. . . Afghanistan

Mr. Arthur Howe, Jr. jubilantly displays the karakul sheepskin presented to him by Afghan Returnees at a reception in his honor during his visit to Kabul. Khalile Faqihzadh '68, Our World correspondent was the alert reporter.

 

. . . Antwerp, Belgium

Gathered in circles on the lawn of Saint Ignatius University in Antwerp, 250 Americans Abroad "dug into discussion topics ranging from the high idealism of the organization to down-to-earth Returnee involvement," reports Belgian chaperone Cecilia Engels '67. Arthur Howe, Jr. and Jacques Contant, European Coordinator, were among the speakers at this end-of-year meeting.

Brief addresses by students of each country helped to put the individual experiences of the students, fresh from their academic year in Europe, into a continental perspective. Credit for the smooth arrangements goes to the Antwerp Committee and to Inge Van Ranst '64, Overseas Representative.

 

. . . Australia

Australia's sixth National Conference, held at Newington College, Sydney, also celebrated the tenth full year of AFS there. Interspersed with thought-provoking seminars were many rollicking moments. At the Tenth Anniversary Party all guests were required to wear "child-often" gear.

Jennifer Bott '67 writes that Joy Skelsey, former host sister, and Jenny Cearns '67 won the "Miss Goldfinger" and "Miss AFS" contests honoring fundraising and all-round attributes.

 

. . . Ceylon

Shirani Samarasinghe '67, one of the first AFS students from Ceylon, reigned as Queen for the evening at their AFS fundraising Valentine Dance. Mr. William W. Bennett, former Cultural Affairs Officer of the American Embassy, Ceylon, is on the right.

Though the AFS/Ceylon is still in its infancy, Mrs. Alfreda de Silva, Overseas Representative, notes that it is a "healthy, bouncing, outgoing toddler" and that it has just sponsored its second group of Americans Abroad students.

 

. . . Chile

Former Chilean President Eduardo Frei gave a personal welcome to incoming 1970 Americans Abroad in June. He is shaking hands with Mark Chambers, one of the twenty students received at the Government Palace in Santiago.

Chile will also be the scene for an International Summer Camp next February, where a nominal fee will buy "food, roof and fun."

 

. . . France

Sargent Shriver, former U.S. Ambassador to France, (center) met with 1970 Americans Abroad in Paris. Miss Benedicte Briot (arms folded), Asst. Overseas Representative, is center left .

 

. . . Greece

Spreading the word about AFS are nine Returnees on the Greek isle of Rhodes. They held a tea for local officials and teachers which featured the first public presentation of AFS there by the Rhodes Chapter President and an exhibit of mementoes of life in the United States.

Pictured are (l. to r.): Mrs. Sofia Mathioudakis-Taher, Apostolos Axiotis, Charis Sakellaridou, Lili Valsami, Marina Parai, Mrs. Eva Bony-Nicolopoulou, and Mrs. Asimina Tsimbou-Tsori. The two gentlemen center and right are Returnees from Crete, now studying in Rhodes.

 

. . . Hawaii

The fiftieth state to join the Union is now the fiftieth to join AFS. The AFS spirit there was stimulated by the joint efforts of Returnees now in Hawaii, Southern Californians Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Piper (Area Co-Representatives) and John Southworth (a former bus chaperon who is at the University of Hawaii). Under John's direction, a Chapter was formed in Kailua, Oahu, which is hosting the first AFS student to Hawaii. A number of other Hawaiian communities are organizing to host students next year.

(L. to r.): John and Sigrid Southworth and Hunter and Ann Piper .

 

. . . Italy

Bellagio, a small alpine village tourist resort on the banks of picturesque Lake Como in northern Italy was the setting chosen by the Italian AFS Association for a European Conference held in September. Among those who attended were Arthur Howe, Jr., Stanley Smith and Sarah Rodgers from New York and European Coordinator Jacques Contant.

 

. . . Detroit, Michigan

(L. to r.): Mrs. I. R. Rector, President, Deda Loefler, Austria '70, and Ekua Budu-Arthur, Ghana '70, were among the models at "An AFS Festival of Fashions." Five hundred enjoyed a combination show and luncheon, sponsored by the Detroit AFS Board to spotlight AFS activities and raise funds.

 

. . . New York, New York

In high spirits, nineteen AFS Overseas Chaperons enjoy a farewell party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Howe, Jr. [Photo---Kimmo Stjarnstedt AFS/61 Finland]

 

. . . West Point, New York

Faculty members of West Point Military Academy hosted 49 AFS students for an entertaining weekend. Happenings included a film on Cadet life, tours of the grounds and museum, sports events, and a talent show. The cadet U.S. Returned Club has been ably advised for the past three years by Major and Mrs. Joseph Brown. Mrs. Brown (née Theresa Kindred), was an Americans Abroad student to Denmark in 1956.

AFS students to the U.S. and West Point host brothers and sisters view a parade at the Plain. Cadet John Hanna (Americans Abroad to Denmark '65), one of the co-chairmen of the Weekend, is in the foreground. [Photo---U.S. Army]

 

. . . Syracuse, New York

AFS scholarships have been established in memory of George J. Goldstein, a friend and counselor over the past twenty years to AFS students living in the Central New York area. Mr. Goldstein, a prominent Syracuse real estate man, died in 1969.

Under the leadership of the Central N. Y. AFS Committee, a fund has been set up to finance the scholarships. Contributions to date will underwrite one scholarship annually for four years. The committee hopes, through further contributions, to extend the annual awards. Donations may be sent to AFS/Int'l., marked "George Goldstein Memorial."

 

. . . Panama

A gala premiere of the film, Cactus Flower, complete with fashion show, musical combo, popular singer Raiza Victoria Sicouret (currently host sister to Paul Sansone) and unusual door prizes was sponsored by the Panamanian Returnees for their annual fund-raising venture. The affair, coordinated by Bolivar Tang '66, was trumpeted for days by the local press and drew crowds .

 

. . . Sweden

Once again Sweden hosted a whirlwind "Cultural Week" for its Americans Abroad, reports Ulla Rudberg, Overseas Representative. The students shown are meeting His Majesty the King at the Royal Palace. A tour of the House of Parliament was capped by an hour's chat about politics with the Prime Minister, Olaf Palme. Other highlights were a visit backstage at the Royal Opera House, with its fascinating array of costumes, and attending a performance of "Tales of Hoffman." Many Returnees gathered for a farewell party, and on Sunday Ulla says she "almost lived at the station, waving good-by to the students."

 

. . . Seattle, Washington

A small office building in the heart of Seattle, Washington, is the site of an experimental Regional U.S. Office. Douglas Stevenson, along with Beth Beisner and Janet Hesse, all of AFS Int'l., will spend the next year working directly with the Representatives, Chapters and students in the northwestern states to strengthen activities and overall communication in the area.

Confrontation is commonplace; understanding remains elusive. Is the one concept antithetical to the other? For twenty-five years AFS International Scholarships have been promoting "confrontations": nationals of different lands with each other; one generation with another; culture with culture; race with race; creed with creed; and most significantly each individual with himself. AFS is founded on the belief that through walking and talking together, people can discover clearer understanding of themselves and of others, thus strengthening the human foundation for a more peaceful world. Although confrontations within AFS have produced growth for thousands of students and families, confrontations can often result in misunderstanding, or conflict. By listening to others, accepting differences as an opportunity for enrichment, and sharing of selves, most of those associated with AFS have passed through confrontation toward greater understanding. Is this process still working? How can it work better? Is it relevant to the Seventies? How can we learn to understand our confrontations and to confront our misunderstandings?

The arrows of "Confrontation and Understanding" theme of Convention '71---will lock into place at this global gathering, which proposes to give the whole AFS constituency a chance to listen to each other and discuss AFS goals. Behind the scenes action is gaining momentum as Director Val Sandberg and AFS Convention Chairmen throughout the world design and implement Convention '71 plans. Underway is a publicity campaign which, in utilizing the "Confrontation and Understanding" theme, features the symbol reprinted here in posters and brochures. Transportation is being arranged in many countries, and U.S. Chapters are planning reunions and anniversary celebrations to observe an AFS Week prior to Convention '71.

To date, four distinguished persons are scheduled to address the Convention:

H. E. Soedjatmoko, Ambassador of Indonesia to the United States is slated as the keynote speaker at the opening banquet of September 15. A wide-ranging educational and diplomatic career has particularly qualified Ambassador Soedjatmoko to articulate the complexities of cross-cultural communication.

Ambassador Soedjatmoko (above, with AFS students) will give keynote speech at the Anniversary Banquet. [photo---Stephen M. Toth]

Dr. Margaret Mead, one of the featured speakers for Convention '71, is known to galvanize audiences. [photo--Ken Heymon]

As controversial and timely as ever, internationally known anthropologist Dr. Margaret Mead will treat the subject of today's youth and social change. Her latest book, Culture and Commitment, (Natural History Press) studies the contemporary "generation gap."

A proposed analysis of the "peace relevance" of AFS by Amanuensis Ingrid Eide from Norway promises an elaboration of concepts she introduced at the Lillehammer, Norway AFS conference last fall. A scholar and researcher at the Institute for Sociology of the University in Blindern, Mrs. Eide is academically, personally and intensely involved with the issues of peace and international order.

The work of the University of Peace in the field of education for peace---and how it relates to AFS---will be discussed by Paul Duschesne, a faculty member there. Located in Brussels, the University was founded by Father Pire, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1958. Participants are instructed in the "surest path to peace . . . the Fraternal Dialogue."

With speakers of this high calibre, as well as open meetings and panel discussions, the program offers the prospect of stimulation and substance. Sixty countries---represented by staff members, volunteers, returnees, host families and every other sector of AFS involvement---promise to yield a spectrum of viewpoints rarely attainable in regional meetings or national assemblies. The diverse cross-section of opinions and ideas generated from discussions should influence the course of AFS in the Seventies as an international voluntary service organization.

On the agenda for Thursday and Friday, September 16 and 17, are young performers from several artistic fields. Scheduled to run throughout the week are an international film festival and dramatic productions. Award-winning movies produced by student filmmakers will present the thinking of today's youth.

The largest attendance ever gathered in the name of AFS will celebrate the 25th year of its scholarship programs at the Anniversary Festival, to be held in Convention Hall on Saturday, September 18. Culminating the Convention, a colorful evening will flash with entertainment, music, dancing and the festival's winning films.

Convention Headquarters are set at the Chalfonte-Haddon Hall Hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Famed as a "Convention City," it features an accessible location, the capacity to accommodate large crowds, and lodgings of all types and price ranges. For the predicted attendance of over 10,000 persons, these factors are of prime importance. It is anticipated that half this number will be present for the four full days of the Convention, with the remainder joining in for the week-end assemblies.

Over 2,000 Returnees will be brought by charter flights (either confirmed or under discussion) from the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Philippines, Japan, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Central American. This number is expected to be matched by volunteers representing U.S. Chapters, with Americans Abroad Returnees showing in force for their first national assembly, to convene during the Convention on Saturday, September 18.

As a prelude to Convention '71, during the week of September 12-19, Chapters throughout the U.S. are encouraged to plan and promote an AFS Week in their areas. Local reunion celebrations should draw many former AFS students and families to their former U.S. host communities, with host parents from abroad also planning to visit their American sons and daughters. Thousands of others brought together by AFS will reestablish their AFS contacts through letters to families and friends to support the goals of AFS Week.

Immediately after the convention's close, a World Congress of about 150 delegates---both volunteers and staff---is to assemble. Replacing the biannual regional conferences of recent years, this Congress will attempt to implement the ideas presented at the Convention.

These three events---AFS Week, Convention '71, and the AFS World Congress---are bound to have a significant and lasting impact on the future of AFS/International Scholarships.

 

AFS Staff Highlights

A Lady For All Seasons

Mrs. Dorothy Field, who retired from AFS in May 1970, personifies love and understanding, vitality and charm. For twenty-nine years she has given AFS her time and devotion in myriad ways. She began as a voluntary office worker for the Ambulance Services in 1941 and then transferred to the Scholarship programs at their inception.

What identifies blue-eyed Dot outwardly is an "in" look---pastel, lacy hose and a penchant for purple. But the marks of her inner spirit---after eighty years of real living---are the most apparent of all. They are evidenced by her smile, open heart, insatiable desire to be productive, and belief in the whole human race. Dot has earned the affection of AFS Drivers, colleagues, and her "children" throughout the world.

A great moment for "Dot" Field as well as for Ward Chamberlin, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors.

When Dot was given a farewell party at AFS, she learned that the New York staff had contributed funds for a scholarship instituted in her name. It is significant that she commented, "This is my greatest gift, ever." Also, she was presented with the large piggy bank (one of the former fund-raisers in N.Y.) which long had made its home at AFS. Now it holds forth in purple glory in a special pen among her flowers.

Currently, Dot is able to spend more time at home in Suffern, N.Y., but nevertheless she is seen frequently at AFS Headquarters. Recently, she left for a brief visit to San Francisco. The chances are that even on a holiday Dot will involve herself in some AFS activity. In talking with Dot Field, one soon realizes that she has found in AFS her "acre of diamonds."

 

Three Who Told the Truth

New York staff members Stephen Beers, Howard Mathews and Hugh O'Neill have all appeared on the show To Tell The Truth, WNEW-TV, N.Y. Each concealed his identity by posing as someone else. Steve assumed the role of an author, and Howard was the Director of a Customs Inspectors School. Hugh, obviously a man of many faces, has appeared twice on the program---the first time as a Biblical archaeologist; the second, (in full costume) as a Tang Dynasty general in a Chinese opera. All of them managed to put in a good word for AFS.

 

Never a Dull Moment For the AFS President

The calendar of President Arthur Howe, Jr. accommodates varied activities. In recent weeks he has dedicated a library in Roslyn, N.Y.; attended an AFS fundraising barbecue in Dunlap, Illinois; held an evening meeting in London and attended half a dozen meetings of committees and Boards of Directors on which he serves.

Thanks to modern transportation, on successive days he addressed the four end-of-year conferences in Wellesley, Hiram, Milwaukee, and Denver; a day later he was with Americans Abroad school program students for their year-end meeting in Antwerp, Belgium; then there was a series of orientation talks to incoming students at Hofstra University, and returning Americans Abroad Summer Program students at C. W. Post College.

In between travels, he can be found on the second floor of Galatti House amidst piles of papers and clouds of cigar smoke. Busy as he is, he still finds time to talk with a steady flow of staff members, students and both U.S. and overseas visitors. In his few spare hours, generally at night, Mr. Howe goes fishing ---he says "successfully."

His wife, Margaret, accepting the theory that "if you can't lick 'em, join 'em," is a three-day per week volunteer staff member at AFS/Int'l., where she makes an occasional luncheon date with her husband.

 

Elga Klette-Bier Departs

One of the most respected and well-known personalities at AFS/Int'l. is Elga Klette-Bier, AFS Travel Manager since 1964. After gracing the AFS offices with her cheery, incisive presence for eight years, Elga is leaving to take on new duties---those of a mother. She and her husband, Thomas, are enjoying their little girl, Jessica, born on June 5, 1970.

Marcelo Roman, who has been associated with the Travel Department since 1963, has been appointed as her successor.

 

New Returnee Secretary

Leila Jahncke, Secretary of the U.S. Returnee Association, recently resigned to wed Henry Benson Pickering. She has been succeeded by William Tredwell, who was previously an Area Supervisor for northeastern states at AF5/Int'I. Bill, a graduate of Carleton College, hails from Winnetka, Illinois, where he has had long-term exposure to AFS. He will be assisted by Mrs. Richard Hunter, the former Janet Green (Americans Abroad student to Switzerland in 1962).

 

Virginia Cole Retires

Many who have had the occasion to stay in the AFS dormitories will remember the care and companionship, given them by affectionate Virginia Cole. As housemother for five years, she became known for her all-encompassing interests and her quips. She once claimed that she conducted the AFS "be-in"---"be in at 11 p.m. or else!"

In addition to administering to her variety of "guests," she was one of AFS's most ardent promoters. Virginia is missed very much.

The new houseparents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Ernster, are both U.S. School Program Returnees: Martin went to South Africa in 1964 and his wife, the former Virginia Lee Duprey, went to Brazil the same year. While handling their new responsibilities, the Ernsters are both studying for their Master's Degrees at Columbia University.

 

Featuring Finance

On a recent visit to Chile, Eric Backer, AFS Treasurer and linguist (Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Swahili) was televised as he spoke in Spanish to Returnees and members of the press in Vina del Mar. He later addressed 120 Returnees at a "Hermandad del AFS" barbecue.

 

With the AFS family

To insure the inclusion of as much Family News as possible, it is requested that all letters must include Returnee's full name or names, country and year of participation. In addition to wedding and family pictures, we welcome other photos, preferably black and white, especially those of people doing something-action shots.

COUNTRY CODE

1949

Spotlights

A twentieth class reunion drew Paulette Mathy Pierson-B, mother of an eleven-year-old son, to the Westover School, Middlebury, Conn. Her field is international public law at the University of Brussels, with a special interest in African international affairs.

Anne-Marie Bertrand-B '51 (Mrs. Pierre Outtelet) turns back the clock to her memorable bus trip nineteen years ago. She wonders where these travelers are now.

Hans Peterson (USA-D '51), the "Old Man River" of SS Argentina with his wife and son Eric, admires new-born Mark Stephen. Hans teaches at Northern Montana College.

1952

Spotlights

Anne Kellog Farnum (USA-N and B) is an account executive with Investogenic Services, Inc., a brokerage concern.

Honorary Vice Consul for Austria, Wolfgang Frick-A, father of four children, also works for BOAC in Western Australia. A linguist in six foreign languages, he now is studying Chinese, Malay and Japanese.

 

1953

Births

Mr. and Mrs. Philippe Faure-F, a son, Pierre.

Mr. and Mrs. Ulf Schramm (Hilde Speer-D), a son.

 

1954

Spotlights

A consumer specialist for the Public Health Service in Denver, Colo., Suzanne Dressler (USA-A) is with the federal HEW office.

While in the U.S. on business for First National City Bank, Giovanni Grandjaquet-I and his wife, Valerie Violati-I '57, visited AFS in N. Y.

Roland Mohrmann-D and his wife, both Assistant Professors at Webb College, North Carolina, since 1968 are returning to Germany.

 

1955

Births

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Snyder (Susan Cowles---USA-CH), their third child, a girl.

Spotlights

Now a practicing physician in his home country, Dr. Anton Sand-N recently returned from Biafra.

 

1956

Births

Mr. and Mrs. Guy Withofs-B of Scarsdale, N. Y. a girl, Isabelle in December 1969. Guy is a member of the AFS Board of Directors.

Spotlights

Dr. Hejko Fette-D and Heide, his wife of a year, visited the U.S. this summer. Heiko, a civil engineer, will soon be working with a construction firm in Essen, Germany.

Daphne Lois Roberts-NZ reports that she has been Mrs. Michael Bell for the past three years. Michael and Daphne had a daughter, Jacqueline.

"Just married" are former AFS/Int'l. Assistant Overseas Director, Jacqueline Cannon (USA-D '55) and William R. Brown, Jr., M.D. (USA-D '57) who was Chairman of the U.S. Returnee Association from 1968-70. Dr. Brown is a consultant for health affairs to OEO. The Browns reside in Baltimore, Maryland. [Photo-Bradford Bachrach]

1957

Marriages

Hanna Bracker-D to Dr. Jur. Michael Unkelbach, a lawyer, in March.

Births

Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Sweeney (Ardath Kinninger-DK), a girl, Miriam Laurel, in 1969.

Shahrokh Rustomji-PAK and his wife Dinaz, a girl, Natasha.

Spotlights

Helke Koch Lison-D is in Berlin, where husband, Dr. Lison, teaches at the Free University. The couple have a son, Frank.

Living near the Hague, Netherlands, are the Jan Wessel Heggs (Pirkko Salminen-SF). Mr. Hegg is a legation secretary in the Norwegian Embassy.

 

1958

Births

Mr. and Mrs. Jean Legastelois-F, a daughter, Hélène.

Jean-Pierre Bazenet and his wife (Karin Wolf-F), a son, Franck.

Mrs. Sara Edmundson Wu (USA-J), a son, Tai, meaning "Peace."

Spotlights

Hajo Hermeking-D and his wife (Claudia Schmidt-D '63) are the parents of two sons. Hajo received his doctorate as a theoretical physicist and is working at the University of Cologne.

Philippe Joye-CH is a bachelor architect in Geneva. He attended a gathering of his William Hall High School class of '58 in May.

Nicola Perone-I is an assistant resident in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Joseph's Hospital, Houston, Texas.

Robert James Woolsey, Jr. (USA-S) was one of three representatives of the Secretary of Defense at the opening of the SALT talks in Helsinki. He is a Captain in the U.S. Army.

Abdul Nur Adnan-RI '59 is on the air for Voice of America in Indonesia. A family man, he has two boys, Kemal and Ismet.

Ricardo Lzurieta-EQ '59 and Marcia Eguigueren have more than one reason to rejoice. Ricardo was appointed Executive Director of the Land Reform Institute by the President of Ecuador and received his Doctorate in Jurisprudence.

1959

Births

Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Bourquin-CH, a daughter, Carole.

Mr. and Mrs. Wolfgang Schmittdiel-D are the "thankful parents" of Martin, brother to Joachim.

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Weilenmann-CH, a son, Tom Christian.

Spotlights

Douglas G. Beattie USA-DK) is now Associate Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Binghampton, N. Y. He and his wife, the former Jeannette Atwood (USA-N), had their first child, David, in April.

Back at her AFS Alma Mater in Minnesota as a teacher of English Literature is Eva J. Bibaoco-RP. She received an M.A. while on a Rockefeller-Keidanren Scholarship to International Christian University.

Congratulations to Mr. Efstratios Evnouhidis-GR on becoming a lawyer, acquiring a wife, and now on becoming a father!

"Have Land Rover-will travel" could be the motto of Dennis L. Meadows (USA-CH) and his wife, who traveled from London to Colombo, Ceylon, and back again. Dennis is an Assistant Professor of Management at MIT's Sloan School.

Neither snow, rain, or sleet kept four '60 AFS Returnees apart. In Switzerland, Timothy Wixted USA-A) photographed (l. to r.) Dag Sanner and wife Inger Kyllingstad-N, Maria Luisa Merlo-I, Marc Voiland-CH and sister.

1960

Marriages

Massimo-Camilletti Domenichetti-I to Silvana Testa-I '61 in a "surprise" July wedding. They honeymooned in the U.S., where Massimo attended his tenth class reunion.

Nancy Gross (USA-N) to Henry Shefelbine in July.

Martin Kohli-CH to Alice Kunz in May.

Kathleen Miles (USA-NZ) to William Henderson in 1969. Kathie not only helps feed the lambs and chickens on their farm near Winton, New Zealand ("at the end of the earth"), but also does fashion artwork for a department store in Invercargill.

Sonia Schlossman-S to Christian S. Nissen. After ten years, journalist Sonia, who writes under her maiden name, has returned to the U.S. to do some feature stories for her publication at home.

Carrol Wray (USA-TR) to Robert Kunkel, in July, 1969. Carrol plans to teach in Wisconsin, where Robert is assistant airport planning engineer.

Births

Mr. and Mrs. Rowe (Liliane Amedo-F), a son, Anton.

Michael Austin (USA-N) and his wife (Torgun Skomedal-N '63) are the parents of a daughter, Ellen.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kelly, Jr. (Connie Cathcart USA-I), a daughter, Kimberly Erin.

Mr. and Mrs. Jan Erenstein (Engelien De Pee-NL), a daughter, Marieke.

Mr. and Mrs. Jon Ellertson (USA-D) are the proud parents of a daughter, Erika. Jon is writing a dissertation on the Boston Model Cities Program for the MIT Political Science Department.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gould (Gretchen Maaske-USA-D), a son, Colin. Last year the Goulds visited the Rolf Arnscheidts, Gretchen's host parents.

Dr. and Mrs. Kjeld Malde-N, a son, Ketil. Kjeld will be spending half a year in Moen, Malselv, in northern Norway as an assistant to a health officer.

Spotlights

Hideo Goto-J. who is employed by the Nippon Steel Corp., is back in the U.S. to study for an MBA at the Harvard Business School.

Aspasia Anyfantaki Lang-GR entered a painting in the 1970 International Art Show at the New York Coliseum in August. Her interests range from her two sons, seven and five, to Greek literature and classical music.

Mrs. George Nelson (Margaret Magnell USA-D) is now making her home in Fullerton, California, with her spouse and one-year-old son, Loren Thomas.

Buying and selling antiques is a sideline for Jeanette Griffin Millington-GB, who is married to Andrew, an advertising executive. They have a son, Rupert, and a new daughter, Alisa, a labrador, and "a pony who thinks he's human."

Michael Montgomery (USA-F) has returned to New York from France, where he and his wife taught an adult English class in Paris. Mrs. Montgomery is now a UN translator.

Sujatha Sandosham Pannell-SGP now lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and two children. Mr. Pannell is a teacher of English Literature at Monash University.

Robert Rugg (USA-F) and wife, Donna, have three sons. He is completing his doctorate in the Geography of Recreational Parks at the University of Ottawa.

While husband, Guven, sailed on a Turkish tanker ship, Zafer Cetinkaya Sukan-TR taught at the American Academy for Girls in Turkey, where she also served as counsellor, Student Association Advisor and Home Economics Department Head.

Lt. Walter Viglienzone (USA-D) traveled with the Coast Guard from the South China Sea to Washington, D.C., where his duties included serving as a White House Social Aide. At present, he is studying for a Master's Degree in government and international relations at Wesleyan University, Ohio.

 

1961

Marriages

Caroline Bouchon-F to Joannis Georgakopoulos in February.

Dr. Severino P. Cortizo Bouzas-BR to Selma Tavares in July.

Wolfgang Haupt-D to Ilona Schmitz-D '65, in 1969.

Helga Lybye-H to Peter Dahlgaard in November. She teaches in an elementary school, and her husband is an engineer at the Polytechnic Institute in Copenhagen.

Walter Mentz-BR to Antonia Fonticielha-BR '65 in May.

Ariplinio Nilson-BR to Eleanora Fernandes in January.

Christine Schmidt-D to Jurgen Ahrendts, in December.

Births

Gloria Chavez de Soto-RCH and her husband are the proud parents of a son, Javier, their third child. Gloria served briefly as Chile's Overseas Representative after Martina Jiminez Ingham-RCH '59 resigned.

Mr. and Mrs. Winfried Machens (Sigrum Fette-D), a girl, Heike, in 1969.

Robert and Karen Wetherall (Karen Siudmak-USA-D '61), a boy, Edward.

Spotlights

Stanley Freedman (USA-I) is a broadcast engineer at Kaiser Broadcasting, WKBG-TV, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He and his wife Barbara are the happy parents of a year-old son, Peter.

Raif L. Lindbauer-A received his PH.D. in experimental physics from Karl-Franzens University.

After two years of graduate work and counseling at Ohio University in Athens, Carole Judy Lutz (USA-D), is teaching at a junior high school in Oil City, Ohio. She keeps abreast of AFS by serving as secretary of the local chapter there.

Shajji M. Shafi-PAK enjoys his work at the Brooks Memorial Methodist Church in Karachi.

Now in her third year as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya, East Africa, Margaret Sterne (USA-GR) teaches at a girls' secondary school about one hundred miles north of Nairobi. African students were her primary interest at Stanford University when she was an undergraduate.

Josef Stulas (USA-F) is currently assistant night manager of Paul's Chevron Service Station in Palo Alto, California.

A glowing couple are Luis Defferarri-BR '62 and Joana Schneider-BR '63.

1962

Marriages

Dr. Erdem Alptuna-TR to Françoise Rivière-F, in February.

Frederik Gerretsen-NL to Barbara Saraber, in March.

Doris Rawak-U to Meinrad Ryffel-CH in 1969.

Jose Eduardo Ribeiro Moretsohn-BR to Simone Bessa Cavalcanti-BR '65 in April.

Michele Ruwet-B to Guy Lukowski, in May.

Barbara Susan Smith (USA-BR) to Lt. Daniel R. Clark in June. Prior to the wedding, Barbara completed a year of graduate study at the University of Hawaii and is now teaching at an elementary school in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Ulrich Trechsel-CH to Ilse Kahl-D '64 in April.

Spotlights

Homemaker Denise Seale Armstrong-BDS keeps busy with her two-year-old son, David; husband, Ian; gardening, and sewing.

Olga Casteneda-Morales-GCA remembers all her AFS friends and would love to hear from them. She is working with the American Embassy in Guatemala City.

Pedro B. Celestino-BR is finishing his Doctorate in Law in Pamplona, Spain, and then will return to Brazil.

A U.N. translator in the French section, Evelyne Fridman-F has achieved the goal she set for herself eight years ago when she first visited the United Nations. Evelyne still feels a thrill whenever she takes the elevator and "hears many different languages spoken at the same time."

Believing that it is not too much to fly nineteen hours to see a friend, Afsaneh Kheradman-IR returned to Racine, Wisconsin to visit the Elhoms, her host family. Last spring she came to the U.S. under the auspices of "The Youth in World Crisis" program.

Doctoral candidate in economics Alfred Markwalder-CH assists a professor at the University of Bern, Switzerland, while writing his thesis.

An intern at Stanford University Medical Center, Dr. Ara Tilkian-RL recently graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Illinois.

An AFS entourage attended the nuptials of Carol McKew-GB '63 to David Haley last year. The Haleys were a 1969 host family.

1963

Marriages

B. Inan Alpay-TR to Barbara Hassett in June. At Duke University, North Carolina, he is pursuing an M.A. degree.

Raul Antonio Baragiola-RA to Beate Ffister in July.

Ursula Huppe-D to Heinrich Brockmeier-D in July.

Carol R. Kinney (USA-J) to M. B. Mefford.

Karen Krebs (USA-D) to Richard Ireland, in 1969. They live in Portland, where Karen is a student at the University of Oregon Medical School.

Laurel Sue Monnes (USA-GR) to Leonard Anderson, in April.

Ruth Askildsen Myhrstad-N announces she is now a "Mrs."

Maria Isabel Orozco-RCH to Carlos Varas in 1969.

Dr. Carlos Ribas-Meneclier-RA to Liliana Maria Torras Clavero in January. Carlos is working as an intern at the City Hospital Center at Elmhurst, N. Y.

Helene Rousset-F became Mrs. Goural in July.

Klaus Scala-A to Ute Ziegelhofer in June.

Tom Zilocchi-CH to Brigitte Hesse in March. A teacher, Tom received a degree in chemical engineering from the Polytechnical School of the University of Lausanne.

Births

Mr. and Mrs. Graca (Maria Jose Da Silva Vaz-P), a girl, Rita, of "light brown hair and grey eyes."

Mr. and Mrs. Dirk Barth (Christel Maas-D), a son, Jorn Uwe.

Dr. and Mrs. Ailton S. Gomes (Luciana Teixeira-BR), a son, Marcos.

Per Bjorkegren-S and wife (Christina Wilhelmsson-S), a girl, Cecilia.

Spotlights

Charles Alsup (USA-D) reports his interest in internationalism has been re-ignited through course work in community development at the University of Missouri Graduate School. Charles left his bachelor days behind when he married Charlotte Faye Potts in December, 1968.

Ingeborg Berggreen-D is researching her doctoral thesis in law at Harvard University.

After completing his studies at the Free University of Berlin, Willi-Viktor Bluemel-D began a law internship. He returned to the U.S. in the spring for a brief visit with the Arnold Christiansens in California.

At the University of Alberta, Canada, Robert Crawford-NZ is well on his way to attaining a second law degree as a specialist in the field of petroleum law. His first degree was from Canterbury University, New Zealand.

Nigel S. Roberts-ZA is a lecturer in political science at the University of Canterbury, Christ Church, New Zealand.

Luis Manuel Gonzales Ochoa-CO graduated in June from Harvard University with a Master's Degree in Business Administration.

Dr. Roberto Segura-Jouineau-E came back to his host community for an internship at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City.

Responding to a call from the Swiss Red Cross, registered nurse Regula Saameli-Lauser-CH and her doctor husband are in northern India to provide medical care for a Tibetan refugee camp.

Stephen Limon (USA-RP) is serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Batangas, Philippines.

A chance encounter on the coast of Alexandria, Egypt reunited Nancy D. Quad (USA-SYR) and Ibrahim El-Kerdany ET '66. At the time Nancy was visiting her Syrian host brother, Mohammed Safadi. She is completing her master's degree in social work in Boston.

Norman Sorensen-Valdez-U is majoring in chemical engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.

The honeymoon is not yet over for Hedy McFarland-NZ '64 and Graham Burton who were wed in 1969.

Garbed in traditional Indian wedding dress, Mythili Ranganathan-IND '64 celebrates with the groom as her father looks on.

When Dr. Margot Meyer ZA '64 wed Dick Isted in 1969, a South African AFS coterie attended. A pharmacist turned farm assistant, Margot helps Dick with cattle farming.

1964

Marriages

Marta Elena Ariel-RA to Ernesto Daniel Ramos Arancibia in June.

University of Michigan graduate Susan Benschop (USA-J) to Robert Wefald in 1969. They reside in North Dakota.

Heinz Wilhelm Bartkowski-D to Ursula Barbara Breuer in May.

Henriette Clement-D to Volker Wiegmann in March. She plans to finish her studies in sociology, Slavistic and Eastern European history next year.

Maria Isabel Cotrim-BR to Henry Knott in 1969.

Jacob Dijkstra-NL to Rosa Shifrin in June.

Patricia L. Hildebrand (USA-BR) to Joseph Zwaigenberg of Tel-Aviv, Israel in April.

Siegmund Krieger-D to Annelene Schmidt in May. Siegmund's host parents, the Huffords, attended the typically German wedding festivities. While the groom continues his theological studies at the University of Hamburg, the bride plans to teach.

Penelope MacDonald (USA-NZ) to William Hornsby in 1969. The Robert McCowans, Penny's host family, attended the ceremony in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Renate Pfifferling-A to Franz Hofbauer in April.

Alicia Vargas-Porras-CR '65 to Carlos Queseda-Mateo.CR. Both formerly worked for the Latin American Coordinator.

Births

Economist Ilia Freitas Alencar-BR and her husband have enlarged their family circle with a boy. They also have a three-year-old daughter.

Nancy Staadt Bliss-N and husband, Paul, a son, Erik, named after her Norwegian family.

Giles Menage-F '62 and his wife (Marie-France Beaussier-F) are the parents of a little girl, Virginie. They hope that someday "she will be an AFSer too."

Spotlights

Honors scholar at Bombay University, Rajendraprasad Bagidiya-IND graduated in June with a degree in textile engineering.

Yoko Naraoka Boettcher-J and her husband returned to Tokyo after Yoko received her degree from Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania.

An English teacher and Sorbonne graduate, Claude Guillemet-F and his wife Monique dwell in Bobigny, a suburb of Paris. They are eager for news of those on Bus 31.

Since she received her B.A. from Rhodes University, Penelope McCoy-ZA has worked as an art historian at the Port Elizabeth Museum; served as Junior Lecturer in English at Rhodes; and is now a research officer on a dictionary project. She is engaged to Peter Silva-ZA '66 who is studying to be an Episcopalian priest.

Wolf Von Maltzahn-D attends Ohio State University and is majoring in bio-medical engineering.

Ana Maria Mesquita-BR graduated from Pontificia Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul with a degree in psychology.

Graduate student in French studies at Kyoto University, Hiroko Nasu-J guided visitors at Expo '70 in Osaka.

Mrs. Ryszard Schmaler (Celia Pollock-GB) enjoyed a brief reunion with the Cranes, her host family. She is pleased with her job as secretary to the assistant editor of the Melbourne Age.

Reinhard Rack-A renounced his bachelorhood in 1969. He is now on the faculty of the University of Graz.

Ray Salvosa-RP is specializing in political philosophy and literature at the University of Dallas, Texas. He has been quite active with AFS in the Philippines.

On a visit to Penang, Kenzo Takai-J reminisced with Mohinibai Daswani-FM '69 about the Norman Joneses, their host parents in Ohio.

Awarded a scholarship by the Turkish Educational Foundation and AID, Yildirim Turkmenogullari-TR is working on a masters degree in business finance at the University of Wisconsin.

Hans Bartsch-D '56 (1.) and Paul Eubel-D '62, beloved chaperones of '65 shipmates to Germany, were captured on camera by Judy Shimizu (USA-D '65) in Strasbourg, France.

1965

Engagements

Alice Wanderley-BR to Arlindo Vallachi Filho-BR.

Marriages

Maria de Paolis-RA to Luis Pacifico Tittarelli in February.

Ana Lucia Franco-BR to Fernando Frank in April.

Jaime A. Fuchslocher-B.-RCH to Maria Cristina Buttazzoni Alvarez in April.

Martine Guillot-FR to Jean-Claude Flamand in March.

Pamela Isted-ZA to Richard Hammond. The couple reside 100 miles from Salisbury on a tobacco farm.

Susan Kay Jenkins (USA-D to Frederik Eisenhart.

Maureen Jennings (USA-CO) to Walter W. Busby, Jr. 'n 1969. Maureen is an Account Executive with Trust Investments in Sarasota, Florida.

Angelika Knietzsch-D to Heinz-Hermann Rehkopf in March.

Ariane I. Lavallee-F to Jean-Charles Narcy in June.

Françoise Meert-B to Paul Jacquemin in 1969.

Barbara Mueller-CH to Sarat Chandrasekharan in May.

Elena Rampello-I to Tino Bertozzi in April.

Susanne Richter-D to Peter Spillman in May.

Mrs. Sigrid Elarton (Jenny D. Rohwer-YV) and spouse are living in Rising Sun, Ohio.

Frank D. Roylance (USA-PE) to Mary Christine Trageser in July. Frank is working at a hospital in Hanover, New Hampshire.

Elisa Maria Vidal-RA to Carlos Alberto Cuban in April.

Maurice Waldburger-CH to Ingemarie Ohling in March.

Christine Winkelmann (USA-BR) to Milton Pereira de Assis in June. Christine met her husband, a Brazilian, while studying economics in Rio.

Births

Lt. and Mme. Norbert Garcia (Marie-Helene Vital-FR), a daughter, Juliette.

Spotlights

Now head of Afari Consultants, Division of Stan Rubber, Inc. in Teheran, Iraj Afari-IR dropped in on AFS/Int'l. while in New York on business.

Susan Fischer (USA-BR), a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, will revisit Brazil thanks to a Fulbright scholarship.

Fascinated by the field of law, Mariann Jour-CH has been a legal secretary in Geneva and now, in Zurich.

Charles Keith (USA-D) has been appointed College Representative for Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Co., in Los Angeles, Calif.

In the U.S. for graduate study in engineering at California State at Los Angeles, Krishen Mehta-IND says "hello" to all AFSers of Bus. 10.

Having acquired a B.A. in biology and secondary education, Robbin Mester (USA-SF) plans to teach in Africa under the TAP program.

Inspired by her international experience, Joyce Bowers Nielsen (USA-RCH) studied in Italy for a year, married a Frenchman, Jean-Paul, and now is involved in selecting high school students to go to Germany, France and Mexico for Indiana University's Honors Program in Foreign Languages.

When Rosine Perier-B was in Penfield, New York, she and a friend vowed they would dance at each other's weddings. With law exams the coming Monday, she flew across the ocean as a "surprise"---and dance she did!

A stewardess for Pan Am Airlines, Chintana "Jenny" Vajanabooka-T has a B.A. in languages and history, and now polishes her linguistic abilities jetting around the world.

Arie A. Van Oosterwijk-NL feels that in this not-so-harmonious age "we desperately need programs like AFS to give young people a chance to look beyond the three-minute newscasts of different nations of the world." In his fifth year of medical studies, Arie looks forward to becoming a doctor.

Currently serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural San Ignacia de Acosta, Costa Rica, Carl Jay Voss (USA-D) reports that "many of the experiences are the same [as the AFS year abroad]." These include "learning to see a culture from within" and not criticizing it for differing from one's own.

In their Tokyo home, the Takedas reciprocated the hospitality of the Twinings, Yoshiko Takeda's-J '66 (1.) host family.

1966

Marriages

Larry Brown (USA.RCH) to Alice Neumann in June.

Ilse M. Fonseca Coelho-BR to Norberto Co in April.

Caroline De Vriese-B to Jack Lannoy-Staelens in April.

Janet Edmonds (USA-T) to William Yodis. Janet is continuing her studies at Upsala College.

Air Force Lt. John R. Homer (USA-ZA) to Sharon Jean White, in June.

Katharine M. Ide (USA-UK) to William Closs in June. Kathi and Bill (host brother to Verena Schild-CH '67) are at Stanford University, California.

Randall R. Long (USA-D) to Linda Burcher in February.

Carmen Risoto-Rasines-E to Michel Sableaux, in July at Sache, France.

Helen Simeonidou-GR to James Leahy in May. Helen and James are employed by USIA and Page Communications Engineers, respectively.

Lisbeth Stalbrand-F to Arthur Riedacker in 1969.

Marie-Claude Leleu Wadel-F and spouse will return to Cameroon after completing their studies in Paris.

Spotlights

Christine Boersma (USA-BR) spent the summer studying in Rio de Janeiro and living with her host family.

While completing his teacher education, Jostein By-N was also occupied as the district president of an important youth organization, doing radio programs and newspaper reports and driving his new Austin 1100.

A graduate in banking and finance, Mediadora M. Calieja-RP looks forward to working in her host father's bank in Hampton, Minnesota.

Andrea Cilloni-I, majoring in political science at the University of Bologna, was one of the Returnees who visited AFS/Int'l. while traveling in the U.S. this summer.

A student in international relations at Michigan State University, Charles Dillard (USA-D) spent the summer as a research assistant with the UN Children's Fund in N.Y.

Reunited in both the U.S. and Brazil this summer were Jose Brito Filomeno-BR and Frederick Fisher (USA-BR '68). Jose, Fred's host brother, studies law in Sao Paulo.

Susan Elaine Heberling (USA-DK), a Woodrow Wilson "Fellow," graduated magna cum laude in English from Indiana (Pa.) University.

Kathleen Fowler (USA-GR) had a pleasant get-together with her host sister Stamatia Theodoropoulou-GR '65 in Athens. Full of AFS spirit, Kathy would like to arrange a five-year AA reunion in the spring. Interested?

Harry R. Hertel (USA-D) has returned to Germany to study political science at the Free University in Berlin.

Swarthmore graduate Mary ("Mazie") Hough (USA-D) is working with the World Council in Philadelphia, where she is involved with inner-city school children.

Faithful correspondents after their Bus 13 sojourn, Katri Ketonen-SF and Hiro Tanaka-J met again in Finland, where they enjoyed a "sunny holiday."

The hills of Vermont beckoned again to Helmut Krimbacher-A, there, for his American sister's wedding. Helmut studies electrical engineering in Munich.

Natalia Maria L. Mineque-RP, an English tutor at the Indonesian Embassy School in Manila, graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines.

Vilailuxa (Anna) Prompubes-T will receive her diploma "from the King's hand" in December. She plans to do graduate work in political science in the U.S.

"Down under," Michael Robson-AUS continues his studies in psychology. His family hosted Sharon Inahara (USA-AUS '69).

The impressive announcement of the pharmacy and biochemistry faculty of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sol lists Albio Calveto Rotto-BR under "Pharmacy."

Inspired by his year in Finland, Douglas S. Russell (USA-SF) did his senior thesis on Finnish-American relations, researching it in Washington, D.C. and Helsinki.

In New York prior to chaperoning Americans Abroad to the U.K., Assistant Overseas Representative Jill Steeley-GB registered "shock" at the youthfulness of the AFS/Int'l. staff.

In addition to studying English literature at the University of Panama, Bolivar Tang-PA is President of the Panamanian Returnee Association, handles the fledgling School Program there, and jets around the world as a fringe benefit of his job with Braniff International Airlines.

Susan Lee Taylor-UK took a year out from the University of Sussex for a special studies program in American Literature at Smith College.

Orsolina Vessa-I sends a special greeting to her friends of Bus 4 along with news of her graduation from the University of Naples.

 

1967

Engagements

Jennifer M. Bott-AUS has a year to wait before becoming the bride of David Knox, whose family hosted Nancy Mesner (USA-AUS '69).

Marriages

Ruth Blickensdorfer-CH to Jakob Meisser in April.

Catherine Chanabier-F to Simon A. Barnard in August.

Alison Comfort-ZA to a Liverpudlian, Peter Delve, in June, 1969. After traveling overland from Singapore through Malaysia, Thailand, India, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and Europe, the Delves settled in England.

Jose Gonzaga Franceschini-BR to Barbara Trousdell.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Spence (Gail Hastings-USA-CO) are making their home in Sandston, Virginia.

Christie Margaret Hayes (USA-GB) to Richard Slimak in June.

Spotlights

Elizabeth Ferris (USA-BR) majors in Latin American studies at Duke University. She says the forty speeches she has made really kept her summer in Manaus, Brazil, "alive." In July she revisited Manaus and went on to see the rest of South America.

Dianne Hicks-AUS vacationed on the Gold Coast and toured eastern Australia with Sue Harper, her host sister, before starting the fall term at the University.

Cynthia Isted-ZA is saving her pennies for an overseas excursion. At present she is a secretary at Structural Engineers in Durban, South Africa.

Hans Ulrich Krieger-D continues in theology at the University of Munich after three semesters at the University of Goettingen. In addition to mastering Greek and Hebrew, he studies Swedish and Polish.

Evanthia Michalaki-GR relived the excitement of her AFS year with Julie Fink, host sister, who spent her vacation sightseeing in Greece. Evie is majoring in business administration and working part-time.

Smith College senior Caroline Rider (USA-N) returned to Norway to visit family and friends. At Smith, Caroline has been Chairman of the AFS Club for two years and has helped to organize three AFS Weekends.

After completing law school at the University of Athens, Maria Scarmalioraki-GR worked at the Foreign Press Division of the Prime Minister's office prior to her transfer to the Greek Embassy in Washington, where she is a Press Attaché.

Ransirine A. Senanayake-CL, Kandy's AFS Chapter President, dedicated a book of poems she penned to her Bus 45 friends. A journalist, she plans to enter law school.

Music makers of '68 recapture Icelandic tunes in Iowa (l. to r.) Kathleen Parker, Mary "Pixie" Hellyer, Roanna Metowski.

An outing on a lake in Maryland marked the reunion of A. Roger Jacobsson-S '68 and his Swedish family with the Hollanders, his U.S. hosts.

1968

Marriages

Indira Abeysena-CL to David Jonklass. Ceylon's first AFS wedding couple share an avid interest in the theatre.

Neil Tennant-ZA to S. Megan Anderson-ZA '69 late last year.

Maria E. Calderon-Lama-PE to Jorge Ricardo Quevedo in April.

Maria del Carmen Cuesta-M.-EQ to Antonio Vazquez-M in May.

Fanny Stella Fernandez-E.-CO to Bernardo Lizcano Puyana in January.

Spotlights

Queensland's Returnee Secretary, Leigh Adamson-AUS is editor of the college newspaper at Teacher's College where she is majoring in psychology.

Tsega Andemicael-ETH returned to the U.S. to major in chemistry at Hunter College after a stint at Haile Selassie University in Addis Ababa. She and host sister Bonnie Friend (USA-SF '69) had a gay time seeing the sights of New York.

A student in political science in Paris, Anne ("Nina") Chassaing-F traveled on a cross-country bus trip to California to visit her host family this summer.

R. David Fahey, Jr. (USA-J) spent his sophomore year of college at Sophia University in Tokyo. He resumed his studies at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana this fall.

After receiving her diploma from business school, Marianne Furger-CH embarked on her career as a secretary in a travel agency in Geneva.

At Queensland University Noel Miller-AUS is taking history honors. He also was involved in orientation for departing Australian AFS students.

Bronwen Morris-NZ is at Canterbury University, with the goal of becoming a factory personnel officer.

Monelle Sarfati-F, a law student at Nanterre, has visited Russia and Poland. In July and August she traversed the U.S. with her brother and reports that they had a successful hitchhiking venture from N.Y. to Washington, D.C.

On a church mission, Steven Scow (USA-IND) is residing in France for the next two years.

A premedical student at Columbia University, Lawrence Stockl (USA-J) put his knowledge to good use when he saved the life of one of his coaches by using heart massage.

 

1969

Spotlights

In Australia, Judy Alcorn and Carolyn Kneale are at Teacher's College; Paul Stocks and Glenys Philbey are at University (where Glenys was the lead singer in a Gilbert and Sullivan production); and Jillian Webster is working at the U.S. Consulate in Brisbane.

Kathy Ashby (USA-NZ) has several news items: she will wed Steven Bainbridge, a senior at Georgia Tech, and will transfer to Georgia State, and she received a visit from her host family, the Taggarts.

Luis F. Calero-CO is at Loyola Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana, studying for the priesthood.

Full of pep, Ruth Carlson (USA-IR) not only arranges AFS activities, but was named the Illinois "Homemaker of Tomorrow," winning a $1,500 scholarship and a tour of Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg.

After fourteen months, Sara Fitzgerald (USA-AUS) was reunited with her host sister, Jillian Field-AUS '70 during a school break.

"Oh happy day," said the five Nivers when they visited Hansjoerg Hellweg-D for three weeks in Germany.

Linda Owen-SD hopes that AFS will grow "by leaps and bounds" in Swaziland. Her family has moved to the Republic of South Africa, so she now studies English and Drama in Durban.

Lertdow Sayankena-T and Kanchana Thanongsin-T received the highest grades in their graduating class at the Sakon Nakhon Teachers College.

IN MEMORIAM

Cecilia Coriasco-RA '66, an airline hostess since last August, perished in a plane crash in South America on February 4.

François Derioz-F '64, in 1969 in a highway accident.

Shin Ito-J '67 on January 17.

Jose Claudio Raulino de Sousa-BR '69, in March. Prior to his death he was an active member of the local AFS committee.

Louis E. Smith (USA-RP '63) drowned on August 16, 1969.

Annina Ten Doornkaat-CH '69 died on July 29 in an automobile accident.

 

Juxtaposed

Idealism-Realism

Why certain countries are not included in our roster is a question frequently posed to AFS. Here are extracts from a recent letter in which the subject again surfaces along with portions of a reply from Arthur Howe, Jr. The letter also provides a thoughtful portrait of the AFS student 1970-style.

July/1970

One of the most beautiful and reassuring human experiences of my twenty-one years began June 29, when I left California as Bus Chaperon for forty-four AFS students from seventeen countries. The two and one-half week trip demonstrated that people of the most diverse cultural backgrounds can respect each other's differences and build a solid friendship based on common interests which unite all mankind. Never having been an AFS student, I gained many new insights into what it is like for a young person from another country to encounter new environs. I saw the ideals of AFS, an organization which I deeply respect and have been involved with in my own community, become a reality.

The Bus Trip's activities are formulated with three primary objectives in mind: (1) to give the students a more complete picture of the diversity of American culture; (2) to give the Bus Trip host communities a better understanding of the AFS Int'l. Scholarships Program; and (3) to give the students an opportunity to meet fellow AFSers from other lands while undergoing a period of readjustment and reorientation before returning to their own countries.

Our trip's itinerary included Arizona, where a Navajo Indian spoke about the Indian's problems in today's society; tours of the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde National Park; a visit to a job-training center in Pennsylvania; AFS Talent shows presented to two communities; and picnics and parties with host families. At the end-of-year meeting in Denver, Colorado, there were provocative forums and speeches.

As a microcosm of the school year, the bus trip further exposed the AFsers to the realities of American life in contrast to he Hollywood image so prevalent abroad. The students repeatedly saw that America is neither all good, nor all bad. The trip reinforced the image of America already held by most of them: America ---land of big meals, oversized cars and skyscrapers. However, they also gained new insights into the less fortunate "other America" of poverty, ignorance and racism.

The projected goals of the Bus Trip were very satisfactorily realized, perhaps due to the existence of the quality which strikes me most about this year's students---social consciousness. Almost always, it is accompanied by a feeling of personal commitment to the tasks which previous generations have failed to achieve. It was sensitivity to the goals of AFS that led the students on my bus to say the following in an open letter to AFS/International Scholarships:

Peace and brotherhood are possible only if all people of the world "walk together, talk together . . ." However, because AFS students represent almost exclusively the elite segments of the Western capitalist societies and because several countries, including the United States, place restrictions upon their people making face to face communication impossible we cannot help feeling that there is a contradiction between the stated principles of AFS and the realities of the organization.

This letter, which I also signed, goes on to ask "why some of the countries and/or groups within these countries that we depend on for peace are not included in the program."

When this letter was presented at the Denver forum I believe its content was generally accepted. While some saw it as being a criticism of AFS leadership and an attempt to politicize AFS, others (more correctly, I believe) saw it as a natural expression of the anxiety felt by all who recognize the urgent need for face-to-face communication between the people of those countries whose governments label each other the "enemy." Of course, we see the value of intercultural exchanges with countries in, for example, the Western European nations. What is being sought is to extend this contact to the countries upon which peace in the seventies will ultimately rest. I know that efforts are being made by AFS in this direction, and hope that this fundamental challenge is given the attention it deserves. The students' letter, as I understand it, is a reaffirmation of their obligation to AFS goals, and a renewal pledge to continue and expand the work now being done.

It is the sense of urgency and commitment on the part of the AFSers I met on the Bus Trip which I believe will make them one of the strongest and most united groups of Returnees of any year, and will surely make them an asset to a successful AFS program in future years. I would like to thank AFS/International Scholarships for giving me the opportunity to work with such an exceptional group of people.

Sincerely,
William H. Steiner
Santa Ana,
California Chaperon, Bus #9

 

August/1970

The Reply

While I would question the statement that AFS participants come "almost exclusively from the elite segment of Western capitalist societies," certainly I support the concept that AFS must continue to diversify both its participating students and host families, and the kind of experiences they encounter through their relationship with AFS.

On the specific question of why some countries are not included in the program, this is a matter of historical development and the realities faced in starting new programs. By historical development I refer to the rather unplanned, pragmatic efforts of a small number of men ---who served in the two wars---to bring students to the U.S. from some of the countries with which they had been associated in wartime. Opportunities soon emerged to include both Germany and Japan, where there seemed a particular significance to early participation. Then the program grew, not according to philosophical objectives, but according to where we found some to undertake the effort necessary to start and sustain it, and the funds to support it.

Greater analysis of s growth began in the late 1950's, and efforts were made to introduce the program into developing countries. In these we met problems of acceptance, and in organizing voluntary support and finances. The natural families could rarely contribute significant amounts, and travel costs were often highest. After several years of conscious effort, we faced a new dilemma: the total number of U.S. host families was stable or slightly declining. Our Directors reviewed the whole matter with concern and in 1968 decided on these policies: First, any country that had once participated and wished to re-enter the program could do so; secondly, there was a particular significance to the participation of Eastern European countries, and so a priority was placed on their possible entry; finally, until the number of available U.S. placements began to increase again, there would not be further country additions.

These decisions were made from perspectives on AFS needs which the bus group might not be aware of. We had new, small programs in such countries as Ceylon, Yugoslavia, and Ghana, and we hoped slowly to be able to increase them at least to the level of fifteen or twenty students per year. Such a policy establishes programs which can achieve recognition and support in the country, as well as producing the Returnees who will eventually become a basis for further development and the start of an Americans Abroad program. If with declining numbers of potential placements we had continued to accept new countries without restriction, it would have been difficult for them to achieve their desired expansion. Inevitably, we would also have to reduce further the numbers of placements from older, established countries whose strengthened selection processes were resulting in stronger candidates annually.

I hope this will give you some understanding of the factors behind our situation. Many of us have made intensive endeavors to bring the Eastern European countries into the program. Most of all, we would welcome the participation of Russia. There are, however, both political and educational obstacles which to date we have not been able to overcome. You may be assured that we shall continue our efforts.

Arthur Howe, Jr.
President


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