Massachusetts Chapter of the Fulbright Association

Helping to Serve Alums and Current Fulbrighters to Foster Progress Between Peoples

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WHAT WE DO:
 
The Massachusetts Chapter Fulbright alumni form a community of people interested in strengthening and increasing the Fulbright Association's goals. We provide cultural, social and educational opportunities for Fulbright alumni, students, scholars, teachers and others who wish to further peace through understanding.  We sponsor a multitude of events that we hope fosters cross-cultural interaction such as tours of local museums or historical sites and casual gatherings over drinks or a meal at area locales.  Because we are in an environment with a multitude of institutions of higher learning, we are able to draw from a rich pool of people who have a lot to share.  While we offer some annual staples--our casual lunches at the end of each semester--we pride ourselves on a diverse mix of events each year.
 
The Massachusetts Chapter has a long history and its board brings together diverse and unique skills to help move the organization forward.  With members from the business world, education, and academia, we strive to find a mind a good mix that can foster a productive and congenial atmosphere.  We welcome inquiries about joining the board and helping out with the organization of events.  This website, alongside an increasing presence online--through Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social networking sites--will hopefully aid in that process and succeed in making a difference.   
 
 
Members of the Fulbright Association living in the chapter area automatically receive notice of the chapter's events. If you are not a member and would like to participate in chapter or Association activities, please join the Fulbright Association.

 

   MEMBERS OF THE BOARD: 

James Reed, Ph.D.
Harvard University
(Pakistan, Albania, Canada)
 
Ann Beaton
(Italy) 

Robert Friel
(Russia, the Netherlands)

Theresa Lund
Harvard University
(Germany)
 
Kathryn Portle
(Morocco, Brazil, Bulgaria) 
 
Alan Schechter, Ph.D.
Wellesley College
Former Chair, Fulbright Scholarship Board, U.S. Department of State
(The Netherlands)
 
Abby Noble
(Uruguay)
 
Afaa Michael Weaver
Simmons College
(Taiwan)
 
Charles Tseckares
FAIA, Past President, Boston Society of Architects
(Italy)
 
Scott Stevens, Ph.D. University of Cambridge       (Germany)

William Pjura, Ph.D.
Harvard University
(Germany)
 
Shoba Ramanadhan, Ph.D.
Harvard University
(India)
 
Agnes Serenyi
(France)    
 
Peter Serenyi, Ph.D.
Northeastern University
(India)
 
Jim Terlizzi
(United Kingdom) 
 
Maria Tomeho–Palermino
Boston University
(Italy)
 
Robert Niebuhr, Ph.D.
(Croatia)
 
Ariana Falk
(Germany)
Doctor of Music, Boston University
 
Linda Gregorio     Boston Public Schools
(Italy)

MOST RECENT PRESIDENTS:

Harvey Varnet – 9/1/2000 – 3/9/2004
Maria Tomeho-Palermino – 3/9/2004 – 5/17/2008

 

 

 

 

               Fulbrighters Expanding their Social Network

History

The Massachusetts Chapter of the Fulbright Association was created in order to provide a vehicle for past Fulbrighters who want to continue their engagement with the Fulbright program by extending to current grantees the same welcome and hospitality, which they experienced in their host country.

In January 1992, former grantees, Anne and Roy Freed, Guy Rogers, Richard Larschan, Bill Pjura and Flavia Cigliano signed the agreement to become an affiliate of the national Fulbright Association. This group formed the executive committee of the Chapter. Officers were nominated and voted into the following positions: Flavia Cigliano - President, Richard Larschan - Vice President, Bill Pjura - Treasurer - Anne Freed - Secretary.

A survey was sent to all former Fulbrighters on record in Massachusetts asking for current professional affiliation and activities, and information about their Fulbright experience.  At that time there were approximately 1200 former Fulbrighters in Massachusetts. From this listing, the chapter was able to get the names of individuals who were interested in becoming more involved in the yearly planning and assistance at events designed to enhance the experience of visiting Fulbrighters. 

International student advisers at the following institutions were contacted to announce the formation of the Massachusetts Chapter and to establish a listing of names and addresses of current Fulbright students: Harvard University, MIT, Boston University, Northeastern University, Brandeis University, Tufts University, Suffolk University, University of Massachusetts (Boston, Amherst, Lowell, and Dartmouth), Bentley College, Boston College, and Emerson College. 

For several years Board meetings were held in the Faculty Club of Wellesley College sponsored by faculty members, Guy Rogers or Alan Schechter, member of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.  Subsequently Charles Tseckares hosted Board members at his firm, Childs, Bertman and Tseckares before meetings were moved to Boston University.

In 1996 the Board established a working relationship with the Boston Fulbright Committee, headed by Mary Rose Bolton. The Fulbright Association Chapters throughout the United States work with international students and exchange teachers, while organizations such as the Boston Fulbright Committee have as their charge the cultural enrichment programming for the international scholars and researchers.

Both organizations strive to provide the best possible experience of local culture for Fulbrighters from all corners of the globe.  Being connected to the Internet through e-mail and the Fulbright web site provided by the national office has made a marked difference in speed and efficiency of communication, and has favorably impacted attendance at gatherings and events. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
RECENT NEWS FROM THE CHAPTER
 

We are expecting 2011-12 to be a great year! 
We have many events planned and hope to see many fresh and familiar faces!  
 
Check back to this page or check your inbox for more information.  
 
For any technical questions, please contact the Webmaster at administrator@massfulbright.org. All other inquiries, send a note to Jim Reed at  jimreed@post.harvard.edu