Dr. Ron Harvey, past president of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, at the Chicago River.
By Ron Harvey—I LIVE IN Sofia, Bulgaria. I am a community psychologist (DePaul, 2014) who teaches psychology at American University in Bulgaria (AUBG.) I did both my Fulbrights in Bulgaria (Fulbright U.S. student, 2009-2010; Fulbright Scholar, 2016).
I like living in Bulgaria and I love my work and students; AUBG hosts over 40 nationalities from the region, and every classroom of 32 students typically have between 8 to 12 nationalities. However, there is nothing that makes me appreciate Chicago and the United States as much as my yearly visits to my hometown. What I am about to write about my most recent 3-week visit are simple pleasures, but they mean a lot to me. And in my opinion, they reflect the ideals of the Fulbright program: cultural exchange.
It starts when getting off the plane and walking to passport control. Passport control at O’Hare Airport is an enormous room holding several thousand travelers being directed my locals. Every face of every worker looks familiar, but I do not know them. But I can smile at them and they smile back. This makes me happy. Also, cutting in line is an art form in Bulgaria; this does not happen here (very much).
In the past few years, I came home to visit my family over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. This year and last I visited in mid-summer. Chicago’s summer is glorious. I had forgotten how beautiful and vibrant this city is during summer. A walk from Millennium Park to Oak Street on the Magnificent Mile yielded at least 20 musical performances on sidewalks, makeshift stages, and of course the Pritzker Pavilion. Every musician was good! And everyone smiled at me who caught my eye! Who knew that Chicago was such a friendly city?
LOOK AT THAT SKYLINE! LOOK AT THAT RIVER! OMG, THAT LAKE! I walked and walked along the lake during the day when you can have the lakefront almost to yourself. It is gorgeous and peaceful most of the time, but sometime behaves like the Black Sea.
The Chicago skyline. Source Wikipedia
And the food! These are things you cannot get in Southeastern Europe: hot dogs (Chicago and Coney-style)! Deep dish pizza! Pancakes for dinner as well as for breakfast! A steak as big as my chest! REAL Greek gyros! ICE! RE-FILLS! Bottomless cups of coffee! This is not healthy list, but imagine having nothing even close to this for the past year.
I am in Chicago for a conference of the Society for Community Research and Action, hosted at National Louis University. Throughout the conference, I kept talking to my fellow community psychology scholars and students about applying for Fulbright, saying over and over, “Fulbright changed my life.” Without Fulbright, I would not be living in Bulgaria or doing the work I do now. Being reunited with Chicago is part of that experience, bittersweet as it may be.
It is totally worth it. Let Fulbright change your life too!
Dr. Ronald Harvey was the president of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association in 2013 and 2014.
The moment when Dr. Norma Green is announced as the 2018 Dee Sarelas Service Award recipient.
THE FRIGID TEMPERATURES of past Friday, January 25, did not prevent over 110 attendees from participating in the 2019 Fulbright Chicago Winter Wonderland Reception at the Alliance Française in Chicago.
The celebration hosted Fulbright students, scholars and alumni, members of the Consular Corps and guests representing 52 countries from around the world. This annual signature event took place in conjunction with the Dee Sarelas Service Award Ceremony.
On this occasion, Dr. Norma Fay Green was the award recipient.
Cristina Sisson, previous Dee Sarelas Service Award winner announces the 2018 recipient.
Meredith McNeil, Fulbright Chicago Chapter president requested the guests to pause the winter soireée and introduced Cristina Sisson, our previous Dee Sarelas awardee. Sisson, a past Chicago Chapter board member, presented the award to Dr. Green, highlighting the many ways she has contributed to our local association over the years, and called her a world-traveler. “When I say the world, I don’t mean two countries in Europe, but the world,” Sisson said to the amusement of the attendees.
Dr. Norma Green shares her Fulbright message with the audience. Green did her first Fulbright in Denmark.
Dr. Green is a Columbia College Chicago Emerita Professor. She taught journalism at that institution for 29 years until her retirement in 2017. She received a Fulbright grant in 2000 as a visiting professor in Denmark and a 2011 Fulbright-Hays grant to Morocco and Tunisia.
Upon her return from Denmark, Dr. Green set about to internationalize the Columbia College Chicago Journalism Department curriculum. She actively mentored graduate students, especially international students, who expressed interest in teaching. Over the years she modeled classroom management techniques for teaching assistants from Nigeria, Italy, Brazil and Canada and gave them a platform to lead discussions on topics of their own choosing relating to their homelands. She continued to infuse a global perspective in all 23 different courses she eventually taught and also created by regular study trips to Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Dr Green and Michele, a Fulbrighter from Costa Rica exchange stories.
She volunteered to be on the board of the Chicago Fulbright chapter and served from 2002-2004. She was admitted to the Fulbright Senior Specialists Roster in 2003 becoming a regular participant to the Fulbright Chicago events and activities over the years.
A jazz duo provided the music to our annual event.
After getting trained in Washington, D.C. as a Fulbright Campus Representative in Fall 2002, Dr. Green created and conducted the Columbia College Chicago Annual Fulbright workshop for faculty and administrators, until her retirement.
Past Fulbright Chicago Chapter president Don Garner talks to Dr. Marilyn Susman (2010 Dee Sarelas Award recipient) and her husband Gary Auerbach.
The Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award, established in 2009, is named after a founder of the Fulbright Association Chicago Chapter: Aphrodite (“Dee”) Edith Floros Sarelas, an early Fulbrighter to Greece. This award acknowledges the person or institution that demonstrates its vocation of service to the Fulbright ideals and recognizes ‘‘the significant impact on the development of internationalism for the Fulbright Association and the Chicagoland community.”
Fulbrighters and guests enjoy the food, music and inviting atmosphere.
Past Dee Sarelas Service Award recipients include Loyola University Professor Emerita and psychotherapist Dr. Marilyn Susman; Architect and Studio Talo Principal Thomas Ahleman; Northeastern Illinois University Professor and Educational Leadership Advocate Dr. Ana Gil-García; Columbia College Chicago professor and multimedia journalist Elio Leturia; American University in Bulgaria Psychology Researcher Dr. Ron Harvey; and Chicago Public Schools Spanish Teacher Cristina Sisson.
Student Representative board member Teuta Peja welcomes Fulbrighters and guests to the annual event at the Alliance Francaise.
Participants from 52 countries enjoy a night of Fulbright camaraderie.
Chicago Chapter Board member Dr. Kari Burnett plays barwoman at the Winter Reception.
Argentine Deputy Consul Marcelo Boffi talks to Honduran Fulbright scholar Joan Miguel López.
The Winter Reception provides another opportunity to meet Fulbrighters from all over the world.
Previous Dee Sarelas Awardee Cristina Sisson was a Chicago Chapter board member for eight years.
The Winter Reception, scheduled until 8:30 pm got extended for an additional hour.
Board Member Dr. Richard Hallett and Chicago Chapter President Meredith McNeil
Dr. Norma Green poses with her Dee Sarelas Service Award.
The fun continued with an after party at Moe’s Cantina in River North …
By Teuta Peja—SOME 100 GUESTS gathered on Friday, January 27, 2017 at the elegant auditorium and reception space of the Alliance Française de Chicago, for the the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association Winter Holiday reception and Dee Sarelas Award ceremony.
Among the attendees were Fulbright alumni, current visiting Fulbright scholars, Fulbright students, eight members of the Chapter’s Board of Directors, friends, and family. The event was co-sponsored by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
Left to right, the organizing Holidays event and Dee Sarelas Committee: Kevin Spitta, Elio Leturia, Marilyn Sussman, 2016 Dee Sarelas awardee Cristina Sisson, Mary Mares-Awe, Teuta Peja, Meredith McNeal and Yasir Al-Ibrahem. Ron Harvey (not pictured) could not be present since he is teaching in Bulgaria.
Guests enjoyed socializing with each other, exchanging Fulbright experiences and intercultural discussions. The attendees represented some 40 countries from around the world.
Fulbright alumni and guests enjoyed a pleasant celebration with great food at the Alliance Française in Chicago.
Delicious appetizers, desserts and drinks were shared by all attendees.
The delicious buffet style food served at the Winter Reception included vegetarian options and complemented the festive atmosphere. A jazz trio of musicians from Columbia College Chicago provided the entertainment for almost three hours.
A Columbia College Chicago jazz trio offered live music during the event.
A group of visiting Fulbright students commented on the pleasant space and added that events like this create a wonderful opportunity to mingle, get to know other Fulbrighters and exchange advice about living and studying in Chicago.
The President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, Mary Mares-Awe welcomed guests with a heartwarming speech highlighting the mission of Fulbright to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States, and citizens of almost every nation on earth —through cultural, scientific, and educational exchange. She also thanked board members for volunteering their time and being dedicated to the Fulbright mission and its ideals.
The special part of the evening was the announcement of the winner of the prestigious biennial Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award. The award is given in recognition to a person who has worked diligently over the years to promote and carry out the Fulbright Mission. This year’s recipient is Ana Cristina Sisson, a long-time, dedicated Chicago Chapter member.
Cristina Sisson delivers her acceptance speech as the 2016 Fulbright Dee Sarelas Service Award recipient.
Ana Cristina Sisson holds a bachelor’s degree as a double major in Spanish and English from Colby College in Maine, and a Master’s degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. She was with Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program in Uruguay in 2006.
Cristina joined the Fulbright Association and the Chicago Chapter in 2008. Since joining the chapter, she has played a vital role in organizing many cultural and educational activities and events for thousands of Fulbrighters. She has also served in the position of Chapter treasurer until 2016.
In addition to her commitment to her young family and to the Fulbright Chapter, Cristina teaches Spanish at Hinsdale District One-Eighty-One. Prior to that, she taught Spanish at the Ogden International School of Chicago, and the Chase Elementary Magnet Cluster School in Chicago.
“In the spirit of service, Cristina has been an integral part of the board, serving in her portion in a totally volunteer status. Those who chose to do so, do it out or their dedication to the Fulbright mission. Cristina so richly deserves this award…because she’s done a tremendous job and is truly an inspirational person.” — Mary Mares-Awe, President, Fulbright Chicago
Fulbrighters from all over the world gathered at the Holidays event.
Traditionally, the previous award recipient presents the award to the new Dee Sarelas recipient, but this year it was different. The 2014 Dee Sarelas awardee, Ron Harvey, the Vice President of the Fulbright Chicago Chapter, was not present at the event because he is on a Fulbright research and teaching fellowship to Bulgaria.
The Holiday event and Dee Sarelas Award Ceremony was very-well attended. It has become the main Fulbright Chicago event of the year.
Current Fulbright students attending Columbia College Chicago. From left to right, Cyril Bassil (Lebanon,) Calisto Lemashon (Kenya,) Shreya Singh (India) and Melissa M. Jiménez (Trinidad and Tobago.)
But although Ron could not be present in person, he recorded a short video speech that was played at the ceremony. In his speech, Ron emphasizing Cristina’s friendliness, her engagement with the Fulbright Chicago Chapter, and her enthusiasm to promoting the values of the intercultural exchange through educational activities.
“Cristina is great at bringing the people together; she would invite visiting Fulbright over for dinners with her family as well as other Fulbrighters and expose our way of doing things with the visiting Fulbrighters. Cristina has the belief that you do not have to be official to have an impact in people. I can’t think of a better person to receive the Dee Sarelas service award”—Ron Harvey, Vice President, Fulbright Chicago
Fulbright Chicago president Mary Mares Awe talking to the Fulbright students, scholars and alumni.
Upon the acceptance of the award, Cristina remembered her Fulbright year in Uruguay working with the public-school teachers and her work with the Chicago Chapter board upon her return to the US. In her inspirational speech, Cristina spoke of Fulbrighers sharing the will and excitement of working toward making a difference in the community.
2010 Dee Sarelas recipient and Fulbright Chicago board member Dr. Marilyn Susman and Fulbright student Teuta Peja welcomed the attendees.
She encouraged people to join the board and participate in Fulbright-focused activities. She urged everyone to get involved in activities even though they may be out of their scope of work. She also advised people not to let the fear of not knowing what the job entails, to get in the way of participating… “When there is a need, take a risk.” She said in referencing her own resolve to take up the position of treasurer, when there was a need for someone to step into the role.
Cristina wrapped up her speech by emphasizing the Fulbright mission and legacy.
“I wanted to leave you all with Senator Fulbright’s words, to inspire us to visit local schools, ask a professor to visit their child’s school and talk about the Fulbright program, the mission and your home country or where you traveled. Don’t let the fear of being overwhelmed get in the way…”
Fulbrighters using social media and sharing photos.
After hearing the speeches, Manithda a visiting Fulbright student from Laos, said “The award ceremony made people get to know and appreciate people behind the scene more. I didn’t know who were the people behind the scene who did the good for people in the front until that award ceremony. This encourages me to want to help and voluntarily work with the Fulbright organizing group.”
Baris Mesci, a Visiting Student Researcher from Turkey and his wife Tutku Mizrak Mesci.
The guests congratulated Cristina on her award and praised the organizers —the members of the board— for putting up such an amazing event.
Fulbright Students attending the 2015 Chicago Chapter Winter Holiday Reception at the Knickerbocker Millennium Hotel.
THE CHICAGO CHAPTER of the Fulbright Association held its Winter Holiday Reception at the Knickerbocker Millennium Hotel downtown Chicago in the early part of December. The festive, holiday setting of the historic Knickerbocker Hotel proved a beautiful backdrop for the annual celebration.
Fulbright scholars attended the 2015 Winter Holidays Reception with their families.
Co-sponsored by the Institute of International Education (IIE), some 122 Fulbright Scholars, alumni, consular representatives, students, and friends of Fulbright attended the event on Friday, December 2, 2015.
Fulbright Chicago Chapter President Mary Mares-Awe, welcomes our guests.
Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet-style meal consisting of salmon, chicken, and vegetarian pasta along with salads and a wonderful chocolate mousse for dessert.
Ron Harvey, the Vice President of the Chicago Chapter served as the Master of Ceremonies. He briefly spoke of his Fulbright experience as a Fulbright Scholar to Bulgaria, before introducing Mary Mares-Awe, the President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association.
Hon. Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, shares his experiences as a foreign exchange student.
Mary welcomed all attendees and in her speech reminded the audience of the celebratory focus of the event. “One of the main reasons to celebrate is that tonight we have 48 countries represented by scholars, students and members of various Chicago consulates.” she said. In addition, the alumni in attendance have visited 21 countries through the Fulbright Program.
Also attending the 2015 Winter Holiday reception, were many representatives from among Chicago’s consular corps including Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Hon. Consul General of India; Mr. Michael Wood, Hon. Consul General of Australia; Mr. Andre King, Hon. Consul of Barbados; Mr. Ihsan Sweiss, Hon. Consul General of Jordan, Mr. Toshiyuki Iwado, Hon. Consul General of Japan; Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Hon. Consul General of Pakistan; Mr. Ilker Pak representing the Turkish Consulate in Chicago, and the consulate of Haiti was represented by Ms. Marie Casimir.
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Hon. Consul General of India; Mr. Michael Wood, Hon. Consul General of Australia; Mary Mares-Awe, President of the Chicago Chapter and Mr. Toshiyuki Iwado, Hon. Consul General of Japan.
“Another reason to celebrate”, Mary continued, “is that 2016 marks the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright program.” Various activities will be planned through the year around the theme of the anniversary.
Fulbright guests enjoying a lively conversation
Columbia College Chicago jazz trio provided excellent live music.
“And the biggest reason to celebrate, is our friendship solidified by our experiences as Fulbrighters” Mary Mares-Awe added in conclusion. After Mary’s welcoming speech, the Hon. Consul General of Pakistan to Chicago, Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, gave a brief speech outlining the importance of educational exchange programs, by recounting his own experiences as a foreign exchange student prior to his diplomatic career. Of the Fulbright scholars and students studying this year in Chicago, Pakistan, represented by six Fulbrighters, comprises the second largest group after Mexico.
A jazz trio of music students from Columbia College Chicago added to the warm, festive atmosphere of the event with their professional-level performance of jazz music through the evening.
Consul General of Japan Hon. Toshiyuki Iwado, Fulbright Association Chicago Chapter President Mary Mares-Awe, and Vice President Dr. Ron Harvey stand next to a display of a traditional Japanese kimono.
By Jade Stanley —THE CHICAGO CHAPTER of the Fulbright Association held its Fall Welcome on Friday, October 16. This was the biggest Fall Welcome ever organized by the Chapter, with some 120 attendees representing more than 60 countries.
Seven students who came from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign especially for this event: Mohammad Omar Hasseeb (Egypt,) Pericles Alejandro Bayas Mora (Ecuador,) Rodrigo Betanzo Dávila (Chile,) now doing his OPT in Chicago, Caro Chantrill (Argentina,) also doing her OPT in Chicago, Waqar Zia (Pakistan,) Juan Diego Núñez (Dominican Republic) and Aleksey Perekipniy (Russia).
Ron Harvey, the Chapter’s Vice President introduced The Consul General of Japan Hon. Toshiyuki Iwado, who welcomed the participants followed by a speech by Mary Mares-Awe, the current Chapter President.
In her welcoming speech, Mary thanked the Consulate General of Japan for providing a wonderful space to host our program. She encouraged those present to “use Fulbright as a platform to strengthen bonds, build friendships and promote peaceful coexistence” among people around the world.
Atendees exchange ideas over a catered meal.
Egyptian Fulbrighters (L-R) Khalid Shaalan, Raghda El-Mogui, and Mohamed Omar enjoyed the iO Theater improv comedy performance.
During a catered buffet dinner, attendees had an opportunity to mingle and learn about each other, and to affirm friendships, along with academic, and professional connections that will last for years.
The main focus of the Fall Welcome is to provide a friendly forum for newly arrived visiting Fulbrighters and to meet chapter board members, Chicago-area alumni, and to introduce them to a Chicago’s unique cultural aspects. It provides a perfect opportunity for cultural enrichment of both visiting Fulbrighters and association members.
Jill Fenstermaker a performer from iO Theater leads students in a fun, comedy acting excersice
One of the cultural legacies of Chicago is the rich history its improvised comedy theater. Attendees at Friday’s event got a unique treat to attend a performance of improvised Shakespeare at the iO Theater.
Fulbrighters (L-R) Shafia Imtiaz, Shehrbano Minallah, and Raghda El-Mogui had fun attending the Shakespeare comedy improv performance at iO Theater.
Prior to leaving for the theater, Ron Harvey along with Tess Borgerding who is a performer at CiC Theater, and Jill Fenstermaker who performs at iO Theater, set the stage by leading participants in a series hilarious comedy acting exercises.
Following the activities at the Japanese Consulate, guests were escorted to the iO Theater as a group using public transportation and were able to view the iO Theater photographs and artifacts reflecting the history of Chicago improv comedy.
The Chicago Board members of the Fulbright Association want to thank everyone for coming out and participating in our Fall Welcome and look forward to all of you joining us for upcoming Fulbright Association events.
THIS YEAR the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association would like to introduce visiting Fulbright Students and Scholars to a cultural icon of Chicago: a performance of The Improvised Shakespeare Company at iO Chicago.
Sponsored by our chapter and the Institute of International Education IIE, our 2015 Fall Welcome event has a dinner and a show. All association members with their families, colleagues and friends are invited.
WHEN Friday, October 16th, 2015
CASUAL DINNER 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Consulate General of Japan, 737 North Michigan Avenue (enter at 151 E Chicago Ave. and take the elevator to the 11th floor.) Suite 1100, Chicago, Illinois 60611
SHOW After dinner we will go to The Improvised Shakespeare Company at iO Chicago located at 1501 N. Kingsbury St. in Chicago. See http://www.improvisedshakespeare.com/ for a sample! The performance starts at 10:30 p.m. but before the show we can mingle, enjoy a drink at the iO full service bar, and view the photos of famous improvisers and performers of of the iO Theater. Fifty tickets have already been distributed to Fulbright students and scholars. If you need a ticket, feel free to get one here.
COSTFREE for current visiting Fulbright Students, Scholars, and Teachers. Please RSVP here. $20 for alumni, each adult family member, and/or guest(s). You may pay in person with cash, credit card, or online using PayPal (+$1 processing fee) after you submit this form.
RSVP by Wednesday, October 14th, 2015 using this form.
You may order tickets ($16 each) for The Improvised Shakespeare Company performance for yourself or your guests. Please select the October 16th 10:30 show via iO box office at 312-929-2401 or here.(Note there is NO fee for telephone orders.)
Chicago chapter President Mary Mares-Awe, Dr. Herma Williams, Elio Leturia, Don Garner, Brey Doyle, Fulbright Association Executive Director Jennifer Oxley, Ron Harvey and Dolores Rinke.
By Mary Mares-Awe—JENNIFER OXLEY, THEEXECUTIVE Director of the Fulbright Association, and Dr. Herma Williams, Member of its Board of Directors visited Chicago on May 7 and 8. They met at a cocktail reception with several members of the Chicago chapter board to exchange ideas, discuss future plans and talk about the Fulbright experiences.
This was an excellent opportunity to meet with members of the National team in a casual, after-work atmosphere in pleasant surroundings of the 676 restaurant in the heart of Chicago.
Elio Leturia and Jennifer Oxley at Columbia College Chicago
Also in attendance was Chicago board member Brey Doyle, who is leaving Chicago to begin her master’s in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Nationwide there are more than 50 Fulbright Association chapters, and Chicago is one of the largest and most active ones. It’s exciting to have a strong working relationship with, and the support of, the National Office.
Ms. Oxley and Dr. Williams also visited Columbia College Chicago with our Director of Communications, Elio Leturia, who is a journalism associate professor in the Communication and Media Innovation Department of Columbia College.
Almost 100 people participated in the 2015 Spring Farewell at the Garfield Park Conservatory
By Jade Stanley—THE BEAUTIFUL GARFIELD PARK Conservatory in Chicago served as the backdrop for the 2015 Spring Farewell Luncheon. The event, sponsored by The Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter and the International Institute of Education (IIE), was held on Saturday, April 25 at the Conservatory’s Jensen Room.
More than 60 countries were represented by almost 100 participants including members of the Chicago Consular Corps, Fulbright Scholars, students, alumni, and family members who all came out to share in the special day.
Dr. Ron Harvey, vice-president of the Fulbright Chicago Chapter and Hon. Andre King, Consul General of Barbados.
The farewell gathering provides an opportunity for Fulbright Association members of the Chicago Chapter to say ‘thank you’ to our guests, and for visiting Fulbrighters and alumni, to affirm friendships, and academic, and professional connections that will last for years.
Although the day was gray and rainy, the Garfield Park Conservatory was a wonderful place to visit as the plants and flowers were in full bloom, reminding us of warmer days to come. It’s one of the largest and most stunning conservatories in the nation and has been referred to as “landscape art under glass.” Thousands of plants are grown here each year. The Conservatory itself is located in Garfield Park, a 184-acre site.
Chicago Chapter president Mary Mares-Awe and Rhandy Barba, Fulbright student from Panama.
In her welcoming speech, Chapter President, Mary Mares-Awe, praised the beauty of nature’s environment as showcased by the Conservatory, but she also reminded us of nature’s destructive force – exemplified that day by the mass-scale earthquake in Nepal.
Mary said “nature is something we can’t control, but we do have influence over human relationships in trying to prevent war and destruction.” She encouraged those present to “use Fulbright as a platform to strengthen bonds, build friendships and promote peaceful coexistence” among people around the world.
Guests at the luncheon enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Wishbone, a southern-inspired restaurant. The menu included blackened catfish, baked chicken, fresh mixed greens, southern-style mashed potatoes, and cornbread.
The following are an example of some of the comments expressed by the attendees:
Joan Clarke, a visiting scholar, completed her Fulbright in Jamaica and commented on the exciting year she had in Chicago and how it has inspired her to continue her research.
Norma Green, journalism professor at Columbia College Chicago, completed her Fulbright in Denmark and later a Fulbright-Hays in Morocco and Tunisia and stated she loves to come out and participate in Fulbright sponsored events, which provides and opportunity to share her experiences and learn what other Fulbrighters are doing both in Chicago and around the world. John Corbett accompanies her to these events and also commented on the richness of the exchanges.
Kukunda Elizabeth Bacwayo, visiting scholar from Uganda, has had a remarkable year in Chicago teaching and conducting research and is hopeful to extend her time here in Chicago to continue her work and continue to develop rich friendships and relationships with other Fulbright scholars.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is open 365 days a year and it had recently reopened after the damaging hailstorm of 2011. What a great location to say hello to spring!
The Chicago Board members of the Fulbright Association want to thank everyone for coming out and participating in our Spring Farewell and wish each of you a safe journey home and best wishes on all of your future endeavors.
Chicago Chapter board members Kari Burnett, Cristina Sisson, Jenni Schneiderman and Meredith McNeil celebrate with Ron Harvey, recipient of the 2014 Dee Sarelas Service Award
By Mary Mares-Awe—MORE THAN 80 GUESTS attended the annual, end-of-the-year, Winter Holiday reception sponsored by the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and the Institute of International Education (IIE).
Professor Norma Green, Ahmed Affan from Pakistan and Gigi Posejpal, Director of International Student Affairs at Columbia College Chicago
Mr. Ilker Pak, Honorable Consul of Turkey in Chicago
The event took place on Friday, December 12th at Columbia College, downtown Chicago. Among those in attendance were Fulbright Association members, board members, friends of Fulbright, alumni, Fulbright scholars from more than 35 countries, as well as consular representatives including the Consul General of France, Vincent Floreani, Consul of Turkey, Ilker Pak, and the Consul of Costa Rica, Javier Rojas.
Mr. Javier Rojas, Honorable Consul of Costa Rica, Fulbright Chicago Chapter President Ron Harvey and Mr. Vincent Floreani, Honorable Consul General of France
Guests enjoyed several types of wine as well as non-alcoholic beverages and a variety of foods including Vietnamese Spring Rolls, South of the Border specialties, cheeses and charcuterie, salads, and wonderful deserts with beautifully decorated Christmas cookies.
A Columbia College Chicago jazz trio entertaining the audience
A trio made up of Columbia College Chicago music students certainly did justice to the great American music genre—jazz, adding a festive atmosphere to the event and entertaining guests throughout the evening.
RON HARVEY GETS THE 2014 DEE SARELAS SERVICE AWARD
2014 Dee Sarelas Service Award
The annual celebrations present a great opportunity to see old friends and make new connections within our Fulbright community. It’s also a time when the Chapter presents the prestigious Dee Sarelas Service Award.
This year Dr. Ron Harvey, a psychology researcher at DePaul University and current president of the Chicago Chapter, was the recipient of the award. The other nominees were Cristina Sisson (Argentina 2007,) treasurer of the Chapter, and Don Garner (European Union 2001,) Consular Corps Liaison and past-president 2006.
Last year Dee Sarelas Service Award recipient Elio Leturia from Columbia College Chicago, presenting Ron Harvey with the 2014 award.
The service award was created to honor the memory of one of the founding members of the Fulbright Association’s Chicago Chapter—Dee Sarelas. Dee is remembered for her unique ability for bringing people across cultures together. In addition to her many contributions, Dee also worked for the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army Training College, and as a liaison at White House conferences.
Dr. Richard Farkas of DePaul University, Fulbright Specialist to Ukraine, Taras Tzlupko and Ron Harvey
“It’s a real honor to be in the company of such high caliber people who have won the award previously,” said Ron after receiving the award. Some of the past recipients are Marilyn Susman, Thomas Ahleman, Ana Gil-García and Elio Leturia.
Fulbrighter Aziz Pulatov from Uzbekistan and his daughter, Shakina
“It’s great that we can do our part to fulfill the Fulbright mission here in Chicago. The honor is a great accomplishment of that. It’s a reminder that you can fulfill the Fulbright mission no matter where you are”, he added.
Ron, who did his Fulbright in Bulgaria in 2009-2010, will be leaving for Bulgaria again next year to work on a pioneering project in the field of community psychology. He, no doubt, and true to form, will continue to work in the Fulbright spirit— making the world a better place.
Fulbright alumna Virginia Miller (Guatemala 1993, Mexico 1996-97) and Adam Gehr
Chicago Chapter Treasurer Cristina Sisson and her husband Michael Tamm
Fulbright alumna Maureen Warren (Poland 1980-81,) Fulbright scholar Almir Pestek from Bosnia, and Mary Mares-Awe, Chicago Chapter Board member
Uruguayan Fulbright alumna Andrea Catarivas and her husband Andre Frieden
Photos by Mary Mares-Awe, Jenni Schneiderman, Ron Harvey, Elio Leturia
Fulbrighters from around the world attended the 38th Annual Fulbright Conference in Washington DC
By Ron Harvey—MORE THAN 300 Fulbrighters from around the world attended the 38th Fulbright Association Conference in Washington DC this past October 16-18. Representing our Chicago Chapter, president Ron Harvey, and Director of Membership Jenni Schneiderman attended the conference.
Although the theme of the Conference was “Dare to Act,” the words that were repeatedly heard in conversations and presentations were, “Fulbright changed my life,” which succinctly express how the majority of the over 325,000 Fulbright alumni to date feel after going through such an experience.
Dr. Hans Blix and Dr. Ron Harvey
Dr. Hans Blix (Fulbright to USA, 1951), the winner of this year’s Fulbright Prize also said, “Fulbright changed my life.” The Fulbright Prize is awarded every other year since 1993 (the first winner was Nelson Mandela), and “recognizes and rewards outstanding contributions toward bringing peoples, cultures, or nations to greater understanding of others.” Chatting with Dr. Blix for a few minutes was a pleasure. When he learned I was a member of the Chicago Chapter, he smiled broadly and said: “There are so many Swedes in Chicago!” He was especially pleased that our 2012 Spring Farewell event was held at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville, and said he hoped to take his grandchildren there someday.
Dr. Harvey and Dr. Mary Ellen Schmider, vice president of the Board of Directors of the Fulbright Association
U.S. Diplomat Thomas R. Pickering gave the Fulbright Prize to Dr. Blix at the fabulous ceremony on the night of Friday Oct. 17 at the Ronald Regan Building in DC. In his speech, Pickering (U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations 1989-1992, among other appointments) offered a bold suggestion: that the Fulbright Awards should become a permanent endowment of public-private sponsorship and thus no longer face the whims of a budget-conscious and/or politically-motivated Congress. Hearing Harriet Mayor-Fulbright, wife of the late J. William Fulbright, was an inspiration as were a number of the young Fulbright recipients onstage for the ceremony.
In his acceptance speech for the Fulbright Prize at the Reagan Center, Dr. Blix used language that is familiar to any Fulbrighter about global perspectives, cultural sensibility, leadership, and the humility of being “teachable” that comes with the Fulbright experience.
Tom Healy, Chairman of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board addresses the audience
In presentations over two days diverse topics and international experiences were shared. For instance, initiatives that put Palestinian and Israeli musicians together to perform concerts together all around the world could ease hostilities were presented. Fellow Chicagoan Dr. Cecilia A. Conrad, Vice President of the MacArthur Fellows Program spoke about like-minded MacArthur Fellows, epidemiologist Dr. Janine Jagger and musician Corey Harris.
Chicago Chapter Membership Director Jenni Schneiderman (right) presented at the conference
Jenni Schneiderman, Director of Membership of the Fulbright Chicago chapter also presented at the Conference. Schneiderman, a Fulbrighter to Mendoza, Argentina in 2009, presented on her work with Ashoka Start Empathy which teaches empathy skills via a network of Ashoka Fellows and other partners around the world.
The conference offered a feeling that the basic philosophy of Senator Fulbright lives on healthily to this day: putting people from different cultures face-to-face in the same room with a common purpose to conduct research together – or to sing and dance together – can change the world.
Author’s note: Throughout the conference, I met with many Chapter Presidents and officers who face the same challenges as our Chapter: how to support and add value to our current members, how to increase membership, and how to show the value of Institutional membership to Chicago-area universities and colleges. If any of you have ideas on how we can address these challenges, we would love to hear from you (fulbrightchicago@gmail.com).
I am in my final two months as President of our Chapter. The next president will face the same challenges and reap the same rewards as I did. I invite you to consider joining the Board. I invite you to become involved with planning our activities bringing visiting Fulbright Students and Scholars together with you, our Alumni and Friends of Fulbright. I invite you to further the Senator’s namesake and mission right here in the Chicago area.
Photos courtesy of Ron Harvey and Jenni Schneiderman
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 