Ron Harvey, President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, presented Dr. Bruce Douglas with the Fulbright Pioneer Award
By Mary Mares-Awe and Elio Leturia—DURING THE 2013 FULBRIGHT HOLIDAYS Celebration that took place on December 2 at DePaul University, Dr. Bruce Douglas was honored with the Fulbright Chicago Pioneer Award for his devotion to the Fulbright mission and his contributions to establish the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association in 1990, when he became its first president.
Dr. Douglas was a Fulbrighter to Japan in two successive Fulbright professorships, in 1959-1960 (Okayama) and 1960-1961 (Tokyo.) He was also a Fulbright “ambassador” to the Soviet Union and Russia in 1990, 1992 and 1995, working with Sherman Funk, Inspector General, U. S. State Department.
Dr. Douglas thanking the association for this lifetime award recognition.
In one of his international experiences, Douglas met his wife, Janet Douglas, when they both worked in Vietnam and Laos. He also had a brief stint in Cambodia.
Janet’s English background led them back to the UK in 1977, where, supported by WHO and with Jan’s help, Douglas studied The British National Health Service, and became imbued with the benefits of a national health system, an idea to which he remains wedded to this day.
During his Fulbright presidency, Douglas and his wife hosted Senator J. William Fulbright in Chicago.
Dr. Douglas and the Hon. Yoshida Masaharu, Consul General of Japan.
Dr. Douglas, 88, delivered a heartfelt speech upon receiving the award. He has had a long distinguished career as a surgeon and researcher. Board President Ron Harvey presented him with this important recognition.
“I am thrilled with this renewed opportunity to return to “the fold,” Douglas said. —Photos by Mary Mares-Awe
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 