María Salazar | FULBRIGHT CHICAGO

*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

**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.