Celebrating in person the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program.
ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2021, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association celebrated its annual Fall Event, “Celebration of Fulbright,” commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. In our first in-person event after 17 months, we were joined by alumni, current visiting Fulbright students and scholars, members of the consular corps, and friends of Fulbright. It was an honor for us to host Consul General Bruno Ruff of Switzerland, Consul General Wolfgang Moessinger of Germany, and Consul of Economics and Trade Monika Boksova of the Czech Republic.
Consul General Bruno Ruff of Switzerland, Chicago Chapter President Edel Jose, and Consul General Wolfgang Moessinger of Germany
For over three hours guests enjoyed an evening at the Cliff Dwellers private club, located in the 22nd floor penthouse of the former BorgWarner building overlooking Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. They were serenaded by the beautiful tunes of pianist, Elizabeth Doyle, surrounded by a backdrop of the Chicago skyline.
“The well-attended event offered an outstanding platform for sharing ideas and experiences amongst the numerous Fulbright alumni, docents, current Fulbright students, and members of the Chicago Consular Corps.”
—Consul General Bruno Ruff of Switzerland
An evening of enjoyment overlooking Lake Michigan
Since March 2020, a series of activities and events have taken place virtually to maintain our Chicago chapter united. “We were so fortunate that even though it was virtual, a lot of the chapter was staying connected with us,” Dr. Jose said, thanking all board members for their participation during the virtual gatherings behind-the-scenes work. In her welcoming speech, she also highlighted last year’s International Education Week, which was led by our chapter’s vice-president Teuta Peja.
Dr. Marilyn Susman
Guests were pleased to meet face to face again. “Yes, it was great to see everybody in person. Everybody was happy to be there! We should have more events in person,” María Salazar, a chemical engineer Fulbright alumna from Mexico said.
Chapter board member Dr. Marilyn Susman, offered a few words to the guests. She announced the creation of a mentorship program for the current international Fulbright visitors. Alumni and current students welcomed the initiative and expressed their interest to participate as mentors and mentees. PH
“The event organized by Fulbright Chicago Chapter provided avenues to socialize and brought a breeze of normalcy to the Fulbright community in Chicago. The event turned out to be much more than a networking session – it was a night to learn something new, celebrate special moments, and look towards the future with resolution and confidence.”
—Naida Softic, Fulbright student from Bosnia and Herzegovina
“The whole group was super excited about the event, and those who could not attend were a little disappointed to see such a beautiful view of the place in the group photos,” Colombian Alejandro Morales, master’s student in Museum and Exhibition Studies at UIC, said. “The whole organization is very nice … very comforting for all the scholarship recipients to attend these gatherings in person. Hopefully, as far as possible, it can be repeated.” PH “Let’s remember how much Fulbright meant to us, let’s continue to be Fulbrighters, continue to connect,” Dr. Jose said.
Chicago Chapter President Dr. Edel Jose, and Vice President Teuta Peja.Visiting Fulbright student and scholars at the Cliff Dwellers Private Club.
By Teuta Peja—IN CELEBRATION OF International Education Week 2020, the Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter, in cooperation with Chicago Public Schools took students on a virtual trip to Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Russia.
Four Fulbright alumni from Chicago, Annie Loge, Anna Perkins, Alana Murphy, and Laura Savage who got their Fulbright awards in those countries, shared the values of cultural understanding and international exchange with K-12 students of Columbia Explorers Academy, Multicultural Arts High School, and Prosser Career Academy. Through the interactive presentations of our Fulbright Alumni, students got acquainted with culture and business in Guadalajara, Mexico, discussed what it means to be a “Global Citizen”, compared the population size of Chicago with that of Manila, The Philippines, and brainstormed ways in which a densely packed population might impact day-to-day life.
This is part of the Fulbright in the Classroom ongoing program.
Curious students tested their knowledge by playing Kahoot and participating in the discussion. Through interactive activities, students got to learn about the food, religion, and different lifestyles people have in different parts of the world. Laksa, a famous Malaysian dish, seemed to have caught students’ attention. Impressed with various languages spoken around the globe, language-inclined students practiced greeting in Russian. Hoping to take this virtual adventure further, students expressed interest in the process of studying abroad through Fulbright and other similar programs.
Students enjoyed the virtual trip through the Fulbrighters stories, moreover they appreciated the work of the Fulbrighters around the world. Fifty minutes of sharing a meaningful experience can have a lasting impact on the students. Laura shared one of the many letters she has received from students after her presentation.
“ Dear Miss. Laura, I want to thank you for all the things that you did for your students. You taught them countries and holidays. I found a beautiful city that I could go to one day and that is Malaysia. You are needed to the whole world. You are meaningful. I wish you are getting so much good luck. I want you to have the best feast on Thanksgiving. How yummy is that?! Who is your favorite Marvel/DC Superhero ever Ms.Laura?” Student at Columbia Explorers Academy
“I hope that the experience helped expand students’ horizons by encouraging them learn about a part of the world that might seem especially far away given Chicago’s current stay-at-home advisory.” Alana Murphy, Fulbright alumna in The Philippines
By Teuta Peja—DURING THE COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuously told to self-isolate and stay at home because home is the safest place to be while the virus rages outside. But for victims and survivors of domestic/family violence this may not be the case. Some abusers may take advantage of the coronavirus outbreak to exert further control over the victim. Self- isolation with abusers and social- distancing may increase isolation and family violence of more vulnerable groups.
If you are a victim or survivor of domestic violence, or if you are a support-group to a domestic abuse survivor and need more information how to act or help during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can find more information in the links below.
Teuta Peja moved to Chicago from her hometown, Pristina, Kosovo in 2015, when she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to pursue her MA in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies at Loyola University Chicago. Currently, she is continuing her doctorate studies in Criminology at University of Illinois at Chicago. She refers to the Fulbright community as her international family.
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.
Identities in Transition: South Asian Womanhood and Girlhood Conference took place at Loyola University Chicago, October 28 and 29, 2016.
By Teuta Peja—AFTER ONLY A FEW months of leaving Chicago “for good,” Fulbright alumna Shughla Hellali from Afghanistan returned to give a presentation at the South Asian Womanhood and Girlhood Conference (SAWG) at Loyola University Chicago (LUC), in October.
Shughla Hellali
In this conference that addressed the topic of identities in transition with the aim to highlight the changing context of women and girls in South Asian society, Shughla discussed the rhetoric of epistemic violence against Afghan women caused by international media coverage and the limited understanding of the cultural and native context.
Shughla came to Chicago on a Fulbright Foreign Student grant in August 2014, to pursue an MA in Women’s and Gender Studies at Loyola University Chicago. After the completion of the program, she returned to Kabul, where she is now working as the Gender Specialist with United Nation Development Program. Recently, she became the Vice President of the Fulbright Association in Afghanistan.
This is her second visit to the US since her returned to Kabul in December 2015.
In February of this year, she traveled to Washington DC to attend several meetings on peace and security in Afghanistan. She and her colleagues at the Afghan Fulbright for Peace organized the meetings with the USIP, US State Department and the Afghanistan’s Embassy.
During her recent visit to Chicago, Shughla was experiencing different emotions because as she says “she was back to her home-away-from-home.”
She added: “I will always be grateful to Fulbright Program for giving me the life-changing experience that helped me frame my goals and develop professionally and personally. Knowing the values of the Fulbright Program, I am very excited to be part of the Fulbright Association in Afghanistan and lead the association. Through my work at the association, I am eager to contribute to the promotion of the Fulbright values and mission in the country and abroad.”
In addition to presenting her paper at SAWG Conference, in Chicago, Shughla also presented her work on “Ms. Representation: Media Portrayals of Afghan Women and the Epistemic Violence of International Intervention” to Loyola University academic staff and students.
Teuta Peja is a current Fulbright student from Kosovo.
By Teuta Peja—DURING THE COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuously told to self-isolate and stay at home because home is the safest place to be while the virus rages outside. But for victims and survivors of domestic/family violence this may not be the case. Some abusers may take advantage of the coronavirus outbreak to exert further control over the victim. Self- isolation with abusers and social- distancing may increase isolation and family violence of more vulnerable groups.
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 