Episode 18 - Marc Landry & Gertraud Griessner
In the latest episode of “History Exchange,” Marc Landry and Gertraud Griessner discuss their professional and personal relationship with Günther Bischof, as well as their experiences as an American in Austria and an Austrian in the United States. They also discuss the past, present, and future of the Austrian Marshall Plan Center for European Studies in New Orleans.
Marc Landry is an associate professor of history and director of the Austrian Marshall Plan Center for European Studies. He holds a Ph.D. in history and an M.A. in German and European Studies from Georgetown University. In 2017, he joined the University of New Orleans as an assistant professor and associate director of the Austrian Marshall Plan Center for European Studies. Previously, he was at Utah State University and served as a Fulbright Visiting Professor at the University of Innsbruck, with which he maintains a longstanding connection. Professor Landry specializes in environmental history and focuses on the environmental history of modern Europe, particularly Central Europe. In his research, he examines the ecological impacts of industrialization and the two world wars on European landscapes, with a particular interest in the development of hydropower in the Alps. He recently completed a book manuscript titled Mountain Battery: The Alps, Water, and Power in the Fossil Fuel Age, in which he analyzes how the use of hydropower has transformed the Alpine regions.
Gertraud Griessner, born in Salzburg, Austria, studied English and Spanish at the University of Innsbruck. Since the founding of Center Austria: The Austrian Marshall Plan Center for European Studies in 1997, she has served as the program coordinator and the heart of Center Austria in New Orleans. Known for her dedication and personal approach, she played a pivotal role in the internationalization of the University of New Orleans (UNO), particularly through organizing the student exchange program with the University of Innsbruck, which now brings 70–80 students to New Orleans each year. In addition to providing logistical support, Gertraud Griessner serves as a mentor and friend to the students, supporting them both academically and personally. Furthermore, Gertraud Griessner plays a vital role in the partnership between UNO and the University of Innsbruck, particularly through her dedication to the students and faculty staff.
In the interview, Gertraud Griessner and Marc Landry reflected on the personal connections and professional collaboration that have strengthened the relationship between the University of New Orleans (UNO) and the University of Innsbruck since the founding of Center Austria in 1997. The Center was founded to bring the growing activities between the two institutions under one roof. They also spoke about their connection to Günther Bischof, his role at Center Austria, as well as their personal and professional impressions of him. Gertraud Griessner and Marc Landry particularly highlighted his enduring intellectual curiosity and his willingness to support aspiring historians and colleagues. During the discussion about Center Austria, the two emphasized the ongoing student exchange and research collaborations, as well as the cultural impact of this connection on the UN and the city of New Orleans. Furthermore, Marc Landry and Gertraud Griessner shared their future goals for Center Austria, ranging from inviting Arnold Schwarzenegger to campus to a stronger focus on environmental issues through international cooperation. In this context, both highlighted the importance of international relations and the continuation of the established partnership. At the end of the interview, we talked about their favorite foods from Austria and the U.S.
Interviewer:
Luise Pesendorfer is a master’s student pursuing a teaching degree in English and History, Political Education, and Social Studies at the University of Innsbruck.
Christian Konz is a research assistant at the University of Innsbruck and is responsible for creating and editing this podcast series.