Author Archives: FulbrightChicago

A Jeff Recommended theater play for 2021 International Education Week

Posted on November 8, 2021 | Leave a comment

TO CELEBRATE 2021 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association invites you to a reception followed by the Jeff-recommended theater play, “La gran tirana (Descarga dramática)” produced by Aguijón Theater of Chicago.

With the reopening of theaters we are getting together to rejoice with this show that presents the gripping story of Ana Morgana (Ana Santos-Sánchez,) an immigrant and an artist who transcends her everyday reality by imagining herself a star: La Lupe. Singing the famous woman’s songs, retelling the diva’s troubled life as if it were her own, Morgana creates her identity by remembering someone else’s.

Ana Santos-Sánchez as Ana Morgana in “La Gran Tirana (Descarga Dramática)” Aguijón Theater

Conceived and directed by Sándor Menéndez, written by Rey Andújar, and inspired by the life of the incomparable Lupe Victoria Yolí Raymond, better known as La Lupe, the Queen of Latin Soul, La gran tirana (Descarga dramática) explores the journey of this artist through poetry and music, becoming a love letter to the rhythms and sounds of the Caribbean.

The play is presented in Spanish with English supertitles.

WHEN Saturday, November 20, 2021
TIME Reception 6:15 -7:45 pm  | Play: 8:00-9:30 pm
WHERE Aguijón Theater
2707 North Laramie Ave. Chicago, IL 60639

COST Ticket Price $30 [Fulbright Alumni & Friends of Fulbright]
Free Admission [Current Scholars* & Consular Corps]
Purchase Tickets HERE
RSVP by November 14, 2021 [This is a Limited Capacity event]
Click to RSVP

Additional tickets [without reception] for the play can be purchased HERE.

COVID-19 Event Protocol: Please present a vaccination card or most recent COVID-19 PCR negative test upon check-in.
Please adhere to the state mask mandate for indoor/outdoor sections of the venue.
*One free admission per student/scholar

Santos-Sánchez’s soulful, passionate, leave-it-all-in-the-road performance, balanced by Menéndez’s wry irony, creates a near-seamless dynamic. And by the end, we realize that it doesn’t really matter if we know all the facts about La Lupe’s life. We know her truth. “My life is the obstacle, not the spectacle,” she tells us. But this is a show that manages to be both intimate and spectacular.

—Kerry Reid, Chicago Reader

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2021 Fall Celebration of Fulbright: Finally face to face

Posted on November 5, 2021 | Leave a comment
Celebrating in person the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program.

ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2021, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association celebrated its annual Fall Event, “Celebration of Fulbright,” commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. In our first in-person event after 17 months, we were joined by alumni, current visiting Fulbright students and scholars, members of the consular corps, and friends of Fulbright. It was an honor for us to host Consul General Bruno Ruff of Switzerland, Consul General Wolfgang Moessinger of Germany, and Consul of Economics and Trade Monika Boksova of the Czech Republic.

Consul General Bruno Ruff of Switzerland, Chicago Chapter President Edel Jose, and Consul General Wolfgang Moessinger of Germany

For over three hours guests enjoyed an evening at the Cliff Dwellers private club, located in the 22nd floor penthouse of the former BorgWarner building overlooking Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. They were serenaded by the beautiful tunes of pianist, Elizabeth Doyle, surrounded by a backdrop of the Chicago skyline.

“The well-attended event offered an outstanding platform for sharing ideas and experiences amongst the numerous Fulbright alumni, docents, current Fulbright students, and members of the Chicago Consular Corps.”

—Consul General Bruno Ruff of Switzerland
An evening of enjoyment overlooking Lake Michigan

Since March 2020, a series of activities and events have taken place virtually to maintain our Chicago chapter united. “We were so fortunate that even though it was virtual, a lot of the chapter was staying connected with us,” Dr. Jose said, thanking all board members for their participation during the virtual gatherings behind-the-scenes work. In her welcoming speech, she also highlighted last year’s International Education Week, which was led by our chapter’s vice-president Teuta Peja. 

Dr. Marilyn Susman

Guests were pleased to meet face to face again. “Yes, it was great to see everybody in person. Everybody was happy to be there! We should have more events in person,” María Salazar, a chemical engineer Fulbright alumna from Mexico said.

Chapter board member Dr. Marilyn Susman, offered a few words to the guests. She announced the creation of a mentorship program for the current international Fulbright visitors. Alumni and current students welcomed the initiative and expressed their interest to participate as mentors and mentees. PH

“The event organized by Fulbright Chicago Chapter provided avenues to socialize and brought a breeze of normalcy to the Fulbright community in Chicago. The event turned out to be much more than a networking session – it was a night to learn something new, celebrate special moments, and look towards the future with resolution and confidence.”

—Naida Softic, Fulbright student from Bosnia and Herzegovina

“The whole group was super excited about the event, and those who could not attend were a little disappointed to see such a beautiful view of the place in the group photos,” Colombian Alejandro Morales, master’s student in Museum and Exhibition Studies at UIC, said. “The whole organization is very nice … very comforting for all the scholarship recipients to attend these gatherings in person. Hopefully, as far as possible, it can be repeated.” PH “Let’s remember how much Fulbright meant to us, let’s continue to be Fulbrighters, continue to connect,” Dr. Jose said.

Chicago Chapter President Dr. Edel Jose, and Vice President Teuta Peja.
Visiting Fulbright student and scholars at the Cliff Dwellers Private Club.

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Fall Fulbright celebration: Email us if you can’t make it

Posted on September 21, 2021 | Leave a comment

REGISTRATION FOR THE Fulbright Chicago Fall Celebration is closed! PLEASE EMAIL fulbrightchicago@gmail.com FOR ANY CANCELLATIONS. We currently have an extensive waitlist for the event, due to limited capacity based on regulations of the CDC and Fulbright Association.

If you have not received a confirmation as of yet, you were placed on the waitlist. We are waiting for cancellations

Confirmation emails have been sent to guests. If you have not received a confirmation email as of yet, you were placed on the waitlist. We expect to see you in person this Thursday, September 23. If this time it does not work due to the limited capacity, we hope to see you at future Chicago Chapter Events!

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It’s time to celebrate all together

Posted on September 11, 2021 | Leave a comment

WE ARE BACK IN PERSON! Come join us for an evening of history and art at The Cliff Dwellers along with entertainment by renowned pianist Elizabeth Doyle. It will be a night of “Celebration of the Fulbright” as we come together and reconnect as a community commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program and welcoming our newly arrived Fulbright students and scholars. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the evening. We look forward to seeing you there! 

WHEN Thursday, September 23, 2021
TIME 6:30pm-8:30pm
WHERE The Cliff Dwellers, FL 22
200 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604-2402

COST Ticket Price $30 [Fulbright Alumni & Friends of Fulbright]
Free Admission [Current Scholars* & Consular Corps]
Purchase Tickets HERE
RSVP by September 19, 2021 [This is a Limited Capacity event]
Click to RSVP

DRESS CODE Strictly Business Casual
COVID-19 Event Protocol: Please present a vaccination card or most recent COVID-19 PCR negative test upon check-in.
Please adhere to the state mask mandate for indoor/outdoor sections of the venue.
*One free admission per student/scholar

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A Cinco de Mayo Fulbright Spring Farewell with a cooking demonstration and Latin American music

Posted on September 5, 2021 | Leave a comment

A VIRTUAL FAREWELL presents its challenges but here at Fulbright Chicago we are inventive and resourceful. 

We decided to say adiós to our graduating Fulbright Scholars and Students with a Mexican food cooking demonstration and a mini concert of Latin American music, celebrating Cinco de Mayo and the Mexican communities in Chicago. 

Communications Director Elio Leturia welcomed our members and guests giving us an historical background on the celebration, many times referred as the Mexican independence—which it is not, but rather the Battle of Puebla when the Mexican army defeated the French on May 5, 1872. Board member Dr. Ana Gil-García introduced our first guest, Nydia Castillo, producer and host of the YouTube show “Cocina Castillo.” 

Nydia Castillo showing the flautas she prepared during the demonstration.

Castillo had prepared a delicious menu that included a Paloma cocktail (she decided to try something new—not the expected Margarita) and showed us the differences among tacos, flautas, tortas and sopes. The colors and the presentation of these dishes were mouthwatering. This demonstration was intermingled with music performed by singer Ana Santos and guitarist Dean Karabatsos. 

Dean Karabatsos on the guitar and Ana Santos on vocals performed four Latin American songs.

The duo performed three songs: Contigo aprendí (I Learned with You,) bolero by Armando Manzanero, La Llorona (The Weeping Woman,) a traditional Mexican folk song, and Piel canela (Cinnamon Skin) bolero cha cha by Bobby Capó. 

Fulbright Chicago Chapter President Dr. Edel Jose, who was on a work-related trip to Seattle, connected from the West Coast to welcome all participants, encouraging the departing Fulbrighters to share the Fulbright ideals of international education in their countries of origin. This message was expanded by board member Dr. Marilyn Susman, also a founding member of our Fulbright Chicago chapter, who discussed the role that Fulbrighters play in promoting our mission.   

The event continued with the presentation of the names of all the Fulbrighters who were leaving the Chicago area after having completed their programs in the United States. Dr. Tatiana Orlova, a board member of our chapter, had prepared a Power Point to highlight them. 

The event closed with attendees’ participation and to end our event with music and rhythm, Ana Santos and Dean Karabatsos had one more song prepared for us: Contigo a la distancia, (With You All the Way,) bolero by César Portillo de la Luz. 

What a joyous way to celebrate a Fulbright experience! 

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2021 Spring Farewell: Celebrating food, music, culture and Fulbrighters!

Posted on April 29, 2021 | Leave a comment

THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO CHAPTER would like to invite you, your friends and family to a night of celebration of the graduating Fulbright students and scholars! Join us for the farewell of our international fellow Fulbrighters with an evening of wonderful music and food with Mexican flavor.

♦ Cooking and drinks demonstration by Cocina Castillo: YouTube host Nydia Castillo will be sharing how to make the “Paloma” cocktail along with an informatively delicious evening teaching the difference among tacos, flautas, tortas, and sopes.

♦ Live music by singer Ana Santos and guitarist Dean Karabatsos: The duo will perform three Mexican folk and modern songs throughout the evening. What a delight!

WHEN May 4, 2021

TIME 7:30-8:30pm Central Time

Zoom LINK
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82428035109?pwd=c0VvOTNhUzB0Nm01a3g3K1ZtdlZKdz09

Meeting ID: 824 2803 5109
Passcode: 422844
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,82428035109#,,,,*422844# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,82428035109#,,,,*422844# US (New York)

Dial by your location
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 824 2803 5109
Passcode: 422844
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kchoXVftH8

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Local Fulbrighters meet international Fulbrighters through WorldChicago Home Hospitality Program

Posted on April 29, 2021 | Leave a comment
WorldChicago President Peggy Parfenoff welcoming the Home Hospitality participants on March 30, 2021.

LAST MARCH 30 EVENING, WorldChicago partnered with the Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter for the first online live engagement of the Virtual Home Hospitality Program.

This opportunity allowed for Fulbright alumni to connect with the current Fulbright Scholars, not only in the Chicago area but also in other parts of the country. Each Fulbright alum had the chance to connect with a visiting scholar for an hour and share one another’s experiences, discussing home, family and work life.

WorldChicago President Peggy Parfenoff welcomed all participants highlighting the collaboration with our chapter. Dr. Edel Jose, President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, added that both organizations have a history of working together and looked forward for live events but in the current circumstances we are doing whatever possible to maintain a strong connection and communication.

The 2021 Fulbright Scholars that participated in this event come from India, Italy, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Lebanon, Burma (Myanmar), Tunisia, Morocco, Georgia, Bulgaria, Tajikistan, Romania, Egypt, Algeria, Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Jordan, Greece, Serbia, Turkey, The Netherlands, Taiwan, Colombia and Chile.   

Julia Sosnivka, WorldChicago’s Program Associate managed the virtual event and created breakout rooms for local and international scholars to meet. Besides Dr. Jose, the Chicago Chapter was represented by board members Marilyn Susman and Elio Leturia.

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Four Fulbright alumni share their Fulbright experiences during International Education Week

Posted on April 5, 2021 | Leave a comment

Laura Savage, 2020 Fulbright to Malaysia

By Teuta Peja—IN CELEBRATION OF International Education Week 2020, the Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter, in cooperation with Chicago Public Schools took students on a virtual trip to Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Russia.

Four Fulbright alumni from Chicago, Annie Loge, Anna Perkins, Alana Murphy, and Laura Savage who got their Fulbright awards in those countries, shared the values of cultural understanding and international exchange with K-12 students of Columbia Explorers Academy, Multicultural Arts High School, and Prosser Career Academy. Through the interactive presentations of our Fulbright Alumni, students got acquainted with culture and business in Guadalajara, Mexico, discussed what it means to be a “Global Citizen”, compared the population size of Chicago with that of Manila, The Philippines, and brainstormed ways in which a densely packed population might impact day-to-day life.

This is part of the Fulbright in the Classroom ongoing program.

Curious students tested their knowledge by playing Kahoot and participating in the discussion. Through interactive activities, students got to learn about the food, religion, and different lifestyles people have in different parts of the world. Laksa, a famous Malaysian dish, seemed to have caught students’ attention. Impressed with various languages spoken around the globe, language-inclined students practiced greeting in Russian. Hoping to take this virtual adventure further, students expressed interest in the process of studying abroad through Fulbright and other similar programs.

Students enjoyed the virtual trip through the Fulbrighters stories, moreover they appreciated the work of the Fulbrighters around the world. Fifty minutes of sharing a meaningful experience can have a lasting impact on the students. Laura shared one of the many letters she has received from students after her presentation.

“ Dear Miss. Laura, I want to thank you for all the things that you did for your students. You taught them countries and holidays. I found a beautiful city that I could go to one day and that is Malaysia. You are needed to the whole world. You are meaningful. I wish you are getting so much good luck. I want you to have the best feast on Thanksgiving. How yummy is that?! Who is your favorite Marvel/DC Superhero ever Ms.Laura?” Student at Columbia Explorers Academy

“I hope that the experience helped expand students’ horizons by encouraging them learn about a part of the world that might seem especially far away given Chicago’s current stay-at-home advisory.” Alana Murphy, Fulbright alumna in The Philippines

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Chicago Winter Wonderland with 2020 Dee Sarelas Service Award recipients and Fulbright Program updates

Posted on February 4, 2021 | Leave a comment

Our 2021 Winter Wonderland and 2020 Dee Sarelas Service Award Ceremony went virtual this year.

By Suzanne McBride—DOZENS OF FULBRIGHTERS gathered virtually Jan. 28 to honor the 2020 Dee Sarelas Service Award recipients that included a past chapter president and a local group the Chicago chapter has partnered with over the years, and they got an update on the Fulbright program from the association’s national leader.

Fulbright Association Executive Director John Bader

Executive Director John Bader, joining the meeting from his home in suburban Washington, D.C., said the hope is the program, suspended in spring 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will “return to normal” in fall 2021 in the Northern Hemisphere, with the Southern Hemisphere restarting in early 2022.

Despite the program’s suspension, Congress continues to appropriate money for it – something Bader called “quite extraordinary.” He encouraged all members to join the association in advocating for the program, noting “it’s very important for us to continue to raise our voices.”

With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the Fulbright Association won’t be holding in-person advocacy days on Capitol Hill this spring as it normally does but will be asking members to participate in a digital advocacy campaign.

To mark the program’s 75th anniversary, the association is asking Fulbrighters to share their experiences. “We want to capture the full range of stories,” Bader said.

He also urged members to help promote global understanding with elementary and secondary students through the “Fulbright in the Classroom” program.

There’s no set curriculum, but the association has put together this toolkit. Members are encouraged to share their experiences as a Fulbrighter, including talking about the culture, food and music of the country in which they lived. Make sure after the visit – which are being held virtually – to complete this from and submit photos to the association.

Bader said when chapter grants resume, there will be a strong emphasis on interacting with underrepresented communities.

AND OUR 2020 DEE SARELAS SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE …

Monica Swope, the Chicago chapter’s first African American president, received the 2020 Dee Sarelas Service Award.

2018 Dee Sarelas Service Award winner Dr. Norma Green presents the 2020 award to Monica Swope.

The award was established in 2010 and is named for the founder of the Chicago chapter who died in 2007 at the age of 90; Dee Sarelas was a Fulbrighter in Greece. Swope, who had Fulbrights in Germany and Japan and is the founder of Learning Dimensions, is the eighth recipient.

For the first time, the Chicago chapter also honored an organization: World Chicago. President Peggy Parfenoff received the award on the group’s behalf.

Dr. Marilyn Susman, first Dee Sarelas Award winner in 2010 presents the 2020 award to World Chicago. This is the first year that the Dee Sarelas Service Award goes to an organization as well.

WorldChicago President Peggy Parfenoff accepts the recognition on behalf of the organization.

A CAPPELLA MUSIC AND RAFFLE PRIZES

Attendees were entertained with the music of Chicago a Cappella, who performed three themes. Also 10 lucky winners shared in more than $300 in prizes awarded through a raffle.

Chicago Chapter board member Tatiana Orlova announces the first raffle winners.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS:

  • Cupitol $25 gift card: Linda Jacobson
  • Amazon $50 gift card: Monica Swope
  • Cupitol $25 gift card: Ann Logue
  • Best Buy $50 gift card: Joan Miller
  • Cupitol $25 gift card: Lesby Velásquez
  • Starbucks $50 gift card: Jamie Truax
  • Cupitol $25 gift card: Erick Bertín Ortega Polito
  • Amazon $50 gift card: Ivan Adames
  • Fulbright gift basket: Peggy Parfenoff
  • Fulbright gift basket: Michael Schlesinger

Board member and Treasurer Adam Fuss announces the remaining winners of the raffle.

This was another opportunity to strengthen the Fulbright mission in our Chicago community.

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Winter Holidays Virtual Reception and 2020 Dee Sarelas Service Award Ceremony. RSVP now!

Posted on January 16, 2021 | Leave a comment

This holiday event is sponsored by Chicago a Cappella, and Cupitol Coffee.

THE CHICAGO CHAPTER of the Fulbright Association invites you, your family, colleagues and friends to attend our Virtual Winter Reception and the 2020 Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award Ceremony.

The Dee Sarelas Service Award was established in 2009 to honor the memory of Aphrodite “Dee” Floros Sarelas*, a Fulbrighter who established the foundations of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and dedicated her time to promote internationalism. This award recognizes the efforts of a local person and organization that follow Dee’s example for service.

This event will present a wonderful opportunity to virtually mingle with fellow Fulbrighters and make new connections, while enjoying a night of entertainment with a Chicago a Cappella virtual concert and a raffle filled with great prizes! We look forward to seeing you there!

WHEN Thursday January 28, 2021
TIME 7:30 – 8:30 pm (Central time)
WHERE Zoom link

RSVPs are required.
Please R.S.V.P. using this online form.

RAFFLE We are raffling off prizes, among them five $50 gift cards (Amazon, Best Buy, Starbucks) and four $25 Cupitol gift cards. To buy raffle tickets ($10 = 1 ticket, $15 = 2 tickets, $20 = 3 tickets,) click HERE.

ZOOM INVITATION Join Zoom Meeting on Jan 28, 2021 07:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84458947752?pwd=ZW1sOG5Gb0FlWkdmVExZYzhESVJ4QT09

Meeting ID: 844 5894 7752
Passcode: 357672
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,84458947752#,,,,*357672# US (Chicago)
+13017158592,,84458947752#,,,,*357672# US (Washington D.C)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 844 5894 7752
Passcode: 357672
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keumwT1PmJ

*Aphrodite Floros Sarelas, an early Fulbrighter to Greece. A Chicagoan dedicated to interacting with and nurturing Fulbrighters in the Chicagoland community, Dee was a person remembered for her wit, empathy, and vivacity in bringing people across cultures together. Her educational background and professional experiences in the field of Social Work prepared her well for contributions to our chapter and beyond—as an administrator for the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army Training College, as a liaison at White House conferences, as a special consultant to Voice of America, and as editor of Social Welfare in Underdeveloped Countries (United Nations publication). For the foregoing reasons, the Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award has been established in her memory.

→ Chicago a Cappella is pleased to extend a 20% discount on all virtual subscriptions. Visit chicagoacapella.org and use the discount code FULBRIGHT at checkout.

Go to www.fulbrightchicago.com for Event announcements, news on area Fulbrighters, and ways for you to become involved in the Chicago Fulbright Community!

 

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