JOIN US FOR a cheery Thanksgiving celebration hosted by the Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program! We are excited to invite you to an afternoon filled with gratitude, delectable food, and wonderful company. It’s a perfect opportunity to give thanks and enjoy the spirit of the season together.
WHAT Thanksgiving 2025 WHEN Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 TIME 1:00-3:00 PM WHEREChicago Math and Science Academy, 7212 N Clark Street, Chicago RSVP by Nov. 12, 2025 HERE
Parking Available on-site Transportation BUS: Clark Street (line 22)—TRAIN: Red line northbound Howard stop When you arrive, volunteers will guide you to the event.
Come hungry and ready to connect, celebrate and give thanks with our Fulbright family!
COME TO CELEBRATE the newly arrived Fulbrighters to Chicago in this beautiful fall season with our Midwest warmth and hospitality, celebrating the Fulbright spirit!
WHEN Saturday, November 8, 2025 TIME 5:30-8:00 p.m. WHERE Alliance Française de Chicago, 810 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 SUGGESTED DONATION $20 Alumni | $10 Students and scholars RSVP by filling out this form by Thursday Nov. 6, 2025
Let’s share the vibrant spirit that define our city—and the Fulbright community. Enjoy great company, inspiring conversations, and the colors of autumn as we connect and celebrate the start of new journeys.
Plan for your transportation by visiting www.transitchicago.com Parking: Metered Street Parking, parking garages and valet is available at own cost. Illustration made with AI and Photoshop
THE CHICAGO CHAPTER of the Fulbright Association invite you, your family, colleagues, and friends to our Springtime Celebration! We’re excited to gather our vibrant Fulbright community for an evening of connection, recognition, and inspiration. (This event has been rescheduled to a new location and new date.)
We will proudly present the prestigious 2024 Dee Sarelas Service Award to an individual who embodies the spirit of selfless dedication and impactful contribution that Dee Sarelas* so brilliantly exemplified. Come and celebrate their remarkable contributions!
In collaboration with the Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Committee, the chapter will also recognize Fulbright Alumni mentors who have generously provided their time this past year to mentor visiting students and scholars. We will also recognize the international students and scholars studying in the Chicagoland area during this academic year.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages as we celebrate service, mentorship, and global exchange.
DATE Wednesday, May 14, 2025 TIME 6:30pm-9pm WHERE Alliance Française, 540 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 RSVPs by May 10, 2025 COST Please RSVP via the following links: Fulbright Alumni and Guests $20 Fulbright Students and Scholars $10
If you will be using public transportation, you can plan your trip with the CTA Trip Planner: www.transitchicago.com/
We look forward to seeing everyone at the event!
* Aphrodite Floros Sarelas, an early Fulbrighter to Greece. A Chicagoan dedicated to interacting with and nurturing Fulbrighters in the Chicagoland community, Dee was a person remembered for her wit, empathy, and vivacity in bringing people across cultures together. Her educational background and professional experiences in the field of Social Work prepared her well for contributions to our chapter and beyond—as an administrator for the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army Training College, as a liaison at White House conferences, as a special consultant to Voice of America, and as editor of Social Welfare in Underdeveloped Countries (United Nations publication). For the foregoing reasons, the Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award was established in 2010 to honor her memory.
*Please note that photos and video will be taken at the event.
Dr. Norma Green, doctoral student Yoshua Harahap, and Dr. Joanne Marie Terrell
CHICAGO FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR MENTEE Yoshua Harahap was joined by his Chapter Mentor, Dr. Norma Fay Green, and his doctoral advisor, Dr. Joanne Marie Terrell, at the Victor Obenhaus Lecture at Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS). The lecture, titled “Benevolent Empire Unmasked: Christian Ethics, Transpacific Wounds, and the Moral Cost of U.S. Imperialism,” highlighted Harahap’s ongoing interdisciplinary research as a native Indonesian scholar.
Held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at the CTS campus in Hyde Park, the event was part of the Victor Obenhaus Lecture Series, which features the work of PhD students. Dr. Terrell marked the occasion by displaying a portrait of abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman, noting the significance of March 10—the day Tubman passed away in 1913 at age 91. This date, she emphasized, bridges Black History Month and Women’s History Month, honoring Tubman’s enduring legacy.
The lecture was a hybrid event, with both in-person and virtual attendees via Zoom, allowing for broader participation and engagement with Harahap’s research.
The Five-Minute Fulbright scholars pose with Fulbright Association board member Kate Vergara. Clockwise: Jeanie Bukowski, Daria Tsoupikova, Laura Reiter, Sarah Kammerer and Elanta Slowek.
Post and photos by Elio Leturia
ON THURSDAY MARCH 6, the Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CCGA) welcomed over 150 guests for the much-anticipated 2025 Fulbright Chicago Extravaganza. Held at the CCGA headquarters, overlooking the iconic Millennium Park, the evening was a celebration of community service, empowerment, intercultural learning, and professional growth—values that both organizations share.
Sarah Breen Bartecki Photo by Kate Vergara
The event began with a warm welcome from Sarah Breen Bartecki, Senior Vice President of Business and Program Development and Chief Revenue Officer at CCGA. She introduced the Chicago Council on Global Affairs as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering community members to help create a more open and promising world for all.
Ms. Bartecki then welcomed Ariel Schwartz, Executive Director of Global Leadership Programs, who expanded on the organization’s mission. She highlighted CCGA’s commitment to fostering leadership in foreign policy and global affairs while encouraging responsible community engagement and collaboration. Schwartz emphasized the importance of mobilizing, energizing, and empowering global citizens through facilitation and community-building—helping a diverse pool of participants confront and solve challenges to achieve transformative outcomes.
Executive Director of Global Leadership Programs Ariel Schwartz presenting on the mission of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CCGA.)
Following her remarks, Dr. Chris Graves, principal of Jordan Community Elementary School and a Fulbright award recipient, took the stage. His heartfelt talk bridged the work of Fulbright and CCGA, emphasizing his commitment to collaboration, equity, and student success. Graves shared how his school and his work serving newcomer students and their families, has been a source of inspiration for his work in education. Graves has been 2023 Chicago Council on Global Affairs Emerging Leaders Program, and a 2024 Fulbright Global Award recipient.
Principal of Jordan Community Elementary School Dr. Christopher Graves
One of the evening’s most engaging segments was the Five-Minute Fulbright, curated by Fulbright Chicago board member Dr. Kate Vergara. In this fast-paced and dynamic session, five selected Fulbright scholars shared their global experiences—each in just five minutes. Dr. Vergara also asked the current cohort international Fulbright students and scholars who were attending, to stand up.
Current international Fulbright students and scholars were introduced to the audience.
This year’s speakers, Sarah Kammerer, Laura Reiter, Jeanie Bukowski, Elanta Slowek, and Daria Tsoupikova, captivated the audience with vivid storytelling and engaging visuals from their projects abroad. Their presentations not only showcased the impact of the Fulbright program but also the power of cultural exchange and academic collaboration.
Dr. Kate Vergara thanking the Fulbright scholars after their five-minute presentations.
The evening concluded with a lively reception, where attendees reconnected, exchanged ideas, and strengthened their professional networks. The 2025 Fulbright Chicago Extravaganza proved to be more than just an event—it was a demonstration to the power of global learning, meaningful connections, and the shared commitment to making a difference in our interconnected world.
Guests enjoying the 2025 Fulbright Extravaganza reception.Presenter Dr. Chris Graves, a recent Fulbright Global Scholar to England, and Dr. Ana Gil-García, a member of the Fulbright Chicago board, exchange stories with Fulbrighters.Guests enjoying the 2025 Fulbright Extravaganza reception.Clockwise: Presenter Elanta Slowek, Fulbright Chicago board member Meghan McAuliffe, a guest, and Fulbright Chicago President Adam Fuss.Guests enjoying the 2025 Fulbright Extravaganza reception.Fulbright Chicago board members Linda Spoleti and María Salazar. Guests enjoying the 2025 Fulbright Extravaganza reception.
Fulbright Chicago President Adam Fuss welcomes Fulbrighters and guests.
By Mary Mares-Awe
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO CELEBRATED this year’s winter event at the PianoForte performance hall in downtown Chicago.
More than 60 Fulbright alumni, visiting scholars, and Friends of Fulbright gathered to enjoy each other’s company and exchange Fulbright stories. The Chicago Chapter was honored by the presence of consular visitors, including Mr. Jonathan Gamboa, Vice Consul of the Consulate of Colombia in Chicago, and Ms. Lina Acolyte from the Lithuanian Consulate.
Jazz trio from Roosevelt University provided an enjoyable performance.
A student jazz trio from Roosevelt University—featuring Reid Gowan on bass, Abraham Martinez on saxophone, and Octavio Serrano on piano—provided a delightful musical backdrop. Their performance, primarily focused on traditional jazz, created a warm and inviting atmosphere for the evening. Guests also enjoyed delicious Greek cuisine from a nearby Greektown restaurant.
Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association board members María Salazar, Adam Fuss, Marilyn Susman, Kate Vergara, Carlos A. Rivas, Mary Mares-Awe, Ana Gil García and Eleftheria Lialios.
During the evening, Chapter President Adam Fuss announced that the Dee Sarelas Award ceremony will be held at the Spring event, scheduled for April 28.
Board members in attendance included María Salazar, Mary Mares-Awe, Kate Vergara, Ana Gil-García, Marilyn Susman, and Tamara Kozyckyj, along with officers Eleftheria Lialios, Carlos A. Rivas Jr., and Chapter President Adam Fuss.
GET READY FOR an inspiring evening of global connections and impactful stories! The Fulbright Association and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CCGA) invite you to an engaging in-person event showcasing exciting work happening both in the U.S. and around the world.
Enjoy brief yet powerful presentations from CCGA Emerging Leaders and Fulbright alumni, followed by a lively networking reception where you can connect with internationally minded professionals, foreign service members, Fulbright alumni, current Fulbright Scholars, and students.
This free, business casual event is open to all—whether you’re a global affairs enthusiast, an international professional, or simply curious about the world. Don’t miss this chance to meet like-minded individuals and be part of a vibrant community committed to global exchange and service.
WHEN Thursday, March 6, 2025 TIME 6-9 pm WHERE Chicago Council on Global Affairs 130 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601 RSVP *FREE – Register in the link below to attend*
PROGRAM AGENDA 6:00-6:30 Doors open and networking reception 6:30-6:40 Welcoming remarks 6:40-8:00 Presentations from the CCGA Emerging Leaders Program 8:00-9:00 Networking reception
Ariel Schwartz is the Executive Director of Global Leadership Programs at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, where she oversees the strategy and development of a suite of foreign policy and global affairs leadership programs. She joined the Council in 2022 as Director of the Emerging Leaders Program, its original and signature global leadership development initiative.
Previously, Schwartz directed interdisciplinary research initiatives at Northwestern University’s Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and served as faculty at Northwestern University and Lake Forest College. She holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Religious Studies with a certification in Global Politics and Religion from Northwestern University, a B.A. in Religion from Barnard College of Columbia University, and a B.A. in Hebrew Bible from the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Chris Graves is a dedicated school principal in Chicago, Illinois, leading Jordan Community Elementary with a commitment to collaboration, equity, and student success. He draws inspiration from the school’s diverse community, which primarily serves refugee and newcomer families from around the world. With over 30 languages spoken by students and their families, Jordan Elementary embodies resilience, strength, and aspiration.
Passionate about collaboration and driven by a data-informed approach, Dr. Graves integrates research and strategic practices into his leadership. His work focuses on holistically supporting newcomer students and their families, helping them achieve academic success while addressing social and emotional needs.
In fall 2024, Dr. Graves joined 18 other school administrators from across the country on a Fulbright exchange to the United Kingdom, including London, to study their educational model and explore strategies to improve student outcomes in the U.S.
Kate Vergara is a global health consultant who has dedicated over 20 years to tackling public health challenges affecting vulnerable populations worldwide. She has led major contracts focused on polio eradication through World Vision US and USAID, collaborating with organizations such as CORE Group Polio Project, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, WHO, Rotary International, Save the Children, CDC, and multiple national ministries of health. Her efforts in global immunization programs have impacted over 1.6 billion people across high-risk countries.
Currently, Dr. Vergara serves as Vice President of Health Impact at NJOY LLC, where she oversees human subjects research for FDA submission, advancing the mission of “Making Smoking History.” She discovered her passion for public health through the Fulbright Program, conducting research on tuberculosis and intestinal parasites in the Peruvian Amazon (2003-04). She remains deeply engaged with the Fulbright Association Chicago Chapter as a Board Member.
A Chicago native, Dr. Vergara holds degrees from NYU and UIC and teaches Epidemiology at Baylor University. A dedicated athlete, she is an Ironman 70.3 finisher, marathon runner, and Medical Reserve Corps volunteer.
JOIN US FOR a heartwarming Thanksgiving celebration hosted by the Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program! We are excited to invite you to an afternoon filled with gratitude, delectable food, and wonderful company. It’s a perfect opportunity to give thanks and enjoy the spirit of the season together.
We’re also thrilled to celebrate a special recognition — our Chicago Fulbright Chapter’s Mentorship Program has been voted the 2024 Fulbright Program of the Year!
WHAT Thanksgiving 2024
WHEN Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024
TIME 2:00-5:00 PM
WHERE Chicago Math and Science Academy, 7212 N Clark Street, Chicago
Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow members and share in the success and camaraderie of our Fulbright family. We look forward to seeing you there and creating memorable moments together.
Chicago Chapter Mentoring Committee members Marina Oberemok, Meghan McAuliffe and Marilyn Susman with Fulbright Association Associate Director for Chapters Christine Oswald, after being presented with the 2024 Fulbright Program of the Year Award.
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.
Marilyn Susman delivering her acceptance speech at the 42nd National Fulbright Association Conference.
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.
*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
THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO MENTORING Program is in its third year! Join us to discuss the ins and outs of mentoring, how to make the most of this experience between the Fulbright mentor and Fulbright mentee, and how to build lasting relationships across cultures.
WHAT Mentoring Program Orientation
WHEN Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024
TIME 6:00 PM
WHERE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 325 N. Wells Street, Chicago
The program will include opportunities to understand the mentoring process and working in mentor-mentee pairs to clarify the goals that each of you has for the experience. The evening will close with a pizza party with pizzas and salad from Lou Malnati’s.
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 