THE CHICAGO CHAPTER of the Fulbright Association and the Institute of International Education (IIE) invite you, your family, colleagues, and friends to attend our 2017 Spring Farewell Reception and Music Performance.
WHENSaturday, April 29, 2017
TIME 6:30-9:30pm
WHEREAlliance Française de Chicago, 810 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610 (Please enter around the corner, at the Chicago Avenue entrance.)
This is the time to offer a fond farewell to the visiting Students and Scholars who will soon be returning to their home countries. The 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 many years.
In this opportunity we are combining the Spring Farewell Reception with recognition of International Jazz Day, a UNESCO designated day honoring the tradition and world-wide cultural contribution of jazz music, with a live musical performance.
The program will feature the music of Roy McGrath and his group.
Light fare along with wine and soft drinks will be provided.
COST FREE for current visiting Fulbright Students and Scholars and members of the consular corps. | Guests, family members, Fulbright Association members and Fulbright Alumni is $20 per person.
By Teuta Peja—SOME 100 GUESTS gathered on Friday, January 27, 2017 at the elegant auditorium and reception space of the Alliance Française de Chicago, for the the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association Winter Holiday reception and Dee Sarelas Award ceremony.
Among the attendees were Fulbright alumni, current visiting Fulbright scholars, Fulbright students, eight members of the Chapter’s Board of Directors, friends, and family. The event was co-sponsored by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
Left to right, the organizing Holidays event and Dee Sarelas Committee: Kevin Spitta, Elio Leturia, Marilyn Sussman, 2016 Dee Sarelas awardee Cristina Sisson, Mary Mares-Awe, Teuta Peja, Meredith McNeal and Yasir Al-Ibrahem. Ron Harvey (not pictured) could not be present since he is teaching in Bulgaria.
Guests enjoyed socializing with each other, exchanging Fulbright experiences and intercultural discussions. The attendees represented some 40 countries from around the world.
Fulbright alumni and guests enjoyed a pleasant celebration with great food at the Alliance Française in Chicago.
Delicious appetizers, desserts and drinks were shared by all attendees.
The delicious buffet style food served at the Winter Reception included vegetarian options and complemented the festive atmosphere. A jazz trio of musicians from Columbia College Chicago provided the entertainment for almost three hours.
A Columbia College Chicago jazz trio offered live music during the event.
A group of visiting Fulbright students commented on the pleasant space and added that events like this create a wonderful opportunity to mingle, get to know other Fulbrighters and exchange advice about living and studying in Chicago.
The President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, Mary Mares-Awe welcomed guests with a heartwarming speech highlighting the mission of Fulbright to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States, and citizens of almost every nation on earth —through cultural, scientific, and educational exchange. She also thanked board members for volunteering their time and being dedicated to the Fulbright mission and its ideals.
The special part of the evening was the announcement of the winner of the prestigious biennial Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award. The award is given in recognition to a person who has worked diligently over the years to promote and carry out the Fulbright Mission. This year’s recipient is Ana Cristina Sisson, a long-time, dedicated Chicago Chapter member.
Cristina Sisson delivers her acceptance speech as the 2016 Fulbright Dee Sarelas Service Award recipient.
Ana Cristina Sisson holds a bachelor’s degree as a double major in Spanish and English from Colby College in Maine, and a Master’s degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. She was with Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program in Uruguay in 2006.
Cristina joined the Fulbright Association and the Chicago Chapter in 2008. Since joining the chapter, she has played a vital role in organizing many cultural and educational activities and events for thousands of Fulbrighters. She has also served in the position of Chapter treasurer until 2016.
In addition to her commitment to her young family and to the Fulbright Chapter, Cristina teaches Spanish at Hinsdale District One-Eighty-One. Prior to that, she taught Spanish at the Ogden International School of Chicago, and the Chase Elementary Magnet Cluster School in Chicago.
“In the spirit of service, Cristina has been an integral part of the board, serving in her portion in a totally volunteer status. Those who chose to do so, do it out or their dedication to the Fulbright mission. Cristina so richly deserves this award…because she’s done a tremendous job and is truly an inspirational person.” — Mary Mares-Awe, President, Fulbright Chicago
Fulbrighters from all over the world gathered at the Holidays event.
Traditionally, the previous award recipient presents the award to the new Dee Sarelas recipient, but this year it was different. The 2014 Dee Sarelas awardee, Ron Harvey, the Vice President of the Fulbright Chicago Chapter, was not present at the event because he is on a Fulbright research and teaching fellowship to Bulgaria.
The Holiday event and Dee Sarelas Award Ceremony was very-well attended. It has become the main Fulbright Chicago event of the year.
Current Fulbright students attending Columbia College Chicago. From left to right, Cyril Bassil (Lebanon,) Calisto Lemashon (Kenya,) Shreya Singh (India) and Melissa M. Jiménez (Trinidad and Tobago.)
But although Ron could not be present in person, he recorded a short video speech that was played at the ceremony. In his speech, Ron emphasizing Cristina’s friendliness, her engagement with the Fulbright Chicago Chapter, and her enthusiasm to promoting the values of the intercultural exchange through educational activities.
“Cristina is great at bringing the people together; she would invite visiting Fulbright over for dinners with her family as well as other Fulbrighters and expose our way of doing things with the visiting Fulbrighters. Cristina has the belief that you do not have to be official to have an impact in people. I can’t think of a better person to receive the Dee Sarelas service award”—Ron Harvey, Vice President, Fulbright Chicago
Fulbright Chicago president Mary Mares Awe talking to the Fulbright students, scholars and alumni.
Upon the acceptance of the award, Cristina remembered her Fulbright year in Uruguay working with the public-school teachers and her work with the Chicago Chapter board upon her return to the US. In her inspirational speech, Cristina spoke of Fulbrighers sharing the will and excitement of working toward making a difference in the community.
2010 Dee Sarelas recipient and Fulbright Chicago board member Dr. Marilyn Susman and Fulbright student Teuta Peja welcomed the attendees.
She encouraged people to join the board and participate in Fulbright-focused activities. She urged everyone to get involved in activities even though they may be out of their scope of work. She also advised people not to let the fear of not knowing what the job entails, to get in the way of participating… “When there is a need, take a risk.” She said in referencing her own resolve to take up the position of treasurer, when there was a need for someone to step into the role.
Cristina wrapped up her speech by emphasizing the Fulbright mission and legacy.
“I wanted to leave you all with Senator Fulbright’s words, to inspire us to visit local schools, ask a professor to visit their child’s school and talk about the Fulbright program, the mission and your home country or where you traveled. Don’t let the fear of being overwhelmed get in the way…”
Fulbrighters using social media and sharing photos.
After hearing the speeches, Manithda a visiting Fulbright student from Laos, said “The award ceremony made people get to know and appreciate people behind the scene more. I didn’t know who were the people behind the scene who did the good for people in the front until that award ceremony. This encourages me to want to help and voluntarily work with the Fulbright organizing group.”
Baris Mesci, a Visiting Student Researcher from Turkey and his wife Tutku Mizrak Mesci.
The guests congratulated Cristina on her award and praised the organizers —the members of the board— for putting up such an amazing event.
By Mary Mares-Awe—THE CHICAGO CHAPTER of the Fulbright Association and the Institute of International Education (IIE) invite you, your family, colleagues and friends to attend our Winter Reception and the *Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award Ceremony.
This event will present a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow Fulbrighters, make new connections, and solidify friendships while spending the evening in Downtown Chicago.
DATE Friday, January 27, 2017 TIME 6:00p.m. – 9:00 p.m. LOCATIONAlliance Française, 810 N Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610 phone (312) 337-1070
COST FREE to current visiting Fulbright Students and Scholars, $20 for each accompanying adult family member and/or guests, Fulbright Alumni and Association Members. RSVPs are required by January 25, 2917! Please R.S.V.P. and pay by using the online form or click on the link below: https://goo.gl/forms/Bro5Lo0RnSRiydWq1 DRESS CODE Business attire is required; no jeans, t-shirts or athletic shoes. Email questions or cancellations to fulbrightchicago@gmail.com
*Aphrodite “Dee” Floros Sarelas was an early Fulbrighter to Greece. Dee was a Chicagoan dedicated to interacting with, and nurturing Fulbrighters in the Chicago area. She 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.
By Mary Mares-Awe–ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23,2016 during a rainy evening, members of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, visiting Fulbright students, and other guests had the opportunity to attend a Tango inspired event at the Instituto Cervantes and listen to the warm sound of Tango music, and view a film showcasing the life of a centennial double immigrant.
Instituto Cervantes of Chicago Executive Director Antonio Martínez welcomed the audience.
The bilingual documentary entitled “Tita Turns 100” (Los 100 Años de Tita,) is produced and directed by Elio Leturia, who is a multimedia journalist and a member of the Chicago Chapter Board.
The biographical film that premiered at the Chicago Feminist Film Festival in March this year, takes the audience on a journey of the life of Tita Lage, a lovely lady who was born in Spain in 1913, moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, at age 17 and finally relocated to the United States when she was 73 in 1986, bringing with her the love of tango music and dance along with her Spanish roots.
“Por una Cabeza,” “Uno,” “Se Dice de Mí,” were some of the tangos local singer Alba Guerra shared with the audience along with guitarist Juan Pablo Jones.
Following the film screening, local singer and actress Alba Guerra, one of Tita’s daughters, sang beautiful, traditional Tango songs to the accompaniment of guitar musician Juan Ignacio Jones.
After the concert, guests were treated to a reception featuring Argentinian wine, and Peruvian empanadas and alfajores.
The Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association partnered with the Consulate of Peru and the Consulate of Argentina, in this cultural event organized by the Instituto Cervantes.
Deputy Consul of Perú Annie Saucedo, President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association Mary Mares-Awe. Jane Florine, Elio Leturia, Deputy Consul of Argentina Marcelo Boffi, singer Alba Guerra and musician Juan Ignacio Jones surrounded by Fulbright scholars.
Ana González, then a feisty 87-year-old with bright red fingernails, survived many detentions and the disappearances of her husband, two of her sons, and a pregnant daughter-in-law during Gen. Augusto Pinochet’s regime. Photo by Jon Lowenstein
THE CHICAGO CHAPTER of the Fulbright Association, in partnership with Public Narrative and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, would like to invite you to an evening of dialogue about Chile, and where the country stands 40 years after the Pinochet coup, with author, researcher and Fulbrighter, Jeff Kelly-Lowenstein (South Africa ’95, Chile ’13, New Zealand ’15).
Kelly-Lowenstein currently teaches journalism at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He will discuss his recently published book, The Chilean Chronicles. The work is a compilation of writing during Jeff’s 2013 semester at the University Diego Portales in Santiago, Chile. The book reflects on the impact of the Pinochet regime on Chilean society, from a historical perspective, and on the country’s still-emerging democracy through recounting stories that would otherwise go untold.
Identities in Transition: South Asian Womanhood and Girlhood Conference took place at Loyola University Chicago, October 28 and 29, 2016.
By Teuta Peja—AFTER ONLY A FEW months of leaving Chicago “for good,” Fulbright alumna Shughla Hellali from Afghanistan returned to give a presentation at the South Asian Womanhood and Girlhood Conference (SAWG) at Loyola University Chicago (LUC), in October.
Shughla Hellali
In this conference that addressed the topic of identities in transition with the aim to highlight the changing context of women and girls in South Asian society, Shughla discussed the rhetoric of epistemic violence against Afghan women caused by international media coverage and the limited understanding of the cultural and native context.
Shughla came to Chicago on a Fulbright Foreign Student grant in August 2014, to pursue an MA in Women’s and Gender Studies at Loyola University Chicago. After the completion of the program, she returned to Kabul, where she is now working as the Gender Specialist with United Nation Development Program. Recently, she became the Vice President of the Fulbright Association in Afghanistan.
This is her second visit to the US since her returned to Kabul in December 2015.
In February of this year, she traveled to Washington DC to attend several meetings on peace and security in Afghanistan. She and her colleagues at the Afghan Fulbright for Peace organized the meetings with the USIP, US State Department and the Afghanistan’s Embassy.
During her recent visit to Chicago, Shughla was experiencing different emotions because as she says “she was back to her home-away-from-home.”
She added: “I will always be grateful to Fulbright Program for giving me the life-changing experience that helped me frame my goals and develop professionally and personally. Knowing the values of the Fulbright Program, I am very excited to be part of the Fulbright Association in Afghanistan and lead the association. Through my work at the association, I am eager to contribute to the promotion of the Fulbright values and mission in the country and abroad.”
In addition to presenting her paper at SAWG Conference, in Chicago, Shughla also presented her work on “Ms. Representation: Media Portrayals of Afghan Women and the Epistemic Violence of International Intervention” to Loyola University academic staff and students.
Teuta Peja is a current Fulbright student from Kosovo.
By Mary Mares-Awe—TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL Education Week, the Board of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, in partnership with World Chicago, and the Institute of International Education (IIE), invite you to a Panel Presentation on Cyber Security.
The area of cyber security of concern to virtually everyone using the internet. We rely on the internet for communication, commerce, education, work, and data storage. However, with the extensive usage of digital data, there is an ever-increasing risk of personal information and intellectual property being compromised by cyber-based attacks. Cyber security involves protecting our information by preventing, detecting, and responding to online threats.
Yilmaz Halac
The event will feature an expert panel presentation led by an FBI Special Agent who will discuss Cyber Security at the personal level, and provide tips on how individuals can stay safe online. Another member of the panel, Mr. Then Yilmaz Halac, will speak about Security at the public safety level, using his experience as the Managing Deputy Director for the 911 center, during the NATO summit in Chicago.
This will be an excellent opportunity, to learn about this important topic from highly respected experts in the field of cyber security.
WHAT Panel discussion on Cyber Security, Q&A, and networking.
COSTFREE for current visiting Fulbright Students, Scholars, and Teachers. The cost is $10 for Fulbright alumni, each adult family member, and/or guest(s).
The 2016 Spring Farewell started at the Jane Addams Hull House Museum
By Mary Mares-Awe—SIXTY FOUR FULBRIGHT alumni, students, scholars, and friends of the association attended the 2016 Fall Welcome that took place on Sunday October 16 with a visit to the Jane Addams Hull House Museum on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago. The museum tour was followed by a luncheon at Francesca’s on Taylor, located in the Little Italy neighborhood adjacent to the university.
The Jane Addams museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Fulbright Association Chicago-Chapter President Mary Mares-Awe and board member Kari Burnett
At the Jane Addams museum, visitors got a first-hand look at the objects and memorabilia of the social worker’s original home. Jane Addams is a notable figure in Chicago’s history and on the international stage for her work with the immigrant communities, who were settling Chicago in the late 1800 and early 1900’s. Her pioneering work in social justice helped improve the lives of immigrants through education, skills training and family care. She is the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
At Francesca’s Restaurant in Little Italy
Following the museum visit, the attendees took a walk through Little Italy to Francesca’s restaurant at 1400 W. Taylor Street. There they were greeted at the door by Cristina Sisson Tamm, the chapter’s Treasurer, and by Teuta Peja, a Fulbright student who is the newest member of the board’s membership committee.
Board members of the Chicago Chapter Kari Burnett, Meredith McNeil, Mary Mares-Awe and Marilyn Susman enjoying an Italian meal.
At Francesca’s, the guests enjoyed authentic northern Italian meal including pasta, meatballs, salad and a wonderful and delicious tiramisù for desert.
Meatballs, anyone?
In an informal speech at the start of the luncheon, the chapter’s president, Mary Mares-Awe, welcomed everyone and encouraged the new visiting Fulbright students and scholars to enjoy many of the iconic elements of the American culture. “If I could give you one piece of advice, it’s to take the opportunity to really absorb the best the American culture has to offer without comparing,” she said. Mary went on to mention some of the American classics such as jazz and baseball, namely the Chicago Cubs — which brought a rousing round of applause, acknowledging the teams winning streak.
Chicago Chapter Treasurer Cristina Sisson (second on the right) with Fulbright scholars.
The pleasant and warm atmosphere of Francesca’s proved conducive to lively, friendly conversations, and real Fulbright camaraderie on a fall Sunday afternoon in Chicago.
Past Chicago Chapter President Margo Rothschild (second on the left) with Fulbright scholars
Fulbright students and scholars at Francesca’s Restaurant in Little Italy
Fulbright students and scholars at Francesca’s Restaurant in Little Italy
Fulbright students and scholars with Chicago Chapter President Mary Mares-Awe at Francesca’s Restaurant in Little Italy
Fulbright students and scholars at Francesca’s Restaurant in Little Italy. Kevin Spitta (first on the right) has joined the communications efforts for the chapter.
Group photo showing the international Fulbright spirit!
IN MARCH 1913, Tita Lage was born in Galicia, Spain. At 17 she moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina and at 73 she relocated to the U.S. The day she turned 102 years old she became an American citizen.
The Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association invites you to the screening of “Tita Turns 100,” a bilingual (Spanish-English) documentary produced and directed by Elio Leturia(left),Columbia College Chicago journalism professor, and board member and director of communications of our Fulbright chapter.
WHAT“Tita Turns 100” documentary, followed by a tango concert and a reception
During her life in Argentina, Tita Lage met first lady Eva Perón and tango icon Carlos Gardel. She was a close friend of famous actress and singer Tita Merello, an early Argentine performer to appear in South American movies.
After the short film, local singer Alba Guerra (left), will delight us with a Tango concert, (“Por una Cabeza,” “Madreselva,” “Uno,” among others) accompanied by musician Juan Ignacio Jones. A reception will follow.
PLAN NOW TO ATTEND this year’s conference: Fulbright at 70: Meeting New Challenges to celebrate 70 years of the Fulbright Program in Washington, DC this November.
1 | Inspiring keynotes from Ambassadors, Congressmen, university leaders and leading experts 2 | State of Fulbright advocacy discussion with Congressman, Ambassadors and global partners 3| Five tracks focused on cutting-edge Fulbright projects in International Education, Peacekeeping & Conflict Resolution, Economic Development, Global Health & Sustainability
4| What a Curious PictureArt Exhibit, Film Festival and Social Innovation Challenge
5| Fulbright Prize, the event of the year, with 300+ Fulbrighters celebrating 70 years of Fulbright
Following the film screening, local singer and actress 
Kelly-Lowenstein currently teaches journalism at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He will discuss his recently published book, 
The Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association invites you to the screening of “Tita Turns 100,” a bilingual (Spanish-English) documentary produced and directed by Elio Leturia (left), 
After the short film, local singer 
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 