By Ellie Kallgren—THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO CHAPTER kicked off the academic year with our inaugural Fall Celebration on Sept. 29 at the Cliff Dwellers Club in downtown Chicago. It was our biggest turnout ever, with 159 people attending.
Elizabeth Doyle graced the event with delightful piano throughout the evening as everyone mingled. It was the perfect way to meet Fulbrighters, both alums and new fellows, along with 22 consular corps members from a multitude of countries ranging from Japan to Argentina. It was a true testament to the power of the ” people-to-people” program that is Fulbright.
Kim, a Fulbrighter from Myanmar, spoke eloquently about how the political crisis in Myanmar inspired her to pursue education in order to bring stability to her country and how Fulbright has given her the resources to pursue an education degree as well as the inspiration to strive for change in the world. The stories and backgrounds that made up the room gave life to an event that lasted well past closing time.
The highlight of the evening was a moving speech by none other than the Chicago Chapter’s co-founder, Dr. Bruce Douglas. Dr. Douglas is a retired maxillofacial surgeon and Navy veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War. He spoke about first meeting Senator J. William Fulbright in 1944 while serving in the Navy: “We met in the dining room of the Senate where he was discussing an interest in promoting people to people contacts following the war,” Douglas said. This dining room conversation eventually led to the foundation of the Fulbright program in 1946.
Dr. Douglas spoke to the continuing importance of the Fulbright program today in a world and country that have become deeply divided, and he expressed optimism at seeing name tags in the room from countries that a few decades ago “only existed in the realm of bullets and guns.” Though today it might feel as though connections have been lost, Fulbright is keeping the people-to-people connections alive in Chicago and around the world.
We also heard from the Chicago Chapter President, Dr. Edel Jose, as well as other board members about upcoming events, including the kick-off to the Fulbright Chicago Mentorship Program and upcoming Women’s Empowerment event.
It was a fabulous evening full of networking, friendship, and people-to-people conversation. Thanks to the Cliff Dwellers Club for the spectacular, historic venue and supplying us with delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 