Engagement, CSAM Research
What began as a gesture of reconciliation after World War II has developed into one of the most vibrant city partnerships across the Atlantic: Graz and Montclair have been linked by a strong bond of friendship since 1950. Initial aid deliveries evolved into a regular student exchange between Montclair State University and Graz universities. Hundreds of students have since spent two semesters experiencing life in their respective twin cities – a cultural bridge that continues to this day. Graz shares not only the oldest but also the most geographically distant twin city with Montclair (New Jersey), a city with a population of around 40,000, located near New York.
Anniversary meeting in Graz
Every five years, this special togetherness is celebrated with a visit to the respective twin city – this year a delegation from Montclair visited Graz. Led by Susan Shin Andersen , Vice Mayor of Montclair, and Jonathan Koppell , Rector of Montclair State University, they were welcomed at City Hall by Mayor Elke Kahr , Vice Mayor Judith Schwentner , and SPÖ parliamentary group leader Daniela Schlüsselberger . They were accompanied by Lora Billings , Kimberly Hollister , and Tim White , representatives of Montclair State University. Before the official reception, the delegation from overseas signed the Golden Book of the City of Graz. “Graz and Montclair have enjoyed a decades-long friendship, with many wonderful encounters that have taken place here in Austria or in America. Montclair is an open city that has a positive outlook on all people, regardless of where they come from. I hope that you, too, will have many pleasant and positive encounters during your visit to Graz,” said Mayor Elke Kahr.
From person to person
Numerous alumni of the Montclair-Graz exchange program and members of the “Neighbors Overseas” association, as well as representatives of Graz universities and politicians, attended the reception in the city council meeting room. The event was opened by City Councilor Robert Krotzer , who led a minute’s silence in remembrance of the victims of the recent school shooting. Special attention was paid to the teacher who was killed on June 10th – she was a former exchange student in Montclair and a member of the Neighbors Overseas association. “The great importance of vibrant city partnerships has lost none of its relevance. International understanding, mutual understanding and appreciation, the exchange of know-how, joint projects, etc. are more important today than ever. With this in mind, we look forward to the coming years of our city partnership with Montclair and the further intensification of the friendly relations between our cities and citizens,” said Krotzer.
Montclair Vice Mayor Susan Shin Andersen expressed her deep emotion at the current events and expressed her condolences to the city of Graz. “I’m still glad we’re here now. Because a sister city relationship isn’t just about happy moments, it’s also about sticking together.” She emphasized the importance of international exchange programs for mutual understanding: “A stay abroad can be life-changing—seeing how people live in other cultures and recognizing what connects us. Through our sister city relationship, we can build relationships—one link at a time, between people, cities, and governments.”
Jonathan Koppell , Rector of Montclair State University, also emphasized in his address how important such partnerships are, especially in difficult times. “What happened in Graz underscores the importance of city partnerships like this, as they foster understanding and empathy. Thank you for welcoming us even in this time of grief. In a time of global uncertainty, it is even more important to build relationships and show empathy. We must build on this shared history and further deepen this partnership.”
Association “Neighbors Overseas”
For many years, the heart and soul of the exchange program in Graz and the “Neighbors Overseas” association was Maxie Uray-Frick – affectionately called “Graz Mom” by the Montclair students. She has been a member of the “Neighbors Overseas” association for over 40 years and led its affairs for decades. The association’s leadership is always the current mayor. Uray-Frick looked back on her role with great affection: “Whenever the students had a problem, no matter what it was, they always said: Call Maxie! I loved being the Graz Mom and hope that the exchange program continues for at least another 75 years!”
Since 2024, Sigrid Karner-Rühl, who studied in Montclair with her husband, has continued to lead the association with dedication and great conviction.
Our mission is to connect students with each other. We support students wherever we can. We accompany them to official procedures, pick them up from the airport, organize regular program events, and are available to answer any questions!