“The fellowship experience is very special and they create lifelong bonds … they are able to have those professional and personal connections around the world. That is why I think people want to come back and come to a big reunion like this,” Tuttle said.

James Geary, the foundation’s deputy curator and a 2012 fellow, said that he has experienced the benefits of getting to know other fellows.

“We’re there for each other around the world, wherever you are covering a story, you know you can get on the phone and talk to a Nieman Fellow who’s going to be nearby,” Geary said.

“When you need help or council, fellows are there for each other.”

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:

CORRECTION: Oct. 3, 2013

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the number of past Nieman fellows and affiliates that came to Cambridge for the Nieman Foundation’s 75th anniversary celebration. In fact, the celebration attracted more than 1,400 past Nieman fellows and affiliates, not more than 400.