Consul General of Japan offers reception to Fulbrighters

Posted on June 24, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Ron Harvey talking to the attendees

President Ron Harvey welcoming the attendees. At the table, Hon. Masaharu Yoshida and Dr. Bruce Douglas.

By Elio Leturia—IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN the bonds of the Chicago Fulbright community and thank the Fulbrighters who made their Fulbright in Japan, on June 11, 2014 the Consul General of Japan, Hon.  Masaharu Yoshida and his wife Mrs. Miho Yoshida hosted a reception at their beautiful home in Evanston.

Dr. Bruce Douglas and Ms. Masaharu

Dr. Bruce Douglas and Mrs. Miho Yoshida

Besides the Fulbrighters who did work in Japan, members of the board of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association participated in the event.

“I want to offer this dinner to thank the Fulbright Association,” Consul General Yoshida said while also acknowledging Dr. Bruce Douglas, who was a Fulbrighter to Japan in two successive Fulbright professorships, in 1959-1960 (Okayama) and 1960-1961 (Tokyo.)

Jessica Smith from University of Chicagoand Dr. Patti Powell, chapter board member and Director of Master's Degree Programs in Special Education Trinity Christian College

Jessica Smith from U of Chicago Graduate Student Affairs office and Dr. Patti Powell, chapter board member and Director of Master’s Degree Programs in Special Education at Trinity Christian College, enjoying the delicious meal.

Among other participants to the reception were representatives of University of Chicago and North Dakota State University. Fulbrighters from other states such as Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa were also in attendance.

Evie M. Myers from University of North Dakota and Mary Ellen Schmider, National Fulbright Association Board Member

Dr. Evie M. Myers from North Dakota State University and Dr. Mary Ellen Schmider, National Fulbright Association Board Member

The event started with a reception and moved to a sit-down dinner. After the Consul General welcome and speeches from Dr. Douglas and Dr. Ron Harvey, President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, the Consul opened the floor for an informal discussion in which attendees commented about their experiences, ways to encourage more scholars/students to apply for Fulbright and how we can better promote international understanding.

Dr. Marilyn Susman (center) board member of the Chicago Chapter, at the dessert table

Dr. Marilyn Susman (center) board member of the Chicago Chapter, at the dessert table

Dinner consisted of an exquisite buffet of Japanese delicacies.

The Chicago Chapter wants to sincerely thank the Consul General and his wife, and also the Vice Consul, Ms. Ayako Yamada, who organized this beautiful event.

Consul of Japan Yoshida Masaharu

Consul General of Japan Masaharu Yoshida talking to Consul Koji Kaneko. In the back, Brooke Noonan, Director of Graduate Student Affairs at University of Chicago

IIE Midwest director Megan Spillman and Jenni Schneiderman

Institute of International Education Midwest director Megan Spillman and Jenni Schneiderman, director of membership of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association

Leave a comment

Posted in Chicago events, Fulbright

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Late Spring Mixer at Troquet

Posted on June 11, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Kari Burnett, Jane Florine and Ron Harvey

Kari Burnett, Jane Florine and Ron Harvey. Florine is leaving for Argentina on June 30 to do research on ethnomusicology.

By Elio Leturia— SEVENTEEN FULBRIGHTERS, among them Chicago Chapter board members, alumni and students gathered on the evening of June 10 at Troquet Bar to socialize, network and share their Fulbright experiences.

This is our second “mixer,” informal opportunities that aim to connect in a casual atmosphere, Fulbrighters and friends of Fulbright. Last night there were wine specials at this nice Gold Coast bar, and despite the rain, all of us had a great time.

Jenni Schneiderman, our Director of Membership, has been organizing these informal mixers. For suggestions about where to host future ones, please email Jenni at jenni.schneiderman@gmail.com

The next Fulbright mixer will be on Wednesday, July 9th, 2014. Location TBA. Mark your calendars!

Jenni Schneiderman, Fred Siegman and Paul, a studio art professor who got Fulbrights in the UK

Jenni Schneiderman, Fred Siegman and Paul Witt, a studio art teacher who got Fulbrights in the UK and came from Lake Bluff to the mixer.

Leave a comment

Posted in Chicago events

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fulbright Chicago Mixer in River North

Posted on June 7, 2014 by | 1 comment
TroquetJOIN THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO Alumni Association for a vibrant membership mixer!

WHEN Tuesday, June 10th, 2014,  5:30 – 8:00pm

WHERE Troquet, River North, 111 W. Huron @ Clark, Chicago, IL 60654

Join us for drinks and appetizers after work in the good company of the worldly Fulbright community in Chicagoland.

Please RSVP by 6/7/14 to jenni.schneiderman@gmail.com
House red and white wines $6. Pay for your own drinks and appetizers.

1 Comment

Posted in Chicago events, Fulbright

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Host an international student this summer!

Posted on May 31, 2014 by | Leave a comment

2014YouthHomestayWorldChicagoneweb

By Elio Leturia—WORLDCHICAGO IS looking for homestay hosts for two upcoming June youth programs. There will be a delegation of high school students from Africa ​(ages 15 to 19)​ in Chicago from June 5 to 13, and a delegation of high school students ​(ages 12 to 17 years old)​ from India and Pakistan, from June 13 to 18, 2014

WorldChicago is still looking for ​ 5 more hosts for the African program and 5 more hosts for the India and Pakistan program. ​

If you are interested in hosting students please email Maria Krasinski at mkrasinski@worldchicago.org or John Baum at jbaum@worldchicago.org

Besides these there are other hosting opportunities this summer! See below.

SUMMER HOSTING OPPORTUNITIES
 June 5–13: ANGOLA, CAMEROON, GHANA, RWANDA, SIERRA LEONE, TANZANIA
 June 13–18: INDIA & PAKISTAN — Cultural Immersion
 July 10–24: IRAQ — Teen Health
 July 14–22: UNITED KINGDOM — Youth Dialogue
 July 22–Aug 2: MEXICO — Bullying Prevention
 August 12–23: CHINA — Exploring Community through Arts

Leave a comment

Posted in Chicago events

Tagged , , ,

Regina Mamou’s work at “A Prophet Is Not A Fortune Teller”

Posted on May 30, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Installation view, A Record of Disillusion, 2014 by Regina Mamou

Installation view, A Record of Disillusion, 2014 by Regina Mamou

THE GROUP EXHIBITION A Prophet Is Not A Fortune Teller was on view from Friday, May 2, 2014, through Thursday, May 22, 2014, at the Chicago Artists Coalition located at 217 North Carpenter Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607.

Installation view, Proposed Vortex (Iteration #3), 2014 by Regina Mamou

Installation view, Proposed Vortex (Iteration #3), 2014 by Regina Mamou

In A Prophet Is Not A Fortune Teller, HATCH Residents Regina Mamou (board member and director of academic relations of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association), Adam Liam Rose, and Sabri Reed presented work that questioned the mediations between body and soul, mind and spirit, and the divine and the quotidian.

The exhibition was curated by Aaron Ott and Jeannette Tremblay. In addition to the exhibition, there was a conversation with the artists on Sunday, May 18, 2014, at the gallery. For more information on the Chicago Artists Coalition, visit chicagoartistscoalition.org.

Installation view, All That Has Ever Happened Is Present, 2014 by Regina Mamou

Installation view, All That Has Ever Happened Is Present, 2014 by Regina Mamou

Leave a comment

Posted in Chicago events, Fulbright

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

2014 Fulbright Spring Farewell at the beautiful Baha’i Temple

Posted on May 30, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Baha'i Temple in Wilmette, Illinois

Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, Illinois

Fulbrighters visiting the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette

Fulbrighters visiting the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette

2104 Spring Farewell started at the Baha'i Temple

2104 Spring Farewell started at the Baha’i Temple

By Patti L. Powell—ON A SUNNY BUT windy Saturday, May 3, around 70 Fulbright Scholars, former Scholars, student Scholars, and their guests gathered to say farewell both to each other and to Chicago.

The day began with a guided tour and video of the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, IL. The gardens were not quite in full bloom but the grounds were still beautiful and it was fascinating to learn more about both the building of the Baha’i Temple and the Baha’i faith.

We learned that the roots of the building the Temple in Wilmette sprouted at the Chicago Columbia Exposition and that the Baha’i Temple is one of seven Illinois wonders.

Fulbright students, scholars and alumni enjoyed a Middle-Eastern buffet at Reza's

Fulbright students, scholars and alumni enjoyed a Middle-Eastern buffet at Reza’s

After our tour students and guests boarded a bus and headed to Reza’s Restaurant in Andersonville for a delicious Mediterranean lunch that had something for everyone.

Fulbright students and scholars who have finished with their programs receive a certificate of completion by the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association

Fulbright students and scholars who have finished with their programs receive a certificate of completion by the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association.

President Ron Harvey with Rodrigo Batista and his certificate of completion

President Ron Harvey with Rodrigo Batista and his certificate of completion

Students who had been strangers last September were now more than acquaintances but friends and it was obvious that deep and lasting relationships had formed over the year.

As is customary during the last event of the year, students and scholars who are leaving received a certificate of completion from the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association. This annual event is sponsored by the Chicago chapter and the Institute of International Education, Midwest Office.

Thank you Fulbright Scholars, students, and guests for making a Saturday in May a day to remember.

Sunny day at the Baha'i Temple

Sunny day at the Baha’i Temple

Chapter member Elizabeth Stokely talks to Fulbright student Jakob Sørensen

Chapter member Elizabeth Stokely talks to Fulbright student Jakob Sørensen

President Ron Harvey with Fulbright students who have completed their programs

President Ron Harvey with Fulbright students who have completed their programs

A presentation on the Baha'i faith and its temple in Wilmette

A presentation on the Baha’i faith and its temple in Wilmette

At Reza's restaurant, Jane Florine, Mary Mares-Awe, scholar Mariya Shymchyshyn, Marylin Susman and her husband.

At Reza’s restaurant, Jane Florine, Mary Mares-Awe, scholar Mariya Shymchyshyn, Marilyn Susman and her husband.

Paulina Ziembinska and Ron Harvey

Paulina Ziembinska and Ron Harvey

Andrés Pinzón and Ron Harvey

Andrés Pinzón and Ron Harvey

Photos by Patti Powell, Ivy Marischa, Elio Leturia

Leave a comment

Posted in Chicago events, Fulbright

Tagged

Bring the World to the Classroom, in español

Posted on May 2, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Elio Leturia talks to the second section of Spanish students at Ogen International School

Elio Leturia talks to the second section of Spanish students at Ogden International School of Chicago. One of them asked: “What is Fulbright?”

By Cristina Sisson—FIFTH GRADE SPANISH students at Ogden International School of Chicago, a Chicago Public School, enjoyed a visit from Fulbright Chicago Chapter vice president, Elio Leturia on Friday, April 25th.

Elio Leturia and Cristina Sisson outside of her classroom

Elio Leturia and Cristina Sisson outside of her classroom

This is the second time Leturia has visited my Spanish classes. In this opportunity, students from three sections prepared questions for Leturia about his profession and background in conjunction with their current Spanish unit of study about professions.

Students inquired about Elio’s career in journalism, graphic design, academia, photography, and acting. Leturia answered questions in Spanish such as, “What do you like the most about your job?” and “What is most difficult about your job?” as well as “What is your favorite place in Chicago and Peru?”  and “What is your favorite food?” He also highlighted the importance of learning new languages and the opportunities he has had to travel and interview people around the world.

This past January, Leturia took 15 Columbia College Chicago students to Peru, his country of origin, for a travel writing course.

If you are a Fulbright Alumni or current Fulbright student and would like to visit a classroom to share about your profession or travels abroad as part of the “Bring the World to the Classroom Initiative,” please contact Cristina Sisson at acsisson@hotmail.com.

Leave a comment

Posted in Chicago events, Fulbright

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hard working day packing educational materials for the Fulbright Book Partnership Program

Posted on April 30, 2014 by | 1 comment
Jenni, María, Ana Gil-García, Ron Harvey and Cristina

Jenn Schneiderman, Elizabeth García, Ana Gil-García, Ron Harvey and Margarita Lineros at the Ethiopian Comunity Center

García packing

Friend of Fulbright Elizabeth García helps our chapter packing books.

By Elio Leturia—ON SATURDAY APRIL 27, 2014, Fulbrighters and Friends of Fulbright got together at the Ethiopian Community Center in Rogers Park to continue working with the Book Partnership Program that was originally established in 2007.

Fulbright Chicago board members Ana Gil-García, Ron Harvey and Jenni Schneiderman worked with friends of Fulbright Elizabeth García and Margarita Lineros packing books and educational materials to be donated to schools in foreign countries and charitable organizations.

Fulbrighter Roger Fassinou from Benin, came to visit and discuss the possibility of sending books to schools in his native country

Fulbrighter Roger Fassinou from Benin, came to visit and discuss the possibility of sending books to schools in his native country.

During this phase of the Book Partnership Program, our chapter has donated: 40 boxes of books to Open-Books, 15 boxes to the Salvation Army, 50 boxes to Discover Reading, 25 boxes to Better World Read, and 30 boxes to Books4cause.

Background: The Book Partnership began in 2007 and has involved strategic relationship building between our Chicago Chapter and Fulbright Alumni Associations in different countries. Over the last 7 years, thousands of books for school-aged children have been donated. They’ve then been shipped to Fulbright Alumni in Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, Moldova, Ghana and Botswana. The Fulbright Alumni Associations have then distributed the books to local NGOs and schools, and ultimately into the hands of teachers and children.

1 Comment

Posted in Chicago events, Fulbright

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Fulbrighters enjoyed Aguijón’s “La Fulana Respetuosa” theater play

Posted on April 25, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Ly Hoang from Vietnam and Andrey Zimnyakov from Russia saw "La Fulana Respetuosa" on March 28.

Ly Hoang from Vietnam and Andrey Zimnyakov from Russia saw “La Fulana Respetuosa” on March 28.

Screen Shot 2014-04-10 at 10.33.04 AMINTERNATIONAL FULBRIGHTERS WENT to see the play “La Fulana Respetuosa” presented by Aguijón Theater on March 28 and April 4, 2014.

The play, written by Jean-Paul Sartre and directed by Cuban Sándor Menéndez portrays the story of Lizzie MacKay, a white prostitute from Chicago who moves to the South, where she is targeted by police and politicians to collaborate in framing a black man for a crime he did not commit. This is unflinching critique of the impacts of race, sex and class prejudice on American society.

Reena John, Cristina Sisson and Roger Fassinou see the play on April 4

Preema John from India, Fulbright Chicago treasurer Cristina Sisson and Roger Fassinou from Benin saw the play on April 4.

Fulbrighters Rena Schwarting from Germany (PhD in Sociology at U. of Chicago,) Aziz Pulatov from Uzbekistan (Masters in Computer Software Engineering,) Ly Hoang from Vietnam (MFA in Sculpture at the School of the Art Institute, Chicago,) Ahmad Affan from Pakistan (PhD in Public Policy at U. of Chicago) Andrey Zimnyakov from Russia (Masters Industrial Design at UIC), Roger Fassinou from Benin (Masters in Computer Science, Loyola University,) and Preema John from India (Masters in Arts Administration and Policy, School of the Art Institute, Chicago).

Cristina Sisson, treasurer of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association also came to see the play with the students. Sisson had her Fulbright in Uruguay. Performed in Spanish, the play presented supertitles in English. Ahmad Affan said: “It was a great experience. I think the play was wonderful with great performances by all the lead actors.”

Elio Leturia as Senator Clarke and Marcela Muñoz as Lizzie MacKay in "La Fulana Respetuosa."

Elio Leturia as Senator Clarke and Marcela Muñoz as Lizzie MacKay in “La Fulana Respetuosa.”

Elio Leturia, vice president of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association plays the role of Senator Clarke, a manipulative politician who convinces Lizzie MacKay to sign a false confession. Leturia donated the tickets for 10 Fulbrighters to share this multicultural experience.

“The play was written by a French who situated the plot in the United States. The director, who also performs in the play, is Cuban. I am Peruvian and the other actors are Colombian, Mexican and American. The set designer is Chilean. And the Fulbrighters come from all over. How much more international could this experience be?” Leturia said.

Leave a comment

Posted in Chicago events

Baha’i Temple Tour and Spring Farewell Luncheon this May 3rd

Posted on April 24, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Bahai temple

There are only seven Baha’i temples in the world. The only one in North America is in Wilmette, Illinois

By Ron Harvey—IT’S SPRING AGAIN! The Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter and the International Institute of Education (IIE) invite you to attend our Spring Farewell Event: Baha’i Temple Tour and Farewell Luncheon!

DAY Saturday, May 3rd, 2014

TIME 11:30 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m.

WHERE The Baha’i House of Worship, 100 Linden Ave Wilmette, IL 60091, 847-853-2300

Buffet lunch at Reza's Restaurant

Buffet lunch at Reza’s Restaurant

Next, we shall go to Reza’s Restaurant in Andersonville in Chicago for a 2:00 p.m. buffet-style luncheon. Meat, vegetarian, dairy, and gluten-free options are all available at the buffet! Reza’s Restaurant, 5255 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL, 773-561-1898

COST FREE for current visiting Fulbright Students and Scholars. Adult guests and family members, Fulbright Association members and Fulbright Alumni are $25 each. You may pay via PayPal after submitting this form, or at the event using cash, credit card, or checks.

RSVP by Wednesday, April 30th, 2014 using this form.

We want to bid fond farewells to the visiting Students and Scholars who will soon be returning to their home countries. The farewell gathering provides an opportunity for Fulbright Association members of the Chicago Chapter to say ‘thank you’ to our guests, and for visiting Fulbrighters and alumni to affirm friendships as well as academic and professional connections which will last for years.

The Baha’i Temple Tour is from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Attendees will have approximately 30 minutes to wander the grounds and gardens and to take photos after the tour ends.

If you are a visiting Fulbright Student or Scholar who will be returning home before the new academic year begins in 2014, please indicate this on the RSVP form. The Chicago Chapter would like to give you an informal “Certificate of Completion” for you to take home. We regret that we can only give these to event attendees and cannot be mailed.

HOW TO GET THERE For the Baha’i Temple, The Purple Line Linden stop is just 6 minutes away. For Reza’s Restaurant, The Red Line Berwyn stop is only 7 minutes walk from the restaurant.

Plan your trip using the CTA Trip Planner: www.transitchicago.com

We are also offering motor coach transport for up to 56 people from the Chicago Loop to the Baha’i Temple, and then to Reza’s. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURN TRANSPORTATION.

The motor coach will leave the Loop at 10:30 a.m. from the parking lot near Columbia College at Wabash just south of Congress, very close to many CTA transportation options. It is VERY important that you and your guests (if any) show up for the motor coach on time! If you need to cancel, PLEASE E-MAIL fulbrightchicago@gmail.com IMMEDIATELY!

Please indicate the number of seats you want for the motor coach on the RSVP form.

PARKING Paid and free street parking are available at both the Temple and Reza’s.

If you have already RSVP and would like to pay now using PayPal, please click HERE. use one of the links below.

We look forward to seeing you at the event! If you have questions about the event, please email fulbrightchicago@gmail.com.

Leave a comment

Posted in Chicago events, Fulbright

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,