Fulbright Chicago mentees and mentors got together to celebrate a year of learning, support and success.
ON FRIDAY MAY 15, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association wrapped up the 2025–26 cycle of its Mentoring Program with an end-of-year celebration at the Alliance Française in Chicago. It was a genuine mix of students, scholars, alumni, and mentors who gathered for a final reflection on a productive year of international exchange.
Throughout the evening, guests reconnected and shared memories from the past academic year while offering heartfelt farewells to those concluding their grants and preparing for their return home. The gathering emphasized the friendships, cross-cultural dialogues, and enduring bonds that define the Fulbright experience. Attendees enjoyed food, refreshments, conversation, and a musical performance by violinist Tricia Park, a Fulbright alumna and graduate of The Juilliard School, whose talent provided a warm, celebratory backdrop for the occasion.
The program featured the presentation of certificates and a review of the 2025–26 term, highlighting the research, academic achievements, and community engagement of the participants. As the year draws to a close, the chapter extends its gratitude to everyone who helped foster a supportive and globally connected community. Best wishes are offered to all departing Fulbrighters for their continued success, with an eager anticipation of maintaining ties within this growing international network.
Celebrating jazz music and diplomacy were the central elements of this international event.
By Mary Mares-Awe—THIS YEAR, CHICAGO WAS DESIGNATED as the global lead city to celebrate International Jazz Day. More than 150 attendees gathered on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Roosevelt University’s Fainman Lounge in downtown Chicago to participate in the Fulbright Chicago Chapter’s homage to jazz.
While hundreds of performances took place across the city, our chapter was a proud part of the official festivities, even earning a listing on the city’s official calendar of events for the day.
Fulbright Chicago board members María Salazar and Mary Mares-Awe( second and third from the left) with the Artur Dutkiewicz trio and members of the Polish Consulate.
The event was attended by a vibrant community of Fulbright alumni, international students, and scholars, along with distinguished representatives from the Consulates General of the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Brazil, and the Republic of Poland.
Adam Fuss, president of the Chicago chapter of the Fulbright Association, welcomes guests.
Each consulate sponsored a performance group from their respective country, highlighting the power of diplomatic collaboration. “Without the partnership of the consulates, this evening would not have been possible,” said Mary Mares-Awe, a board member of the Fulbright Chicago chapter and the evening’s mistress of ceremonies. Chapter President Adam Fuss added, “The Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association is extremely grateful to the participating consulates for their support and partnership.”
Members of the audience greet the musicians.
The evening was truly international in scope. The opening act featured Czech-born singer Martina Bárta, accompanied by Italian jazz pianist Tommaso Perazzo. The duo wowed the crowd with Barta’s soulful renditions of beautiful compositions, such as Burt Bacharach’s “What the World Needs Now” and a version of “Misty” with Czech lyrics. Describing the antique grand piano provided by the Fainman Lounge, Bárta commented on the “beautiful instrument” and its “beautiful sounds.”
Czech-born singer Martina Bárta, with Italian jazz pianist Tommaso Perazzo delight the audience.
Representing the Czech consulate were Mrs. Monika Uteseny, wife of Consul General Jakub Uteseny, and Martina East. Ms. East noted that the performance space was “exceptionally beautiful.”
Following the duo’s performance, guests were treated to a selection of refreshments, providing an opportunity for networking and camaraderie.
Fulbright alumni, student and scholars enjoy appetizers and drinks during the event.Fulbright alumni, student and scholars enjoy appetizers and drinks during the event.
The next act featured Polish jazz pianist Artur Dutkiewicz, accompanied by Ethan Philion on bass and Sebastian Kuchczyński on drums. Sebastian received a resounding round of applause after Mares-Awe announced during the band’s introduction that he is a current Fulbright Scholar at the University of Miami. Dutkiewicz’s virtuoso piano skills were a highlight of the night, leaving the audience glued to their seats.
Polish jazz pianist Artur Dutkiewicz, accompanied by Ethan Philion on bass and Sebastian Kuchczyński on drums.
The third act of the festival was Chicago Samba, led by Moacyr “Mo” Marchini. Based in Chicago, this group has been entertaining audiences for 36 years, and all the ensemble’s musicians are from Brazil. Their energetic sounds echoed throughout the performance space, making it difficult for anyone to sit still. The band expertly mixed Samba rhythms with Brazilian classics, such as Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “The Girl from Ipanema” and the song “Brazil.”
Chicago Samba, led by Moacyr “Mo” Marchini, has been entertaining audiences for 36 years.
“I’m a huge fan of jazz and it was a real treat to be part of this event,” said Mr. Leonardo Fontes Hoffmann, from the Brazilian consulate. Also in attendance from the Brazilian consulate were Consul General Reinaldo Salgado and Deputy Consul General Sergio Carvalho de Toledo Barros, who both equally enjoyed the evening’s music.
Members of the audience enjoy the rhythmic beats during the performance.
The final act of the night featured Swiss-born guitarist, composer, and bandleader Sam Mösching and his group, Samuel Mösching’s Ethereal Kings. Their original fusion jazz compositions reverberated through the audience, providing a modern and sophisticated conclusion to the program.
The upbeat music prompted audience members to stand up and clap along.
It was a perfect close to an evening that was widely considered a great success.
This was the third International Jazz Day celebration hosted by Fulbright Chicago since UNESCO inaugurated the global event 15 years ago. The successful evening was organized by Mary Mares-Awe, Eleftheria Lialios and Stephen Buckman from the Outreach and Events Committee of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association.
Fulbright Chicago board members María Salazar, Eleftheria Lialios, Adam Fuss, Mary Mares-Awe, Stephen Buckman and Meghan McAuliffe.Teuta Peja and Mary Mares-AweLinda Spoleti, Tamara Kozyckyj and María Salazar
GET READY FOR AN EVENING of cultural exchange, fun and music as the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association joins efforts with the Consulates General of Brazil, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland to celebrate the 15th anniversary of International Jazz Day. While 2026 marks the United States’ semiquincentennial, the spotlight is on Chicago as the global host for this world-class musical event. We invite our alumni, students, and scholars to experience the power of jazz as a tool for international diplomacy and cultural unity in the heart of our beautiful city.
WHAT 2026 International Jazz Day WHEN Thursday, April 30, 2026 TIME 5:00 pm-9:00 pm WHERE Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605 (The event will be held in the Fainman Lounge) COST Free! RSVP by filling out this form by Monday, April 27, 2026
Let’s mingle and enjoy an evening reception filled with appetizers, beverages, and the extraordinary participation of thinkers, artists, creators and scientists that represent our Fulbright spirit. We will experience four special performances that bridge continents: the soulful vocals of Czech artist Martina Bárta, the innovative compositions of Swiss-born Sam Mösching Quartet, the technical mastery of Polish pianist Artur Dutkiewicz Trio, and the high-energy, infectious rhythms of the Chicago Samba musical ensemble.
Come and joins us in this unique and special experience!
Board members María Salazar and Eleftheria Lialios at Fulbright Chicago Winter event that took place at the Chopin Theatre.
WHEN THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO community gathers, instant conviviality develops. Within an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie, sixty Fulbright alumni, international students, and scholars defied the Chicago chill to get together at the iconic Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park for our first major event of the year.
Fulbright alumni and students shared a delicious meal with Fulbright board members Alan Teller and Tamara Kozyckyj (second and fourth from the left.)
Built in 1918 and currently managed by Zygmunt and Leila Dyrkacz, the Chopin took us to an “old-world” space. We started with a reception at the underground salon, adorned with gorgeous art, circular antique sofas, and a classy decor. With tables set with real plates and antique silverware, the setting felt like an intimate gathering of global minds.
Fulbright students and scholars along with Fulbright alumni shared an afternoon of good company, delicious meal, and a theater show.
Falafel and Grill Middle Eastern Restaurant provided a delicious spread of vegetarian and meat shish kabobs and fresh salads, followed by a varied selection of desserts.
It was also the perfect moment to debut our brand-new Fulbright Chicago step-and-repeat, which served as the perfect backdrop for photos and shared memories.
The brand new Fulbright Chicago step and repeat made its debut at the 2026 Winter event at the Chopin Theatre.
The heart of the event, however, was on the stage. We were treated to a powerful performance of Maxim Gorky’s “The Lower Depths” by the Gwydeon Theater Company. A landmark of Russian social realism, the 1902 play offered a hauntingly beautiful portrait of life’s “ex-people,” meaning the vagabonds and dreamers navigating the thin line between brutal truth and comforting lies. Despite its historical origins, the play’s philosophical questions about humanity and poverty felt incredibly resonant in today’s world.
“The Lower Depths” by Maxim Gorky was the central part of the Fulbright Chicago Winter event.Connections, food and theater: A fantastic way to strengthen the Fulbright spirit. Board members Ram Mohan, left, and Eleftheria Lialios, right.
We concluded the afternoon with a stimulating Q&A session, allowing our scholars and alumni to dive deeper into the play’s origins and modern significance. It was a day that perfectly encapsulated the Fulbright mission: bridging history, education, and networking through a shared love of culture.
Photos provided by María Salazar | Copy reviewed by AI
LET’S GET TOGETHER and warm up in a cultural event this winter. Gwydion Theatre Company presents a world premiere adaptation of Maxim Gorky’s masterpiece, The Lower Depths, adapted by Gwydion Theatre Artistic Director, Grayson Kennedy, and directed by Danny Kapinos.
We will have a reception with appetizers, soft drinks and a cash bar before the matinee show so come ready to share with each other and meet the director of the play.
WHAT The Lower Depths theater play by Maxim Gorky WHENSaturday, Feb. 28, 2026 TIME 1:00 pm-4 pm (Reception at 1:00 pm-Play starts at 2:00 pm sharp) WHERE Chopin Theatre, 1543 West Division St., Chicago, IL 60642 COST $15 RSVP by filling out this form by Saturday Feb. 21, 2026
Chopin Theatre is located at 1543 West Division St. in the Wicker Park neighborhood.
This play is the second in Gwydion Theatre’s “Season of Class” where they aim to examine the history and practice of classism in society. The Lower Depths investigates the forgotten class, the poorest of our poor citizens, and their untold human connections in a world where they have been disconnected from humanity. The play runs approximately two hours with an intermission.
Following the show, we’ll have a meet & greet with the director of the play.
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 80th 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.
Professor Michael P. Seng | UIC
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.
JOIN US FOR a cheery Thanksgiving celebration hosted by the Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program! We are excited to invite you to an afternoon filled with gratitude, delectable food, and wonderful company. It’s a perfect opportunity to give thanks and enjoy the spirit of the season together.
WHAT Thanksgiving 2025 WHEN Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 TIME 1:00-3:00 PM WHEREChicago Math and Science Academy, 7212 N Clark Street, Chicago RSVP by Nov. 12, 2025 HERE
Parking Available on-site Transportation BUS: Clark Street (line 22)—TRAIN: Red line northbound Howard stop When you arrive, volunteers will guide you to the event.
Come hungry and ready to connect, celebrate and give thanks with our Fulbright family!
COME TO CELEBRATE the newly arrived Fulbrighters to Chicago in this beautiful fall season with our Midwest warmth and hospitality, celebrating the Fulbright spirit!
WHEN Saturday, November 8, 2025 TIME 5:30-8:00 p.m. WHERE Alliance Française de Chicago, 810 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 SUGGESTED DONATION $20 Alumni | $10 Students and scholars RSVP by filling out this form by Thursday Nov. 6, 2025
Let’s share the vibrant spirit that define our city—and the Fulbright community. Enjoy great company, inspiring conversations, and the colors of autumn as we connect and celebrate the start of new journeys.
Plan for your transportation by visiting www.transitchicago.com Parking: Metered Street Parking, parking garages and valet is available at own cost. Illustration made with AI and Photoshop
THE CHICAGO CHAPTER of the Fulbright Association invite you, your family, colleagues, and friends to our Springtime Celebration! We’re excited to gather our vibrant Fulbright community for an evening of connection, recognition, and inspiration. (This event has been rescheduled to a new location and new date.)
We will proudly present the prestigious 2024 Dee Sarelas Service Award to an individual who embodies the spirit of selfless dedication and impactful contribution that Dee Sarelas* so brilliantly exemplified. Come and celebrate their remarkable contributions!
In collaboration with the Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Committee, the chapter will also recognize Fulbright Alumni mentors who have generously provided their time this past year to mentor visiting students and scholars. We will also recognize the international students and scholars studying in the Chicagoland area during this academic year.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages as we celebrate service, mentorship, and global exchange.
DATE Wednesday, May 14, 2025 TIME 6:30pm-9pm WHERE Alliance Française, 540 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 RSVPs by May 10, 2025 COST Please RSVP via the following links: Fulbright Alumni and Guests $20 Fulbright Students and Scholars $10
If you will be using public transportation, you can plan your trip with the CTA Trip Planner: www.transitchicago.com/
We look forward to seeing everyone at the event!
* Aphrodite Floros Sarelas, an early Fulbrighter to Greece. A Chicagoan dedicated to interacting with and nurturing Fulbrighters in the Chicagoland community, Dee 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 was established in 2010 to honor her memory.
*Please note that photos and video will be taken at the event.
Dr. Norma Green, doctoral student Yoshua Harahap, and Dr. Joanne Marie Terrell
CHICAGO FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR MENTEE Yoshua Harahap was joined by his Chapter Mentor, Dr. Norma Fay Green, and his doctoral advisor, Dr. Joanne Marie Terrell, at the Victor Obenhaus Lecture at Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS). The lecture, titled “Benevolent Empire Unmasked: Christian Ethics, Transpacific Wounds, and the Moral Cost of U.S. Imperialism,” highlighted Harahap’s ongoing interdisciplinary research as a native Indonesian scholar.
Held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at the CTS campus in Hyde Park, the event was part of the Victor Obenhaus Lecture Series, which features the work of PhD students. Dr. Terrell marked the occasion by displaying a portrait of abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman, noting the significance of March 10—the day Tubman passed away in 1913 at age 91. This date, she emphasized, bridges Black History Month and Women’s History Month, honoring Tubman’s enduring legacy.
The lecture was a hybrid event, with both in-person and virtual attendees via Zoom, allowing for broader participation and engagement with Harahap’s research.
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 