MENTORSHIP PLAYS A CENTRAL role in the Fulbright mission, and this year the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association was presented with the Program of the Year Award at the National Conference of the Fulbright Association in Washington, DC that took place Oct. 25-27, 2024.
Meghan McAuliffe, Marina Oberemok and Marilyn Susman accepted the award for the Chicago Chapter Mentoring Committee, that has invested over three years in developing a mentoring program that serves as a model for Fulbright chapters nationwide.
The program aims to provide comprehensive support by fostering authentic relationships among Fulbright alumni, visiting scholars, and students. It facilitates their integration into academic life and the cultural and social landscape of Chicago as well as American culture. This is done by matching the incoming Fulbrighters with a Fulbright Alum.
During the conference, Board Member Meghan McAuliffe outlined how other chapters could replicate Chicago’s success, introducing a guidebook to streamline program development. Marina Oberemok highlighted how technological advancements have bolstered the program’s effectiveness, especially in matching mentors with mentees and enhancing communication.
Visionary leadership
Marilyn Susman, the longest-serving board member of the Chicago Chapter, initiated this mentoring idea in 2021 and with the support of a local committee, successfully launched it the following year. “I envision this program implemented across the country so the visiting students and scholars have support to ease their way into the university, the community, and the culture,” Susman said during her acceptance speech.
During the first cohort of the Mentoring Program in 2022 there were 28 mentors and 42 mentees. In 2023 there were 26 mentors and 36 mentees. In 2024, there are 45 mentors and 48 mentees.
John Bader, the executive director of the National Fulbright Association, emphasized the critical role of volunteer work in the program’s success. “This program is the result of the extraordinary efforts of all of you,” Bader said. He announced that the association plans to develop new methods to enhance the program further. Additionally, Chicago board member Linda Spoleti is forging partnerships with Directors of International Affairs at local universities to support the mentoring program’s mission.
Susman said that other chapters are implementing similar initiatives. “Fulbright Germany started a Mentoring Program after hearing about ours two years ago at the Conference. They have a matching method that they plan to share with us—a collaborative effort,” Susman added.
A team venture
“It was a pleasure to accept the award and to have so many people express interest in implementing a similar program in their chapters.” Susman said. She acknowledged the collaborative effort * required to achieve such success. “We have done an extraordinary job, each of us in our own way. Some of you worked on the matching process over the years, others on the Handbook we refine each year. We have held events that were successful thanks to everyone’s participation, and some of you have presented webinars, implementing innovative ideas.”
Back in March 2021 a subcommittee formed by Ana Gil-García, Mary Mares-Awe and Hannah Callas started working on the first edition of the mentoring handbook. “It is a tool to guide Fulbright visiting scholars to navigate Chicago and its surrounding areas. It presents information provided by the mentors, with tips on transportation, housing, libraries, museums, entertainment venues, obtaining a driver license, healthcare providers, as well as cultural information,” Gil-García said. According to Susman, this is a useful resource to help Fulbrighters transition into their experience in the U.S.
Susman, a Fulbright Scholar with extensive international experience and a deep commitment to the community, is a professor emerita at Loyola University Chicago and continues her practice as a therapist. “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this program over the years, and to our current mentors and mentees, who are committed to making this the best year yet,” she concluded.
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* Current members of the Mentoring Commitee: Marilyn Susman, Linda Higgins Spoleti, Meghan McAuliffe, Lexie Asrow, Michael Schlesinger, Alan Teller, Mete Ozgurses, Sylvia Atsalis, Marina Oberemok, Carlos Rivas
Former members: Ana Gil García, Suzanne McBride, Rachel Birkley, Tatiana Orlova, Mary Mares-Awe, Gabrielle Kallgren
Photos by Fulbright Association, Washington DC
Following the film screening, local singer and actress 
The author emphasized the importance women can play in bringing attention to the devastating toll climate change is inflicting on people’s lives and the worldwide economy.
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 