Adam Fuss | FULBRIGHT CHICAGO

Fulbright Chicago board members at the Dee Sarelas Service Award event. This award, established in 2010, recognizes the impactful contributions of an individual towards internationalism in the Chicagoland community. Left to right: Adam Fuss, María Salazar, Tamara Kozyckyj, Kate Vergara, Elio Leturia, Marilyn Susman, Carlos Rivas, Ana Gil-García, Meghan McAuliffe and Mary Mares-Awe.

By Elio Leturia—AS WE REFLECT on a vibrant year of cultural exchange and academic excellence, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association is proud to look back at the main events of 2025. From historic estates to jazz-filled halls, our community gathered to promote the lifelong connections and mutual understanding that define the Fulbright mission. Before we release our programming for 2026, when we celebrate the 80^th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, here is a summary of the most important events from last year.

*Fulbright Chicago President Adam Fuss welcomes Fulbrighters and guests to the Winter event.*

Jazz and Greek flavors for our winter event

ON FEBRUARY 20, 2025, the Chapter hosted its Winter event at the PianoForte performance hall in downtown Chicago. More than 60 alumni, scholars, and friends gathered to exchange stories in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. We were honored to welcome distinguished guests, including Vice Consul Jonathan Gamboa of Colombia and Ms. Lina Acolyte from the Lithuanian Consulate.

The evening featured a soulful performance by a student jazz trio from Roosevelt University, which provided a melodic backdrop to the lively networking. Between conversations, guests enjoyed a delicious spread of authentic Greek cuisine from a local Greektown favorite. This musical evening spearheaded by Board Member Mary Mares-Awe, successfully strengthened the ties between our local chapter and the international diplomatic community.

*A student jazz trio from Roosevelt University—featuring Reid Gowan on bass, Abraham Martinez on saxophone, and Octavio Serrano on piano—provided a delightful musical backdrop.*

The 2025 Fulbright Chicago Extravaganza

*Board member Dr. Kate Vergara thanking the “Five-Minute Fulbright” participants.*

ON THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025, over 150 guests gathered at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs for the annual Extravaganza. Overlooking Millennium Park, this high-energy event celebrated intercultural learning and professional growth. A major highlight was the “Five-Minute Fulbright” session, where five scholars—including Sarah Kammerer and Daria Tsoupikova—delivered rapid-fire presentations on their global projects.

The evening transitioned into a vibrant networking reception where foreign service members and students connected over shared global interests. With an emphasis on storytelling and professional empowerment, the Extravaganza, wonderfully organized by Board Member Kate Vergara, served as a powerful reminder of the impact our members make worldwide, providing a dynamic platform for fellowship and future collaboration.

*Guests networking at the 2025 Fulbright Extravaganza reception.*

Honoring legacy: The Dee Sarelas Service Award

*Fulbright Chicago President Adam Fuss with Van Economou. He received the 2025 Dee Sarelas Service Award for Dr. Michael P. Seng, who was not able to attend.*

ON MAY 14, 2025, the Fulbright community gathered at the Alliance Française of Chicago for the Dee Sarelas Service Award & Springtime Celebration, now in its 10th edition.

Around 60 attendees honored Michael P. Seng for his 30-year commitment to legal exchanges between Chicago and the Czech Republic, and his contributions to internationalism. Dr. Seng did his Fulbrights in Nigeria and the Czeck Republic.

The evening also recognized the dedicated mentors of the Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Committee and the visiting scholars who enrich our city. Past Dee Sarelas Award winner and board member Dr. Ana Gil-García chaired the organizing event committee.

While enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and beverages, participants celebrated the spirit of selfless dedication that Dee Sarelas herself exemplified. This celebration of service and mentorship reinforced the Chapter’s commitment to recognizing those who promote internationalism in the Chicagoland community.

*Fulbrighters celebrate the winner of the 2024 Fulbright Chicago Dee Sarelas Service Award.*

*Fulbright visiting scholars were recognized by the Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Committee.*

*A reception followed the Fulbright Chicago Dee Sarelas Award ceremony. Board members Tamara Kozyckyj and Carlos Rivas talking to an international Fulbright scholar.*

A walk-through history at Mayslake Hall in Oakbrook

*Fulbright alumni and visiting scholars watching a documentary on the life and work of architect Benjamin Marshall. On the left front, board member Eleftheria Lialios.*

TO KICK OFF THE FALL SEASON, the Chicago Chapter visited the historic Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook on September 14, 2025. Hosted by the Benjamin Marshall Society, approximately 50 participants explored the 1919 Tudor Revival-style mansion.

*For this educational experience two beautiful custom-made cakes were provided by Benjamin Marshall Society President Jane Lepauw.*

President Jane Lepauw greeted the group with specialized Fulbright-themed cakes, adding a sweet, personal touch to the afternoon.

After watching an informative documentary about famous architect Benjamin Marshall, guests enjoyed appetizers and toured the lush estate grounds. Mayslake Hall has been recently renovated and open to the public.

The sunny weather and shared exploration of local architectural history provided a relaxed environment for members to connect to nature and one another, furthering the Chapter’s goal of building lasting friendships in unique settings.

*Mayslake Hall in Oakbrook, Illinois on September 14, 2024* | Eleftheria Lialios

Warm welcomes at the Alliance Française

*Jazz music and great food welcomed the recently arrived visiting Fulbright students and scholars.*

THE SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY was on full display on November 8, 2025, for the Fall Welcome at the Alliance Française of Chicago. To celebrate newly arrived students and scholars, around 65 participants gathered in the cozy first-floor hall to share stories and advice.

Starting with our Fulbright Chicago President Adam Fuss, all board members introduced themselves, ensuring the newcomers felt integrated into their “second home.”

The evening featured a live jazz trio and a bountiful buffet, creating a festive environment for networking. By focusing on the newly arrived class of Fulbrighters, this event embodied the Midwest warmth and camaraderie essential for helping international scholars transition into the vibrant cultural and social landscape of Chicago.

*Fulbright Chicago President Adam Fuss welcoming the recently arrived scholars.*

*What a lively night that was! On the left, Fulbright Chicago board member Mary Mares-Awe.*

Gratitude and celebration: Thanksgiving in Rogers Park

ON NOVEMBER 15, 2025, the Chicago Math and Science Academy in Rogers Park hosted a cheery Thanksgiving celebration. Organized by board member Meghan McAuliffe, this event highlighted the Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program, a recent recipient of the national “2024 Fulbright Program of the Year” award.

*The 2025 Thanksgiving event was presented by the Mentoring Program of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association.*

Visiting scholars and alumni gathered to share a traditional meal and reflect on their experiences in the U.S. The afternoon was dedicated to fostering authentic relationships between mentors and mentees, facilitating a deeper understanding of American culture.

Through delectable food and heartfelt conversation, the Thanksgiving gathering served as the perfect conclusion to a year of building a supportive and inclusive Fulbright family. The Fulbright Mentoring Program created by Dr. Marilyn Susman, a long-term board member enters its fifth year supporting our international visitors.

Portions of this posting were assisted by AI

**The Five-Minute Fulbright scholars pose with Fulbright Association board member Kate Vergara. Clockwise: Jeanie Bukowski, Daria Tsoupikova, Laura Reiter, Sarah Kammerer and Elanta Slowek.**

Post and photos by Elio Leturia

ON THURSDAY MARCH 6, the Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CCGA) welcomed over 150 guests for the much-anticipated 2025 Fulbright Chicago Extravaganza. Held at the CCGA headquarters, overlooking the iconic Millennium Park, the evening was a celebration of community service, empowerment, intercultural learning, and professional growth—values that both organizations share.

**Sarah Breen Bartecki**
Photo by Kate Vergara

The event began with a warm welcome from Sarah Breen Bartecki, Senior Vice President of Business and Program Development and Chief Revenue Officer at CCGA. She introduced the Chicago Council on Global Affairs as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering community members to help create a more open and promising world for all.

Ms. Bartecki then welcomed Ariel Schwartz, Executive Director of Global Leadership Programs, who expanded on the organization’s mission. She highlighted CCGA’s commitment to fostering leadership in foreign policy and global affairs while encouraging responsible community engagement and collaboration. Schwartz emphasized the importance of mobilizing, energizing, and empowering global citizens through facilitation and community-building—helping a diverse pool of participants confront and solve challenges to achieve transformative outcomes.

**Executive Director of Global Leadership Programs Ariel Schwartz presenting on the mission of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CCGA.)**

Following her remarks, Dr. Chris Graves, principal of Jordan Community Elementary School and a Fulbright award recipient, took the stage. His heartfelt talk bridged the work of Fulbright and CCGA, emphasizing his commitment to collaboration, equity, and student success. Graves shared how his school and his work serving newcomer students and their families, has been a source of inspiration for his work in education. Graves has been 2023 Chicago Council on Global Affairs Emerging Leaders Program, and a 2024 Fulbright Global Award recipient.

*Principal of Jordan Community Elementary School Dr. Christopher Grave*s

One of the evening’s most engaging segments was the Five-Minute Fulbright, curated by Fulbright Chicago board member Dr. Kate Vergara. In this fast-paced and dynamic session, five selected Fulbright scholars shared their global experiences—each in just five minutes. Dr. Vergara also asked the current cohort international Fulbright students and scholars who were attending, to stand up.

**Current international Fulbright students and scholars were introduced to the audience.**

This year’s speakers, Sarah Kammerer, Laura Reiter, Jeanie Bukowski, Elanta Slowek, and Daria Tsoupikova, captivated the audience with vivid storytelling and engaging visuals from their projects abroad. Their presentations not only showcased the impact of the Fulbright program but also the power of cultural exchange and academic collaboration.

**Dr. Kate Vergara thanking the Fulbright scholars after their five-minute presentations.**

The evening concluded with a lively reception, where attendees reconnected, exchanged ideas, and strengthened their professional networks. The 2025 Fulbright Chicago Extravaganza proved to be more than just an event—it was a demonstration to the power of global learning, meaningful connections, and the shared commitment to making a difference in our interconnected world.