75th Anniversary of Sister-City Relationship with Graz, Austria
Published on July 21, 2025
(Photo Credit: © Stadt Graz/Fischer)
75th Anniversary of Montclair’s Sister-City Relationship with Graz, Austria
2025 marks the 75th anniversary of Montclair Township’s sister-city relationship with Graz, Austria. The relationship between the two cities began in the aftermath of World War II as a humanitarian outreach program and has grown into a dynamic, cross-cultural exchange that continues to connect the two communities today.
In the early years of the partnership, Montclair sent much-needed medical supplies and care packages to the people of Graz. Mountainside Hospital even donated an X-ray machine and an incubator to help restore health services in the war-torn city. Over the past seven decades, that spirit of generosity has evolved into lasting collaboration in the areas of arts, education, and civic engagement.
To celebrate the milestone anniversary, Deputy Mayor and Councilor-at-Large Susan Shin Andersen and Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell traveled to Graz earlier this summer, where they met with Graz Mayor Elke Kahr, Vice Mayor Judith Schwentner, and SPÖ parliamentary group leader Daniela Schlüsselberger, as part of a reception hosted by City Councilor Robert Krotzer. The visit reaffirmed both cities’ continued commitment to citizen diplomacy and cultural exchange.
A cornerstone of the partnership is the Montclair-Graz Sister City Scholarship, a cultural exchange program between Montclair State University and the University of Graz. The scholarship provides two MSU undergraduates with full tuition, housing, and a stipend to study in Graz for one academic year.
Officials in Graz remain committed to maintaining the cultural exchange between the two cities, in particular through the non-profit association called "Neighbors Overseas", led by former City Councilor Mazie Uray-Frick, who has led the organization for over 40 years. Since 2024, Neighbors Overseas has been led by Sigrid Karner-Rühl, who studied in Montclair with her husband.
As Montclair and Graz look to the future, their 75-year partnership stands as a powerful reminder that local connections can have global impact—building bridges across borders, cultures, and generations.
For more information, read about the visit on the City of Graz official website (in German but can be translated to English), or on the MSU website.
See photos of the official visit below. (Photo Credit: © Stadt Graz/Fischer)