Tag Archives: Ana Gil-García

Welcome to Chicago, Fulbrighters!

Posted on October 1, 2018 by | 1 comment

Welcome to Chicago, the Windy City.

ON A SLIGHTLY overcast but fortunately rainless autumn day, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association welcomed Fulbrighters from all over the world. The first event of the academic year was an architectural tour on the Chicago River that gave us the opportunity to present the beauty of the city of Chicago to the newcomers, and share it with the local Fulbright alumni.

Sixty eight people participated in the 2018 Fall Welcome.

“Sixty eight Fulbrighters, between members of the association and Fulbright students and scholars have come to participate in this event today,” said Meredith McNeil, president of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association. Students and scholars not only from Chicago universities but also from from Champaign-Urbana, Normal-Bloomington and Dekalb participated in the event.

At the base of the Wrigley Building, where the tour started.

The Wendella Tours boat left its wharf at the base of the Wrigley Building and sailed the Chicago River bypassing the south branch to reach the Willis Tower (ex-Sears Tower, the second tallest building in the United States.) There it turned around and came back to cross under Michigan Avenue and continued until entering Lake Michigan, from where we all could appreciate the skyline of this wonderful city.

Fulbright students and scholars enjoying the tour.

Among the buildings that stood out in this tour are the Marina City, built in 1964, the Merchandise Mart— that in 1930 became was the largest building in the (372,000 m2) and had its own postal code—the IBM building, the Civic Opera House, the NBC Tower, the Carbide and Carbon Building with its gold leaf top, the 333 West Wacker Drive building and its dramatic curved, green glass façade to the most modern Lake Point Tower and Aqua buildings, to cite just a few.

The Trump Tower, the second tallest building in Chicago.

At the end of the tour, the group moved to the Howell’s & Hood Restaurant, in the Tribune Tower building, another architectural wonder, where the scholars, students and members of the association shared a lunch and moments of friendship and camaraderie.

The entire group!

Fulbright students and scholars enjoying a good time at the lake.

Lifetime Fulbright Association member Jane Florine, an ethnomusicologist who did her Fulbright in Argentina.

Scholars and their families participated in our Fall Welcome.

Past recipients of the Fulbright Dee Sarelas Service Award Marilyn Susman (2010) and Ana Gil-García (2012).

The view from Lake Michigan.

Judy and Serafín Veramendi, and our boat tour guide.

Fulbright Chicago past presidents Elio Leturia (2011-12), Ana Gil-García (2008) and Don Garner (2007).

The city views from Lake Michigan are spectacular.

In this Fulbright group, Spanish was the language of choice.

At the patio of Howell’s & Hood Restaurant.

Three current Fulbright scholars. At the center, Teuta Peja from Kosovo.

Poland, Kosovo, Mexico and Peru are represented in this Fulbright group.

The food line is always a good place to get to know each other!

Another Fulbright group (all Argentines, and one Mexican) having a good time.

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Fulbright Chicago celebrates the Holidays and Ron Harvey gets the 2014 Dee Sarelas Service Award

Posted on December 30, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Chicago Chapter board members Kari Burnett, Cristina Sisson, Jenni Schneiderman and Meredith McNeil celebrate with Ron Harvey, recipient of the 2014 Dee Sarelas Service Award

Chicago Chapter board members Kari Burnett, Cristina Sisson, Jenni Schneiderman and Meredith McNeil celebrate with Ron Harvey, recipient of the 2014 Dee Sarelas Service Award

By Mary Mares-Awe—MORE THAN 80 GUESTS attended the annual, end-of-the-year, Winter Holiday reception sponsored by the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and the Institute of International Education (IIE).

Professor Norma Green, Ahmed Affan from Pakistan and Gigi Posejpal, Director of International Student Affairs at Columbia College Chicago

Professor Norma Green, Ahmed Affan from Pakistan and Gigi Posejpal, Director of International Student Affairs at Columbia College Chicago

Mr. Ilker Pak, Consul of Turkey in Chicago

Mr. Ilker Pak, Honorable Consul of Turkey in Chicago

The event took place on Friday, December 12th at Columbia College, downtown Chicago. Among those in attendance were Fulbright Association members, board members, friends of Fulbright, alumni, Fulbright scholars from more than 35 countries, as well as consular representatives including the Consul General of France, Vincent Floreani, Consul of Turkey, Ilker Pak, and the Consul of Costa Rica, Javier Rojas.

Mr. Javier Rojas, Honorable Consul of Costa Rica, Fulbright Chicago Chapter President Ron Harvey and Mr. Vincent Floreani, Honorable Consul General of France

Mr. Javier Rojas, Honorable Consul of Costa Rica, Fulbright Chicago Chapter President Ron Harvey and Mr. Vincent Floreani, Honorable Consul General of France

Guests enjoyed several types of wine as well as non-alcoholic beverages and a variety of foods including Vietnamese Spring Rolls, South of the Border specialties, cheeses and charcuterie, salads, and wonderful deserts with beautifully decorated Christmas cookies.

A Columbia College Chicago jazz trio entertaining the audience

A Columbia College Chicago jazz trio entertaining the audience

A trio made up of Columbia College Chicago music students certainly did justice to the great American music genre—jazz, adding a festive atmosphere to the event and entertaining guests throughout the evening.

RON HARVEY GETS THE 2014 DEE SARELAS SERVICE AWARD

2014 Dee Sarelas Service Award

2014 Dee Sarelas Service Award

The annual celebrations present a great opportunity to see old friends and make new connections within our Fulbright community. It’s also a time when the Chapter presents the prestigious Dee Sarelas Service Award.

This year Dr. Ron Harvey, a psychology researcher at DePaul University and current president of the Chicago Chapter, was the recipient of the award. The other nominees were Cristina Sisson (Argentina 2007,) treasurer of the Chapter, and Don Garner (European Union 2001,) Consular Corps Liaison and past-president 2006.

Last year Dee Sarelas Service Award Elio Leturia presenting Ron Harvey with the 2014 award.

Last year Dee Sarelas Service Award recipient Elio Leturia from Columbia College Chicago, presenting Ron Harvey with the 2014 award.

The service award was created to honor the memory of one of the founding members of the Fulbright Association’s Chicago Chapter—Dee Sarelas. Dee is remembered for her unique ability for bringing people across cultures together. In addition to her many contributions, Dee also worked for the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army Training College, and as a liaison at White House conferences.

Dr. Richard Farkas of DePaul University, Fulbright Specialist to Ukraine, Taras Tzlupko and Ron Harvey

Dr. Richard Farkas of DePaul University, Fulbright Specialist to Ukraine, Taras Tzlupko and Ron Harvey

“It’s a real honor to be in the company of such high caliber people who have won the award previously,” said Ron after receiving the award. Some of the past recipients are Marilyn Susman, Thomas Ahleman, Ana Gil-García and Elio Leturia.

Fulbrighter Aziz Pulatov from Uzbekistan and his daughter

Fulbrighter Aziz Pulatov from Uzbekistan and his daughter, Shakina

“It’s great that we can do our part to fulfill the Fulbright mission here in Chicago. The honor is a great accomplishment of that. It’s a reminder that you can fulfill the Fulbright mission no matter where you are”, he added.

Ron, who did his Fulbright in Bulgaria in 2009-2010, will be leaving for Bulgaria again next year to work on a pioneering project in the field of community psychology. He, no doubt, and true to form, will continue to work in the Fulbright spirit— making the world a better place.

Fulbright alumna Virginia Miller (Guatemala 1993, Mexico 1996-97) and Adam Gehr

Fulbright alumna Virginia Miller (Guatemala 1993, Mexico 1996-97) and Adam Gehr

Chicago Chapter Treasurer Cristina Sisson and her husband Michael Tamm

Chicago Chapter Treasurer Cristina Sisson and her husband Michael Tamm

Fulbright alumna Maureen Warren (Poland 1980-81,) Fulbright scholar Almir Pestek from Bosnia, and Mary Mares-Awe, Chicago chapter Board member

Fulbright alumna Maureen Warren (Poland 1980-81,) Fulbright scholar Almir Pestek from Bosnia, and Mary Mares-Awe, Chicago Chapter Board member

Uruguayan Fulbright alumna Andrea Catarivas and her husband Andre Frieden

Uruguayan Fulbright alumna Andrea Catarivas and her husband Andre Frieden

Photos by Mary Mares-Awe, Jenni Schneiderman, Ron Harvey, Elio Leturia

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Nominate a candidate for the 2014 Fulbright Chicago Dee Sarelas Service Award!

Posted on November 6, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Past award recipient, Dr. Ana Gil García announces this year's winner.

Past award recipient, Dr. Ana Gil García announces last year’s winner.

Dear Member of the Fulbright Association, Chicago Chapter: YOU ARE INVITED to nominate a person for consideration for the 2014 Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award.

The award is in honor of one of the Chicago Chapter’s early presidents, Aphrodite (“Dee”) Edith Floros Sarelas*.  Dee passed away at the age of 90 in June of 2007. Dee earned her B.S. in education and was a member of the honor societies Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi, and in 1954 she received her M.A. degree from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. She was awarded a Fulbright Teaching Grant in 1958 to attend the School of Social Work in Athens, Greece.

The nominee does NOT need to be a Fulbright Association member and may be a citizen or resident of any country.

The selection criteria for the nominee:

– must be a living individual
  – must exemplify the values of the Fulbright Association (see http://fulbright.org/our-story/about-us)
  – must have had a significant short, or long-term impact on the development of internationalism for the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, and/or for the Chicago area community e.g., program design or delivery, membership recruitment, communication production, international understanding outreach.

Nominations will be closed on at 11:59 Central time on November 9th, 2014. To submit a nomination click HERE. The information will then be presented to the Chicago Chapter Membership for voting starting November 12th, 2014. The award shall be given at the Winter Reception held in Chicago on December 12, 2014.

We ask the Dee Sarelas Service Award recipient to serve as an ad hoc board member for the Chicago Chapter during 2015. The awardee must also serve as Chair of next year’s Dee Sarelas Service Award Selection Committee.

Follow the link below for nominator instructions and to complete the nomination form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LRw09r3X8jVUqTdqbkb4lhviPg6O8WIK0sM0vD36R4g/viewform

*A Chicagoan dedicated to interacting with and nurturing Fulbrighters in the Chicago area community, Dee was a person remembered for her wit, empathy, and vivacity in bringing people across cultures together. The Chicago Chapter has established the Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award in her memory to honor those who follow Dee’s example for service.  Please join us in honoring Dee and the Fulbright legacy by submitting a nomination for 2014.

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Wear black and pearls and send an antiviolence message on September 8

Posted on September 3, 2014 by | Leave a comment
"If you mistreat one, you mistreat all of us. Break the silence, no more victims" reads the campaign.

“If you mistreat one, you mistreat all of us. Break the silence, no more victims” reads the campaign.

By Ana Gil-García—YOU MAY HAVE SEEN and heard about the “Ni una Víctima Más” campaign in Chicago. The concept developer, the journalist Leda Santodomingo has partnered with “Mujeres Latinas en Acción”, the oldest Latino women non-for-profit organization in the United States, to help disseminate the information on an issue greatly affecting the Hispanic/Latino women and that most media outlets avoid talking about.

The campaign has attracted many women of all social strata, educational background, political spheres, media, etc. More Hispanic and non-Hispanic women are joining the campaign day-to-day. The immediate purpose of the campaign is to produce a PSA (Public Service Announcement) that most Spanish and English TV, radio shows, and printed media have agreed to deliver and use.

The 200 women in black PSA will be filmed on September 8th at the Instituto Cervantes at 6:00 pm. Right after, the monologue “Cuando sea grande” (Spanish language) will be presented followed by a wine reception.

Why black and pearls “Audrey Hepburn-style” campaign?

Black dress and pearls is the image of the campaign

Black dress and pearls is the image of the campaign

The elegantly dressed woman in black wants to send the message that domestic violence does not discriminate any particular type of woman (uneducated, low social class and poorly dressed female). It is an epidemic, according to the World Health Association and United Nations, that has arrived in most women’s homes without any distinction.

The Board of the Chicago Chapter would like to invite the Fulbright women to join “The Women in Black” campaign and be part of the 200 women who will participate in the filming of the PSA.

WHAT “The Women in Black” PSA filming, “Cuando Sea Grande” show and wine reception

WHERE Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60654

WHEN September 8, 2014 at 6 p.m.

COST $35

Members of the Chicago Chapter Fulbright Board have chosen to sponsor three Latin American female Fulbright students to attend the reception after the filming.

The campaign is still in need of $1,000 to pay the PSA production. Get your tickets HERE if you would like to participate, attend the reception, or make a contribution. Any money will help, and the Fulbright Chicago Chapter logo will go on the program and credits of the PSA.

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Join us for “Musas” theater play with a special discount for Fulbrighters

Posted on August 15, 2014 by | Leave a comment

musas

 

WHAT Join the Fulbright Chicago community for a cross-cultural outing to the theater.
WHEN Saturday, August 23rd, 2014. 7:30pm
Talkback with Actress Rebeca Alemán for Fulbright guests immediately to follow the performance
Promotion code ($5 off): Fulbright
WHERE  Greenhouse Theater Center
2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
773-404-7336 (Box Office, Ticketing Inquiries)

MUSAS | Greenhouse Theater Center
Written by Néstor Caballero
Directed by Iraida Tapias

An extraordinary encounter between the Mexican painter FRIDA KAHLO & the American poet SYLVIA PLATH.
The work proposes a fictional crossroad between two artistic personalities, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and the American poet Sylvia Plath. The play is an encounter that never happened in reality. The audience confronts the intense experiences of these women in the same space.
Frida’s life was defined by pain and love. While recovering in bed from a terrible automobile accident  suffered at an early age, she discovers painting and earns a prominent place in Mexican art. Powerful  love and belief in the revolution connects her with Diego Rivera, world famous muralist whom became her husband. Marked by a stormy relationship and intense emotional and physical pain that never fades away, Frida dies at age 47.
Sylvia published her first poem at age eight. Under a beautiful and seemingly perfect life reflected in her verses, underlies darkness and struggle with feelings of self-destruction that haunted her. She married the English poet Ted Hughes, an intense and tumultuous marriage that crumbled despite having two children together. Sylvia had always struggled with finding her own identity and oscillated between moments of intense joy with moments of deep darkness. At age 30, she commits suicide.

Special thanks to Ana Gil-García for her support in coordinating this special outing.

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Scenes from our last summer mixer

Posted on August 15, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Enjoying the summer weather and sharing the Fulbright spirit at Troquet

Enjoying the summer weather and sharing the Fulbright spirit at Troquet

CONTINUING WITH OUR monthly mixers, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association had its fourth get-together at the Restaurant-Bar Troquet in River North on August 12.

Alumni, board members, students and Friends of Fulbright had the chance to interact, share international stories and enjoy the nice weather. Jenni Schneiderman, our Director of Membership has been organizing these mixers. If you have any suggestions for places where to have them, please email Jenni at jenni.schneiderman@gmail.com

There has been four mixers this year so far, chances to meet new Fulbrighters.

There has been four mixers this year so far, chances to meet new Fulbrighters.

Photos courtesy Ana Gil-García

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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.

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Ana Gil-García named an outstanding visionary woman in higher education

Posted on April 6, 2014 by | Leave a comment

AnaGilGarciasmBy Elio Leturia—WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH started in 1982 when Congress requested a week in March be “Women’s History Week.” Five years later, in 1987, the President proclaimed March to be “Women’s History Month.”

Honoring “Women’s History Month,” Diverse magazine published its third annual report highlighting the work and contributions of 30 women to higher education.

One of these honorees is Dr. Ana Gil-García, Professor of Educational Leadership at Northeastern Illinois University, and a past-president of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association.

“This is an acknowledgement to the work and effort that women put to higher education,” Gil-García said.

diversemagAn award-winning educator and director of membership of the Chicago Fulbright Association, Gil-García has a long teaching career. She is a three-time Fulbright US Scholar (Venezuela, Middle East, and Armenia) who works tirelessly for a variety of community organizations.

A native Venezuelan, Gil-García is an author, community leader, and advocate for Latino educational leaders.

For 11 years she was the only Latina professor in her department, Gil-García said. “Minority women constitute only 3% of all teachers in higher education. To be recognized in this group is an honor because it also serves to give an example of role models and show a presence among minority university students.”

She holds a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Specialist Degree in Middle School Curriculum, and Bachelor’s degree in Biology Teaching.

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Distributing knowledge through the Book Partnership Project

Posted on March 11, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Fred Siegman, Ron Harvey and Jane Florine

Fred Siegman, Ron Harvey and Jane Florine getting ready to pack books.

By Mary Mares-Awe—THE CHICAGO CHAPTER OF THE FULBRIGHT ASSOCIATION  is in the final push of completing this year’s book drive as part of its Book Partnership initiative. More than one thousand books have been collected from various schools, organizations, libraries and private individuals over the past several months. Most of the books have been sorted, boxed, and are now ready to be shipped.

The books will be donated to Ethiopian children and to students and children in Macedonia. We are in negotiations with Turkish Airlines for their contribution to this worthwhile project—shipping the books to Macedonia. Some of the Spanish-language books in our collection have been earmarked for children in Guatemala.

José Rodríguez, Jim Nowaczok, Ana Gil-García and Mary Mares-Awe

José Rodríguez, Jim Nowaczok, Ana Gil-García and Mary Mares-Awe

At this point many thanks to everyone  including José, Ron, Mary, Jeff, Ana, Jenni, Fred, Jim, Jane and others who gave up a  part of their  Saturday March 1st, and this past Saturday, March 7th,  in sorting, and boxing up the books. Also, thanks to and many others who’ve been involved with gathering and delivering the books to our storage facility at the Ethiopian Community Association in Rogers Park. This is a huge effort and anyone’s contribution, no matter how small or large, is paramount to the success of this wonderful project.

The books should be on their way to their destinations in the next few weeks.

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.

Photos by Jenni Schneiderman

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International Fulbright dinner celebrating St. Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 17, 2014 by | Leave a comment
Dr. Ana Gil-García hosted a dinner with Fulbright students and friends to celebrate St. Valentine's Day

Dr. Ana Gil-García hosted a dinner with Fulbright students and friends to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day

ON FEBRUARY 14, 2014, Valentine’s Day, Ana Gil-García, a Fulbright Chicago board member, hosted a dinner for four Fulbright students currently attending graduate schools in diverse higher education institutions in Chicago.

Ly Hoang Ly (Vietnam), Mia Alkaff (Indonesia), Mukhayyo Mukhayyo (Uzbekistan), and Paninee Tepnarim (Thailand) enjoyed a variety of dishes of Mediterranean flavors, and desserts from India and Pakistan. At the dinner, Fulbright fellows shared their personal stories on the meaning of Valentine’s Day at their respective countries and what rituals and traditions are involved in the celebration of the day of love and friendship.

The dinner was organized by the Institute of International Education (Midwestern Regional Office) of Chicago. Similar events with host families, especially Fulbright alumni serving as hosts, are scheduled in the near future.

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