Native American Presentation and Dance Show for International Education Week

Posted on October 23, 2012 by | Leave a comment

The Black Hawk Performance Company

THIS NOVEMBER 17th,  the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association is partnering with WorldChicago to celebrate International Education Week.

What is different? We will do it with a music and a dance show by the Black Hawk Performance Company and a stellar presentation: “NATIVE AMERICAN PERCEPTIONS AND REALITY IN THE U.S.” given by Dr. Dorene Wiese, featured in the Chicago Tribune as a Remarkable Woman.

Dr. Dorene P. Wiese

Dr. Dorene P. Wiese, who is President of the American Indian Association of Illinois will give an overview of traditional American Indian knowledge transmission and the status of American Indian education in the past and today.

The Black Hawk Performance Company seeks to honor the many tribes who have made Illinois their home, for centuries or if only for a little while. Black Hawk is one of the most famous American Indian leaders among the Great Lakes tribes.

 WHAT “NATIVE AMERICAN PERCEPTIONS AND REALITY IN THE U.S.” Presentation and Black Hawk Performance Company Dance Show

WHEN Saturday, November 17, 2012, 3-5 p.m.

WHERE Harris Hall, room 108 (first floor south,) Northwestern University, 1881 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL

All University PARKING is FREE on Saturdays. To go by train take the Red Line to Howard, then the Purple Line to Davis. Walk to the university.

Please R.S.V.P using the online form or email fulbrightchicago@gmail.com by Tuesday November 13, 2012.

If you are a Fulbright alum please include your name and country where you had your Fulbright. The COST of the show and presentation is $15 (please bring cash or check).

If you are an international Fulbright student/scholar please include your name, country of origin and school that you are attending.

It is FREE of charge for international Fulbright students.

Photos Courtesy of Dorene Wiese

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Frank Lloyd Wright and the Chicago Facts Scavenger Hunt at Unity Temple

Posted on October 10, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Fulbright students gathered outside the main Unity Temple area prior to the beginning of the event

By Cristina Sisson  — VISITING FULBRIGHT STUDENTS and scholars joined Fulbright alumni members on Saturday, September 29th, 2012 from 11:30 am. -2 pm. for the annual Fall Welcome, the first event of the new academic year.

Linda Gruber and Ana Gil-García met at Unity Temple after Dr. Gil-García’s return from teaching in Egypt.

A packed room of over eighty guests shared lunch together at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity House, the secular social space of Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois. After a welcome by our chapter president, Elio Leturia, visiting Fulbrighters competed in a Chicago fact scavenger hunt that included questions about the Chicago Fire, local museums, and cultural questions such as “What are the toppings on a traditional Chicago hot dog?”  board member Jason Romano led the scavenger hunt and joked that teams received one point for listing “mustard” and lost five if they included ketchup.  Halloween prizes were awarded to the top three teams.

While explaining how Frank Lloyd Wright directed Unity Temple’s construction, our tour guide said the whole structure was made using concrete.

The fun welcome to the city continued as guests enjoyed an informative and engaging tour Unity Temple.  The foundation’s docent chronicled the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright on architecture in Chicago and around the world. Many Fulbrighters took advantage of the beautiful fall weather and walked together to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio, historical homes, and other museums in the area such as Ernest Hemingway’s Home.

It was a perfect setting to catch up with Fulbright alumni and meet new students studying in Chicago.

Fulbright students worked together on the Chicago Scavenger Hunt right after the luncheon and before the architectural tour.

Photos by Thomas Ahleman

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First Chapter Leadership Conference takes place in Washington D.C. followed by the 2012 J. William Fulbright Prize Ceremony at the Library of Congress

Posted on September 26, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Shaz Akram (center,) Special Executive Assistant discusses adjustments to the bylaws with other chapter leaders.

By Elio Leturia — FOR THE FIRST TIME, thanks to a grant from the State Department, the Fulbright Association gathered all the leaders of the 55 association chapters in the country at a leadership conference held in Washington D.C. on September 6 and 7, 2012.

Elio Leturia, Chicago Chapter President

“We have an ally in David Levin” said Shaz Akram, the association’s Special Assistant/Director, Chapter Relations, referring to Levin, Senior Program Manager in the Department’s of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, who serves serves as a Fulbright alumni liason.

Among the topics discussed at the meeting were the best leadership practices, tools for effective communication with Fulbright alumni, use of social media use and proposals to increase the membership of the various chapters in the country.

At present, the national association is in a transitional period.

Getting ready for the 2012 J, William Fulbright Award for Mutual Understanding at the Library of Congress

Mary Ellen Schmider is temporarily in charge of the association as the Executive Director, while the position is being filled. Dr. Schmider addressed the audience saying that there have been various efforts of reorganization in which stands a complete redesign of the website, user-friendly, more modern and easier to navigate, which has been in charge of Sarah Sears, Senior Membership Director.

The J. William Fulbright Prize Ceremony took place at the Library of Congress

Ms. Fulbright talking to Aaron Pratts from the National Capital Area Chapter

The tight training program culminated in a ceremony held in the Library of Congress in which awarded the 2012 William J. Fulbright International Understanding  was awarded to Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières.) Dr. Patricia Krebs, Fulbright Association President highlighted the work of the organization that in 1999 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The reception took place at of the Library of Congress with magnificent views of the Capitol and the Washington Monument

“This is the first time the Prize has been given to an organization rather than to individuals,” Krebs said. “Doctors without Borders was a unanimous first choice of the International Selection Committee because of the shared goals of the two organizations in promoting global understanding and humanitarian principles.” The award is $50,000.

Francis Gatluak, MSF Coordinator, and Dr. Unni Karunakara, MSF International President received the award.

Delicious hors d’oeuvres and varied drinks were offered at the celebration

Magnificent view of the Capitol Building during the Award Ceremony at the Library of Congress.

Photos by Elio Leturia

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Welcome to Chicago this Fall: Frank Lloyd Wright Unity Temple Tour and Luncheon

Posted on August 24, 2012 by | Leave a comment

The Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois

By Jason Romano — WELCOME TO THE WINDY CITY! The Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association has planned a new year of exciting events.

Detail of the interior of the Unity Temple

To kick off the year, we ask you to join us for the Frank Lloyd Wright Chicago Architectural Tour and Luncheon on Saturday September 29, 2012 from 12 to 2 pm.  In addition to welcoming our newly arrived Fulbrighters as well as catching up with continuing students, guests will enjoy a 45 minute guided tour of Unity Temple, Wright’s modern masterpiece, located in historic Oak Park, a vibrant neighborhood located just outside of Chicago’s city limits, a short train ride from downtown Chicago.

This is an excellent opportunity to get to know one another, meet the members of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, and to see one of the many exciting neighborhoods that the Chicagoland area has to offer.

Unity Temple is located in Oak Park

Following the tour, guests are encouraged to visit other historic sites in the neighborhood such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio and home, the Ernest Hemingway House, and the Pleasant Home.  Please visit www.visitoakpark.com for an area map.

Unity Temple is located at 875 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, and  it is accessible via the Oak Park stop off of the CTA’s Green Line.  There is free street parking available along the viaduct; there is also metered parking on the streets as well as $6 all day parking available at various parking structures.

Please R.S.V.P using the online form or email fulbrightchicago@gmail.com by Tuesday September 25, 2012.

If you are a Fulbright alum please include your name and country where you had your Fulbright. The cost of the tour and luncheon is $25 (please bring cash or check).

If you are an international Fulbright student/scholar please include your name, country of origin and school that you are attending. It is FREE of charge for Fulbright students/scholars.

If you happen to reserve a spot and do not come, you will be charged the cost of the event, $25. The Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association needs to pay in advance and there are no refunds if people do not show up.

Photos by Theodolite@en.wikipedia, Ivo Shandor, Wikimedia Commons

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First round of books arrive to Egypt

Posted on June 19, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Dr. Gil-García met with Dr. Penn and some of his students during the donation of 45 books for Menoufia university.

DR. EVERETTE PENN, A MEMBER of the national board of the Fulbright Association, traveled to Cairo earlier this month with a group of students from Texas, and brought 45 English literature books to donate to Menoufia University, a public higher education institution in Egypt.

Dr. Ana Gil-García, leading the Fulbright Chicago Chapter book project, will be delivering Dr. Penn’ s books to Menoufia University along with 110 books she collected from Northeastern Illinois University faculty during her most recent visit to Chicago last week.

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Book donation for Menoufia University in Egypt

Posted on May 21, 2012 by | Leave a comment

During her year in Egypt, Dr. Ana Gil-García, who is currently teaching at American University in Cairo, has conducted workshops and delivered presentations to several institutions. Here, working with a group of fellows at Menoufia University, two hours away from Cairo.

AS PART OF OUR ONGOING Book Initiative Donation Program, Dr. Ana Gil-García is currently working in Egypt, more specifically, with Menoufia University.

Along with Dr. Osama Madany, chairperson of the Department of English Literature and Language, and a fellow Fulbrighter, we are asking you to donate a book to provide his department with needed materials in the following areas:

1. American Literature (Fiction, Drama, Poetry) from 18th C. to present day.
2. British Literature (Fiction, Drama, Poetry) from 16th C. to present day. 
3. American and British Literary Criticism to present day.
4. American and British Culture/Civilization to present day.
5. Essay Writing
6. Linguistics / Applied Linguistics
7. Grammar
8. English Language Courses (TEFL, TESOL, TOEFL)
9. Audio/Visual material related to above fields.
10. English as a Second Language
11. Educational leadership
12. Bilingual-bicultural education
13. Multicultural education
 

Dr. Gil-García will be in Chicago for a week, June 6 -13. If you could donate any new or used book on those areas will be greatly appreciated. Dr. Gil-García will take the books to the Department of English Literature and Language of Menoufia University in Egypt.

Please, contact us at fulbrightChicago@gmail.com to schedule a pick up of your donation.

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News from Egypt: Dr. Ana Gil-García delivered a presentation and a workshop

Posted on May 14, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Chicago Chapter board member Dr. Ana Gil García, currently teaching at American University in Cairo, presents at Menoufia University

IN MARCH 2012, Elio Leturia, president of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association visited the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt to meet with the leaders of the Fulbright Alumni Circles of Teachers and Humanities and to talk about potential collaborations and support between the chapter and the Egypt Fulbright alumni.

Dr. Ana Gil-García

As a result of this visit, Dr. Ana Gil-García, board member currently living and teaching in Egypt, delivered a talk titled “The meaning of professional development of English as a Foreign Language teachers” on April 21, 2012 at Menoufia University organized by Dr. Osama Madany, Fulbright Leader of the Humanities Circle, and Chair of the Department of English Language and Literature of the Faculty of Arts. The forum was sponsored by the US American Embassy in Egypt.

Dr. Ana Gil-Garcia and the Fulbright Alumni Teacher’s Circle in Cairo, Egypt

Part of the interactive workshop that Dr. Gil-Garcia delivered on April 28

A week later on Saturday April 28, supported by the Binational Fulbright Commission and organized by the Fulbright Alumni Teachers’ Circle, Ana Gi-García delivered an interactive workshop titled “Leadership and Research: The triumphant recipe for school improvement”. Both activities were well attended and the work of the Chicago Chapter was praised and complimented.

At the same meeting with Leturia, the fellow Fulbrighter, Dr. Osama Madany presented the library project for the Department of English Language and Literature. Menoufia University, a public institution with an enrollment of 70,000 students, lacks of a library to support the academic instruction of the student body and faculty members. Especially, there is a lack of books, journals, bibliographic references in general related to the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language, EFL.

Through different Chicago universities and faculty, the Chicago Chapter through its Book Initiative Program, agreed on a book drive to collect specialized books to be donated to the Department of English language and Literature of Menoufia University.

Dr. Everette Penn

Dr. Everette Penn, Fulbright National Board member and Chair of the Diversity Task Force, has congratulated the chapter for this unique effort. He has expressed interest in participating in the book drive, and on his next visit to Cairo from June 02-12, 2012, will bring the first donation for the EFL library, co-project undertaken by the Fulbright Alumni Circle of Humanities in Egypt and the Chicago Chapter.

Once more, the Fulbright Alumni of the Chicago Chapter engage in experiences that advance international understanding through volunteer service to communities.

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Board member Dr. Dolores Rinke meets with Fulbright Turkey, presents at a conference in Izmir

Posted on May 5, 2012 by | Leave a comment

WHILE ON A SENIOR Specialist grant, Purdue University Calumet Professor and Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter board member Dolores Rinke along with her host Mehmet Baha Karan, Professor of Finance at Hacettepe University took time to meet with Secil Yazicioglu, the American Program Officer of the Fulbright Commission in Ankara, Turkey. During her stay in Ankara, Professor Rinke taught classes on International Accounting and Corporate Governance.

Mehmet Baha Karan, Prof. of Finance at Hacettepe University, Dolores Rinke, Prof. of Accounting at Purdue University, Secil Yazicioglu, American Program Officer of the Turkish Fulbright Commission, and Ozlem Ozkanli, Prof. of Management at Ankara University

She also joined members of the Turkish Finance Society for an economics conference in Izmir. Members of this group included Gokhan Ugan, the Director of Market Oversight; Izzet Ozbilgin, Head of IT for the Capital Markets Board of Turkey; the deans of three universities; and accounting and finance professors from the country.

In this conference, Dr. Rinke was the keynote speaker providing an update on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Prior to the conference, the members participated in a presentation and tour of the Turkish Exchange for Futures and Derivatives in Izmir.

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Fulbrighters Say Hej Då

Posted on May 2, 2012 by | 2 comments

Fulbright students and scholars during the Spring Farewell Lunch at Reza’s Restaurant in the Andersonville area of Chicago

By Thomas Ahleman — THIS PAST SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH 2012, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and the Institute of International Education IIE, said congratulations and farewell to several of the visiting Fulbright students and scholars who are completing their studies in the area or finishing with their research or teaching.

The chapter held the annual farewell luncheon event at the Swedish American Museum and Reza’s Restaurant, both in the Andersonville neighborhood.

The Swedish American Museum tour was divided in two groups. Jessie Aucoin, Education Director of the museum, offering a tour on the second floor.

Thirty-seven friends of the Fulbright program were on hand for a tour of the museum, which included a photography and painting exhibit, “Images of Sweden” as well as the permanent exhibition on Swedish emigration to the U.S.

Spanish Fulbrighter Federico Padrones with his wife and daughter on the third floor of the museum, at the children exhibit

Board members Bruni Hirsch and Kari Burnett during the farewell lunch

Those present included alumni, members of the Fulbright Association board, Fulbrighters, family members as well as the Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Zaheer Pervaiz Khan and his wife.

The museum visit also included a stop at the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration located on the third floor of the museum where the younger (and a few not-so young) guests enjoyed playing on a miniature Swedish stuga (farm,) a miniature ocean liner like the ones that ferried Swedes to the U.S…. and of course on the Viking ship.

Learning about so many people saying goodbye to friends and family to pursue their dreams was a particularly poignant setting for our farewell event.

Following the visit to the museum, everyone enjoyed the delicious Persian buffet at Reza’s Restaurant, where Chapter president Elio Leturia presented certificates to those visiting Fulbrighters who are concluding their studies this spring.

Chicago Chapter president Elio Leturia addressing the Fulbright students and scholars prior to handing their diplomas of completion

Leturia also reminisced about the chapter’s robust program of events over the past year that included the Fall Welcome, Noche Bohemia, International Education Week, Winter Holidays, International Women’s Day and the Rush Hospital Architectural Tour. He also wished our esteemed guests good luck on their journeys home.

Curator Veronica Robinson leading a tour at the first floor of the Swedish Museum where a photography and painting exhibit, “Images of Sweden” is on display

Education Director Jessie Aucoin showing the wall where names of Swedish immigrants are engraved on plaques

Fulbrighter Farida Abdulhafizova, who has finished her studies, with Eldar Seitek and guest Linda Dannenberg

Reza’s menu included falafel, hummus, different kinds of stews and salads, rice and several vegetarian options

Fulbrighter Yazmina Buitrago getting her certificate of completion

Alumna Dr. Norma Green, her husband John Corbett, Chicago Chapter Vice President Thomas Ahleman and Ana Gómez, wife of Colombian Fulbrighter Andrés Gómez

Photos by Ron Harvey and Jason Romano

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Visit to Cairo, Egypt: Binational Fulbright Commission and The American University in Cairo

Posted on April 11, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Left to right: Dr. Abdel Moneim, Elio Leturia, Dr. Ana Gil-García, Sahar Ramadan, Ahmed Salama and Safaa M. Abbadi at the Fulbright Commission in Cairo.

DURING A RECENT VISIT to Cairo, Egypt, Fulbright Association Chicago Chapter President Elio Leturia met with board member Dr. Ana-Gil García, who is currently teaching at The American University in Cairo. They visited the  Binational Fulbright Commission, the oldest and largest program in the Arab world, to talk about our Book Donation Initiative to Egyptian universities.

They were welcomed by Dr. Bruce Lohof, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in Cairo, and then met with Safaa M. Abbadi, manager of Alumni Affairs and Special Projects.

Elio Leturia, President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and board member and past president, Dr. Ana Gil-García

Part of the discussion revolved around how to optimize alumni communications. In Egypt, the alumni are organized in what they call “Circles” according to their areas of expertise. At this meeting, that took place on March 26, 2012, participated Ahmed Salama, FLTA alumnus and leader of the Teachers’ Circle for 2012; Sahar Ramadan, FLTA alumna and active member of the Teachers’ Circle and Dr. Abdel Moneim, Professor at the Department of English of Menoufia University. We also had Dr. Ossama Madany, Chairman of the English Language Department at Menoufia University, who joined the discussion, via Skype.

The book donation will be, at this time, to Menoufia University. This institution is one of the largest universities in Egypt, which has two campuses: Shibim El Kom, located 47 miles from Cairo and Sadat City, 60 miles from Cairo.

Dr. Gil-García's International and Comparative Education graduate students with Elio Leturia after a presentation at American University in Cairo

During this visit, Dr. Ana Gil-García invited Elio Leturia to present in one of the classes she teaches at the graduate program of International and Comparative Education at The American University in Cairo. In his presentation, Leturia, a native Peruvian who teaches at Columbia College Chicago, did a comparative analysis on the educational systems in Peru and the United States.

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