A great Fall Welcome event to start the academic year
By Cristina Sisson—ON SEPTEMBER 28th, 2013, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and the Institute of International Education (IIE) kicked off the 2013 academic year with a Fall Welcome in the heart of Chicago’s Pilsen Historic District.
Fulbright students and scholars getting ready for the Pilsen neighborhood toor
Over eighty visiting Fulbright scholars and students from around the world and twenty Chicago-area alumni gathered on a sunny fall day for an informal lunch at Simone’s, a unique local bar, located on Chicago’s near south side. After brief introductions and invitations to participate in future Chicago Chapter events, guests competed against each other to complete a Chicago facts scavenger hunt.
Fulbright Chicago Treasurer Cristina Sisson and President Ron Harvey explaining how the Chicago Scavenger Trivia works
Participants worked in groups on the Chicago Scavenger Hunt
Guests then enjoyed an informal lecture on the history of the Pilsen community by Northeastern professor, Luis Ortiz, before being divided into small walking groups led by local community members.
Participants listen to the presentation at Simone’s, prior to start the Pilsen neighborhood tour
Participants and guests listening to the presentation
Fulbrighters and guests flooded onto the streets of Pilsen to check out the neighborhood murals, community centers, and artist studios while Professor Ortiz highlighted the historical significance of certain buildings, murals, and streets. It was a perfect start to year of events organized by our Chicago Chapter.
Students and scholars walking on Pilsen streets on a beautiful fall day
Guests also had the opportunity to purchase “I am Fulbright Chicago” t-shirts, designed by board member, Elio Leturia. T-shirts will be available for purchase at every Fulbright event in navy and sky blue for $15.00. Get yours before they are sold out!
On the way to the Pilsen murals
A great chance to meet Fulbrighters from all over the world
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 