The first group of participants pose at the rooftop of the museum
THE NATIONAL HELLENIC MUSEUM and the Parthenon Restaurant in the Greektown area of Chicago were the spots chosen this year to celebrate the accomplishments of the Fulbright students in the Chicago area that have completed their programs and are getting ready to leave for their countries of origin.
Participants gather at the first floor for a talk.
More than 70 participants among Fulbright students, alumni and guests got together at 11 a.m. at the new Hellenic Museum site for a tour of the facility. The museum, whose mission is to showcase and celebrate the contributions of the Greek and Greek American communities, was inaugurated 16 months ago, in December of 2011.
The second floor exhibit area of the Hellenic Museum
The new museum (the original was founded in 1983) is hosted in a contemporary and beautiful 40,000 square-foot building that features a library, several exhibition halls, and archival research center, and oral history center and different classrooms. There is also a rooftop (that can be rented for events) that has a magnificent view of the Chicago skyline.
Participants observe the historical photographs of the exhibit
After the museum tour, a delicious Greek buffet was awaiting at The Parthenon Restaurant
The participants were divided into two groups to tour the museum.
Every year in late April, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and the Institute of International Education organize the Spring Farewell event in an ethnic neighborhood.
Participants could try on clothing used by the the Greek immigrants
Certificates of completion are awarded to the Fulbright students who came to the Chicago area universities to pursue, generally, a master’s or PhD degrees. Last year, the Swedish neighborhood in Andersonville was chosen with a visit to the Swedish American Museum.
However, the Fulbright scholars, who generally are professors and researchers, are also invited to share the accomplishment of the students.
After the tour, a delicious Greek buffet was offered at the Parthenon Restaurant, right across from the Hellenic Museum where everybody had a chance to share moments of conviviality, celebrating the Fulbright spirit.
The second group listens to the tour guide, a passionate descendant of Greek immigrants
At the third floor of the museum, participants participate with interactive programs
Fabiënne Zuijdwijk, board member Marilyn Susman and Martón Sicklós
Chicago Chapter Board member Don Garner and his daughter at the Oral History center
Participants at the Oral History center
Fulbright scholar Marcial Escudero and his girlfriend right before the tour
Participants listening to the tour guide at the rooftop
It was a beautiful spring day for the 2013 Fulbright student farewell.
The Greek buffet at The Parthenon Restaurant, right across from the Hellenic Museum
Students share a delicious lunch at the Parthenon Restaurant right before getting their Fulbright Association certificates of completion
Alexandra de León receiving her Certificate of Completion right after lunch at the Parthenon Restaurant. With her, Ronald Harvey, President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association.
Eva Borjas receiving her Certificate of completion at the Parthenon Restaurant
A group photo of the students who attended the event and got their certificates. No, they are not possessed; that’s the flash on their eyes. So many cameras shooting at the same time.
Ten Fulbright Association Chicago chapter board members attended the Spring Farewell: Heidi Rockwell, Kari Burnett, Regina Mamou, Marilyn Susman, Elio Leturia, Ana Gil García, Cristina Sisson, Thomas Ahleman and Ronald Harvey. Not pictured, Jason Romano and Don Garner.
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 