Tag Archives: Ron Harvey

Exploring six degrees of separation in Fulbright branding workshop

Posted on November 16, 2013 by | Leave a comment
Fred Siegman leading the "Branding " workshop at Columbia College Chicago

Fred Siegman leading the “Fulbright Branding Effect on Membership Development” workshop at Columbia College Chicago

By Mary Mares-Awe—LEADERSHIP, CONNECTIONS, relationship building, common values…these are some of the concepts discussed at last Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013 workshop entitled “The Fulbright Branding Effect on Membership Development” that took place in the journalism department at Columbia College Chicago.

The workshop was possible thanks to a small grant from the National Fulbright Association and led by Fred Siegman, a branding expert and consultant to major corporations and nonprofit organizations. Forty people attended the workshop including eight members of the Fulbright Chicago Chapter board. Organized by Chicago Chapter Director of Membership Ana Gil-García, and President Ron Harvey, the purpose of the four-hour training session was to develop a strategy to promote the Chicago Chapter, expand awareness of its activities among Fulbright alumni, and increase membership.

Participants during breakfast prior to the workshop

Participants during breakfast prior to the workshop

Participants had the chance to get to know one another through a series of communication exercises. Because of the workshop we now know where the term “six degrees of separation” comes from. It’s all about finding commonality with complete strangers and building new relationships.

Among other exercises, Fred Siegman explained how to find connections between people.

Among other exercises, Fred Siegman explained how to find connections between people.

For me personally, it was fun to learn, in just a few seconds, that I had something in common with the person sitting next to me. It turns out we both are life time members of the Fulbright Association. She had a Fulbright to Warsaw, Poland; my best friend in college was born in Warsaw, and the Cultural and Educational Attaché at the American Embassy in Macedonia, the country where I had my Fulbright, taught ESL in Poland before joining the Foreign Service.

Siegman also emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and learning from each other especially from those who’ve been part of Fulbright for many years. He said the workshop provided a great reflection of cross generational communication and shared interests.

Eighty eight year-old Dr. Bruce Douglas , the first president of the Chicago chapter of the Fulbright Association participated in the workshop.

Eighty-eight-year-old Dr. Bruce Douglas, the first president of the Chicago chapter of the Fulbright Association, participated in the workshop.

“We have here age groups spanning 40-50 years” Siegman observed. Just then someone chimed in “65 years… or more.” All heads turned in his direction. To everyone’s surprise and delight, he introduced himself as 88-year-old Dr. Bruce Douglas, the first president of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association.  We’ll hear more from Dr. Douglas in an upcoming post in the form of an interview.

Participants networking in the Orange Area of the Journalism department of Columbia College Chicago during a break.

Participants networking in the Orange Area of the Journalism department of Columbia College Chicago during a break.

Photos by Elio Leturia

Leave a comment

Posted in Chicago events, Fulbright

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chicago welcomes Fulbright students and scholars

Posted on October 28, 2013 by | Leave a comment
A great Fall Welcome event to start the academic year

A great Fall Welcome event to start the academic year

By Cristina Sisson—ON SEPTEMBER 28th, 2013, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and the Institute of International Education (IIE) kicked off the 2013 academic year with a Fall Welcome in the heart of Chicago’s Pilsen Historic District.

Fulbright students and scholars getting ready for the Pilsen neighborhood toor

Fulbright students and scholars getting ready for the Pilsen neighborhood toor

Over eighty visiting Fulbright scholars and students from around the world and twenty Chicago-area alumni gathered on a sunny fall day for an informal lunch  at Simone’s, a unique local bar, located on Chicago’s near south side.  After brief introductions and invitations to participate in future Chicago Chapter events, guests competed against each other to complete a Chicago facts scavenger hunt.

Fulbright Chicago Treasurer Cristina Sisson and President Ron Harvey explaining how the Chicago Scavenger Trivia works

Fulbright Chicago Treasurer Cristina Sisson and President Ron Harvey explaining how the Chicago Scavenger Trivia works

Participants worked in groups on the Chicago Scavenger Hunt

Participants worked in groups on the Chicago Scavenger Hunt

Guests then enjoyed an informal lecture on the history of the Pilsen community by Northeastern professor, Luis Ortiz, before being divided into small walking groups led by local community members.

Participants listen to the presentation at Simone's, prior to start the Pilsen neighborhood tour

Participants listen to the presentation at Simone’s, prior to start the Pilsen neighborhood tour

Participants and guests listening to the presentation

Participants and guests listening to the presentation

Fulbrighters and guests flooded onto the streets of Pilsen to check out the neighborhood murals, community centers, and artist studios while Professor Ortiz highlighted the historical significance of certain buildings, murals, and streets.  It was a perfect start to year of events organized by our Chicago Chapter.

Students and scholars walking on Pilsen streets on a beautiful fall day

Students and scholars walking on Pilsen streets on a beautiful fall day

Guests also had the opportunity to purchase “I am Fulbright Chicago” t-shirts, designed by board member, Elio Leturia.  T-shirts will be available for purchase at every Fulbright event in navy and sky blue for $15.00. Get yours before they are sold out!

On the way to the Pilsen murals

On the way to the Pilsen murals

A great chance to meet Fulbrighters from all over the world

A great chance to meet Fulbrighters from all over the world

Photos Courtesy Ivy Gladys Marischa, Patti Powell and Elio Leturia

Leave a comment

Posted in Fulbright

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Good luck on your way back home! 2013 Spring Farewell was celebrated in Greektown

Posted on May 10, 2013 by | Leave a comment
The first group of participants pose at the rooftop of the museum

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.

The second group gathers at the first floor for a talk.

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 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

Participants observe the historical photographs of the exhibit

After the museum tour, a delicious Greek buffet was awaiting at The Parthenon Restaurant

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 can try on clothing used by the the Greek immigrants

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

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

At the third floor of the museum, participants participate with interactive programs

Fabiënne Zuijdwijk, Marilyn Susman and Martón Sicklos

Fabiënne Zuijdwijk, board member Marilyn Susman and Martón Sicklós

Chicago Chapter Board member Don Garner and his daughter at the Oral History archive

Chicago Chapter Board member Don Garner and his daughter at the Oral History center

Participants at the Oral History archive

Participants at the Oral History center

Marcial Escudero and his girlfriend right before the tour

Fulbright scholar Marcial Escudero and his girlfriend right before the tour

Participants listening to the tour guide at the rooftop

Participants listening to the tour guide at the rooftop

It was a beautiful spring day for the 2013 Fulbright student farewell.

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

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

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.

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.

Another Fulbright student receiving her Certificate of completion at the Parthenon Restaurant

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.

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.

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.

Photos by Ron Harvey and Elio Leturia

Leave a comment

Posted in Fulbright

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fulbrighters Say Hej Då

Posted on May 2, 2012 by | 2 comments

Fulbright students and scholars during the Spring Farewell Lunch at Reza’s Restaurant in the Andersonville area of Chicago

By Thomas Ahleman — THIS PAST SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH 2012, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and the Institute of International Education IIE, said congratulations and farewell to several of the visiting Fulbright students and scholars who are completing their studies in the area or finishing with their research or teaching.

The chapter held the annual farewell luncheon event at the Swedish American Museum and Reza’s Restaurant, both in the Andersonville neighborhood.

The Swedish American Museum tour was divided in two groups. Jessie Aucoin, Education Director of the museum, offering a tour on the second floor.

Thirty-seven friends of the Fulbright program were on hand for a tour of the museum, which included a photography and painting exhibit, “Images of Sweden” as well as the permanent exhibition on Swedish emigration to the U.S.

Spanish Fulbrighter Federico Padrones with his wife and daughter on the third floor of the museum, at the children exhibit

Board members Bruni Hirsch and Kari Burnett during the farewell lunch

Those present included alumni, members of the Fulbright Association board, Fulbrighters, family members as well as the Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Zaheer Pervaiz Khan and his wife.

The museum visit also included a stop at the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration located on the third floor of the museum where the younger (and a few not-so young) guests enjoyed playing on a miniature Swedish stuga (farm,) a miniature ocean liner like the ones that ferried Swedes to the U.S…. and of course on the Viking ship.

Learning about so many people saying goodbye to friends and family to pursue their dreams was a particularly poignant setting for our farewell event.

Following the visit to the museum, everyone enjoyed the delicious Persian buffet at Reza’s Restaurant, where Chapter president Elio Leturia presented certificates to those visiting Fulbrighters who are concluding their studies this spring.

Chicago Chapter president Elio Leturia addressing the Fulbright students and scholars prior to handing their diplomas of completion

Leturia also reminisced about the chapter’s robust program of events over the past year that included the Fall Welcome, Noche Bohemia, International Education Week, Winter Holidays, International Women’s Day and the Rush Hospital Architectural Tour. He also wished our esteemed guests good luck on their journeys home.

Curator Veronica Robinson leading a tour at the first floor of the Swedish Museum where a photography and painting exhibit, “Images of Sweden” is on display

Education Director Jessie Aucoin showing the wall where names of Swedish immigrants are engraved on plaques

Fulbrighter Farida Abdulhafizova, who has finished her studies, with Eldar Seitek and guest Linda Dannenberg

Reza’s menu included falafel, hummus, different kinds of stews and salads, rice and several vegetarian options

Fulbrighter Yazmina Buitrago getting her certificate of completion

Alumna Dr. Norma Green, her husband John Corbett, Chicago Chapter Vice President Thomas Ahleman and Ana Gómez, wife of Colombian Fulbrighter Andrés Gómez

Photos by Ron Harvey and Jason Romano

2 Comments

Posted in Fulbright

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,