Report - Fulbright

2007 Annual Report
October 1, 2006 - September 30, 2007
“We must generate experiences of
peace as powerful and self-generating
as the expectancy of war.”
J. William Fulbright, 1964
www.fulbright.edu.co
2007 Annual
Report
Contents
4) The Fulbright Program
5) Biographical Sketch of Senator Fulbright
6) Fulbright in Colombia
7) Board Chairman’s Report
8) Minister of Foreign Relations´ Report
9) Executive Director’s Report
11) Fulbright Colombia Board Members & Staff
12) Grant Programs for Colombians
13) Graduate Program
13) Fulbright-Mincultura Program for the Arts
14) Fulbright-Colciencias-DNP Grant
14) Sciences & Technology Program for Outstanding
International Students
15) Faculty Development Program
15) Fulbright-Suramericana Program
16) Hubert H. Humphrey
16) Foreign Visiting Scholar Program
17) Grant Programs for U.S. Citizens
18) U.S. Scholar Program
19) U.S. Student Program
19) Fulbright-Hays Program
20) Senior Specialists
21) Teacher Exchange Program
21) Teachers Sharing Ideas
22) Educational Advising
23) Special Initiatives & Highlights
25) Fulbright Colombia: 50th Year Anniversary
28) Outstanding Grantee Achievements
31) New Alliances for 2007
33) Institutional Partners
36) Audit Report
37) Financial Report
38) Facts & Figures
Fulbright .3
The Fulbright
Program
A legislative initiative of Senator J. William Fulbright, the Fulbright
Program was established in 1946 to promote educational and
cultural exchange between the United States and other countries.
Today, the Fulbright Program is one of the largest and most
diversified international exchange programs in the world, providing
opportunities for postgraduate study and research in the U.S. to
citizens of 144 countries. At the same time, Americans receive
Fulbright Grants to engage in scholarly and cultural activities
around the world. Each year, approximately 6,000 Fulbright Grants
are awarded in open competitions.
The Fulbright Program is administered by the Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. State Department. Financial support
comes from congressional appropriations and from annual
contributions by governments and other entities of the countries
in which Fulbright Commissions are established. The Program is
overseen by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, whose
members are appointed by the President of the United States.
Muhammad Yunus, Fulbrighter from
Bangladesh, Nobel Peace Prize 2006
Joseph Stiglitz, Fulbrighter from the U.S. ,
Nobel Laureate in Economics ,2001
The Fulbright Program’s impact has been extraordinary. Many of
the more than 300,000 educators, scientists, political and social
leaders, artists, and even 36 Nobel Prize winners who have received
a Fulbright Grant, have made significant contributions within
their countries as well as to the overall goal of advancing mutual
understanding, tolerance and international cooperation.
Carlo Rubbia, Fulbrighter from Italy, Nobel
Laureate in Physics, 1984
4. Fulbright
Biographical
Sketch of Senator
Fulbright
Born in 1905, J. William Fulbright received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arkansas, and
later attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar where he earned his M.A. degree.
After studying Law at George Washington University and working at the Justice Department, in 1939 he
was named President of the University of Arkansas, at the time the youngest university president in the
United States.
After being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1942, Congress adopted the Fulbright
Resolution supporting an international peace-keeping mechanism that helped shape U.S. participation
in what became the United Nations. This catapulted Fulbright to the national political stage, gaining a
seat in the U.S. Senate in 1944.
During his 30 years of public service, Fulbright was one of the most influential and respected senators.
Legislation establishing the Fulbright Program was passed in 1946. Its first participants went overseas in
1948, funded by war reparations and foreign loan repayments to the United States.
After leaving the Senate, he continued his efforts to help the Program that still bears his name. Senator
Fulbright received numerous recognitions by governments, universities and educational organizations
around the world for his work on behalf of education and international understanding. In 1993 he was
awarded the Presidential Medal of Liberty by President Clinton.
Fulbright .5
Fulbright
in
Colombia
The Fulbright Commission in Colombia was established by an
international treaty between the U.S. and Colombian governments
on January 8, 1957. It is governed by a binational Board of Directors
composed of three U.S. citizens living in Colombia and three Colombian
citizens. Board members are jointly appointed for two-year terms by
the Colombian Minister of Foreign Relations and the U.S. Ambassador
in Colombia, who also serves as Fulbright’s Honorary Chairman of the
Board. The Board oversees the Fulbright Commission’s operations,
appoints its Executive Director, approves both Colombian and U.S.
grantees, and ensures compliance with the Program Directives
established by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
The mission of Fulbright Colombia is to further mutual understanding
between the peoples of the United States and Colombia through
educational and cultural exchange. This is achieved through its
grant programs offered to both U.S. and Colombian citizens.
Approximately 45 Colombians receive Fulbright Grants each
year to conduct postgraduate studies, engage in research, teach
in universities and secondary schools, and participate in other
professional and academic activities. At the same time, 25 American
scholars, students, researchers, teachers and artists come to
Colombia yearly as Fulbright grantees.
Since the inception of the Fulbright Program in Colombia,
approximately 2,200 Colombians and 1,100 U.S. citizens have
received grants through the Fulbright Commission.
6. Fulbright
El Cerrejón, La Guajira, courtesy of
El Cerrejón
Colombian Amazon
Board Chairman’s
Report
More than 60 years ago, Senator J. William Fulbright made a daring bet: Convinced that knowledge
of other peoples was one of the building blocks of international cooperation, and perhaps the only
way to avoid another version of the devastating world wars that had characterized the first half of the
20th Century, Senator Fulbright wagered that an international educational exchange program could
change the state of global relations.
Here in Colombia there is no doubt that his bet has paid off. In the year 2007, Fulbright Colombia
celebrated its golden anniversary, 50 years during which more than 3,200 individuals have participated
in this exchange program between our two countries. Each one of these grantees has acted as an
educator and as a cultural ambassador, generating more knowledge and breaking stereotypes, both
of the United States in Colombia, and of Colombia in the United States.
As Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fulbright Colombia, I would like to make special
note of the efforts of the organization’s six executive directors and the dedication of the staff that
have together made possible many of the Commission’s achievements during these 50 years of work
in favor of Colombo-American mutual understanding. The Commission has also benefited from the
contributions of many talented people who have had roles as Board members. Last year we welcomed
two new members to the Board of Directors: Mark Wentworth, Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy,
and Marta Lucía Villegas, President of Icetex. At the same time, Jorge Urrutia stepped down from the
Board after ten years of outstanding service to the Fulbright Program in Colombia. To all of you, my
heartfelt thanks.
In 2007 we made significant progress toward our goals of growing and broadening the Fulbright Grant
Programs. Through the creation of new strategic alliances, both with the Colombian Government and
the private sector, as well as greater contributions from the U.S. Government, Fulbright was able to
increase the number of grants offered in Colombia, generate greater participation by the country’s
regions, and offer new opportunities for Colombia’s minority populations. Looking toward the future,
and what is the start of a new period for the Fulbright Commission in Colombia, we remain committed
to keep creating new opportunities such as these for educational exchange, both for Colombians and
for Americans.
William R. Brownfield
U.S. Ambassador to Colombia
Fulbright .7
Minister of Foreign
Relations’ Report
The Colombian Government, through its Ministry
of Foreign Relations, would like to highlight the
excellent work achieved by all who have been
a part of the team of the Fulbright Commission
in Colombia. The members of the Board, the
directors and staff of this outstanding institution
have managed to consolidate a solid relationship
of cooperation between the United States and
Colombia. Thanks to their persistent efforts,
Senator Fulbright’s vision of promoting mutual
understanding between the people of the United
States and the other countries of the world has
been fulfilled.
The Fulbright Program achieved its first 50 years in
Colombia in 2007 thanks to the agreement signed
between the parties in 1957. During this time, the
Commission has become an invaluable source
of cooperation and education. We currently have
some 2,200 Colombian grantees who have returned
home after a most important academic training
experience in the United States.
Thanks to this important exchange program,
Colombia has reaped the benefits of a community
of highly trained professionals who are leading
the country to meet its economic, political,
technological and cultural development challenges.
The Fulbright Commission has distinguished
itself by its contributions to the national pool of
human capital through the 50 yearly grants for
postgraduate studies, advanced research and
professional activities in prestigious universities in
the United States.
By the same token, the Commission has given
our education system a vote of confidence by
offering 25 grants every year to American citizens
who have worked as teachers and researchers in
universities, high schools and research institutes
throughout Colombia.
8. Fulbright
These institutions have enjoyed the presence
of the more than 1,000 American professors
and scientists who have contributed to the
production of knowledge and competencies in
strategic areas for social development.
I would like to congratulate you especially for the
new programs developed during 2007, which
will lead to many opportunities for graduate
studies for teachers, researchers, artists and
professionals from all regions of the country.
Special mention should be made of the Grants for
University professors in Antioquia, Cultural Studies
for Indigenous and Afrocolombian Descendants,
the Program targeting Afrocolombian Leaders
and the Fulbright-Cerrejón Grant for La Guajira,
which will no doubt be an essential tool for the
development of ethnic minorities in Colombia.
I herewith reiterate my determination to continue
to work together in this remarkable program
of cooperation, which has already resulted in
agreements with the Ministry of Education,
the Ministry of Culture, the National Planning
Department and Colciencias. Together we will
work toward creating new opportunities for the
training of highly qualified professionals for the
purpose of helping to achieve progress for our
country.
Sincerely,
Fernando Araújo Perdomo
Minister of Foreign Relations
Executive
Director’s Report
2007 marked the culmination of the first 50 years in the life of the
Fulbright Commission. It was a very busy anniversary year, full
of activities to celebrate this important milestone in the history
of the Fulbright Program in Colombia. From the well-attended
photography exposition by former grantee Santiago Harker in the
Museum of Modern Art in late January, where the Commission’s
agreement with the Culture Ministry for Grants in the Arts was also
renewed for another five years, to the close of the festivities with
a gala reception hosted by Ambassador William R. Brownfield in
November, Fulbright Colombia was celebrating. All the anniversary
year’s events had the dual purpose of commemorating the
Commission’s achievements during the past 50 years, and to pay
tribute to the more than 3,300 current and former grantees from
both countries who represent the Fulbright Program’s legacy to
Colombia and to U.S.-Colombian mutual understanding.
Fulbright’s successes in Colombia are due in large measure to the
leadership of the Commission’s five distinguished former Directors:
Ramón de Zubiría, Joaquín Piñeros Corpas, Germán García,
Francisco Gnecco, and Agustín Lombana. I want to especially thank
Carmen de Zubiría, widow of the first Executive Director Ramón
de Zubiría, Francisco Gnecco, Director from 1973 to 1988, and
Agustín Lombana, Director from 1989 to 2005, for their support
and presence at the various commemorative events throughout
the year.
2007 was a time not only to take stock of the Commission’s prior
achievements, but also to look to the future and the new challenges
that the Fulbright Program in Colombia will face. Last year we
took some important first steps toward achieving objectives in
four strategic areas: 1) to increase the number of grants –we went
from an historical average of 70 total grants per year to 100 grants
developed in 2007 for the 2008 period, with a projection of 125
grants for 2009; 2) to broaden regional participation –through the
New Regions Program, the Commission awarded 56% of its 2007
grants to Colombians from cities other than Bogotá; 3) to achieve
greater diversity –two new initiatives in partnership with the
Colombian Government, through the Ministry of Education, the
Ministry of Culture and Icetex, will designate 12 new grants for the
Afrocolombian and Indigenous Communities starting in 2008; and
4) to increase private sector contributions –one of the most effective
ways for the private sector to enhance Colombia’s competitiveness,
Fulbright .9
innovation and development is to invest in advanced studies and
research capacity. Fulbright Colombia concluded new agreements with
Suramericana and El Cerrejón in 2007, both of which are models of the
synergies between corporate social responsibility and Fulbright’s agenda.
Meeting these new challenges depends on the commitment,
cooperation and hard work on various strategic fronts. First are our
institutional alliances with both the public and private sector, which
we hope to keep expanding in the years to come. Our partners in the
United States and Colombia are key to the quality and innovation
that are the hallmarks of the Fulbright Program. Fulbright’s continued
success in Colombia also depends on our community of former
grantees. In 2007, first steps were taken toward recreating an alumni
organization, through which current and former grantees from both
countries will contribute to the strengthening of the Program and the
shared development of academic and social projects.
Last, but not least, is the group of individuals dedicated to the
Fulbright mission and operations. A six-member Board of Directors
provides expert guidance and oversight, while a team of devoted
individuals are in charge of the Commission’s day-to-day operations
that are the basis of the new programs, initiatives and changes that
we have begun to implement in 2007. Our most heartfelt thanks and
best wishes to Consuelo Valdivieso, an extraordinary person who for
nearly 35 years was at the forefront of the Commission’s successes
as Director of Programs for U.S. Citizens; and to Consuelo Ramírez,
who began her career at the Commission working with the Alumni
Association and later worked in the area of Programs for Colombians.
At the same time, 4 new professionals joined the Commission staff in
2007: Alexandra Moreno as Junior Officer for U.S. Programs, Catalina
Ahumada and Sylvia Castrillón as Program Advisors, and Carolina
Santacruz, the new Coordinator of Special Projects.
With help from our institutional partners, our alumni community, and
the Commission board and staff, I hope to keep building on the work of
5 decades of efforts toward contributing to Colombia’s development,
and to U.S.-Colombian mutual understanding.
Regards,
Ann C. Mason
Executive Director
10. Fulbright
Fulbright Colombia
Board Members
& Staff
Honorary Chairman of the Board
Staff de la Comisión Fulbright
William R. Brownfield U.S. Ambassador to Colombia
Ann Mason Executive Director American Members
Marcela García Colombian Program Officer
Mark Wentworth
Edward Loo
Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy
Board President
Susana Casallas Financial and Administrative
Director
Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S.Embassy
Board Treasurer
Alexandra Moreno
U.S. Junior Program Officer
Olga Lucía Sánchez Educational Advisor
Alan Hails
Partner
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Colombia
Sandra León Communications Officer
Colombian Members
Marta Lucía Villegas President
Icetex
María Claudia Parias Cultural Affairs Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Bruce MacMaster
Partner, Inverlink S.A.
Carolina Santacruz Special Projects Coordinator
Catalina Ahumada Program Assistant
Sylvia Castrillón Program Assistant
Juan C. Rodríguez Systems
Piedad Valero
Receptionist
Rocío Molina
Office Assistant
Fulbright .11
Grant Programs
for Colombians
statistics.2007
Academic merit, leadership potential, and the anticipated multiplier
effect of the study proposal for Colombia’s future form the core selection
criteria for the highly competitive Fulbright Grants. A total of 41 grants
were awarded to Colombians in 2007 for postgraduate studies, research,
teaching, and related academic experiences in the United States, 38 of
which were accepted. Through concerted efforts to increase access to
Fulbright Programs for Colombians outside the country’s major cities, a
56% regional participation rate was achieved in 2007.
A rigorous selection process is adhered to in all grant programs.
Uncompromising standards of transparency and impartiality guide
each step of the process. Pre-screened applicants first undergo an
independent, academic review by professors, researchers and experts in
the relevant academic fields to evaluate the applicants’ academic qualities
and capacity for advanced study and research. A group of finalists is
then interviewed by an interdisciplinary review committee comprised
of former Fulbrighters, Fulbright Board members, and representatives of
our institutional partners. The Board of Directors of Fulbright Colombia
submits the nominees to receive grants to the J. William Fulbright Foreign
Grants Board in the United States that approves the final selection of
grantees.
38
258
56%
34%
grants to Colombians
applications received
regional grantees
female grantees
Grants by program of
study:
41% Master’s Programs
37% Ph.D. Programs
10% Non-degree Programs
12% Secondary Teachers
Grants by area of
study 2007:
31% Engineering
19% Arts & Architecture
17% Social Sciences &
Humanities
17% Sciences & Technology
8% Education
6% Law
3% Public & Business
Administration
12. Fulbright
Graduate
Program
The oldest Grant at the Fulbright Commission in Colombia, the
Graduate Program awards grants to outstanding Colombian
professionals and academics to pursue Doctoral or Master’s
programs in the U.S. The fields supported in the 2007 program
were Natural, Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, Urban
and Regional Planning, Education, Public Health, History, and
Political Science. The Fulbright award benefits include 24 months
of full or partial tuition waivers, a monthly living stipend, university
placement, airfare, health insurance, English language training,
and other pre-academic courses. 5 individuals received grants from
a total of 129 candidates, the highest number in the history of the
Program.
Rosa Aurita Charrupi, 2008 grantee
Grantee
Field of Study
Program
University
Catalina Arreaza
International Relations
M.A.
The New School for Social
Research
María Carolina Casas
Education
Ph.D.
Indiana University
Guillermo Alberto Cruz
Public Policy
M.A.
M.I.T.
Juan Pablo Ossa
Political Science
M.A.
The New School for Social
Research
María Alexandra Peralta
Environmental Economics
M.S.
Michigan State University
Fulbright-MinCultura
Program for the Arts
The Ministry of Culture contributes funding for this pioneering program
designed to strengthen Colombia’s artistic development and to foment
cross-cultural artistic interactions. In its third promotion year, this
program is well-established within the Colombian arts community.
In 2007 38 candidates applied for the coveted awards in the fields of
Painting, Communications Design, Art History, Dance and Acting, of
whom 5 were selected.
Lina Espinosa, 1989 grantee
Grantee
Field of Study
Program
University
Andrés Eduardo Burbano
New Media and Technology
Ph.D.
University of California
Ana Isabel Cortés
Modern Dance
M.A.
University of Utah
Enrique Flower
Music & Jazz
M.A.
Purchase College
Felipe Vergara
Theater & Directing
M.A.
Temple University
Juliana Andrea Zambrano
Urban Design
M.A.
Pratt Institute
Fulbright .13
Fulbright-ColcienciasGrant
DNP
In partnership with the Colombian Institute for the Development of
Science and Technology, Colciencias, and the Colombian Government’s
National Planning Office, DNP, Fulbright Colombia offers grants for
Ph.D. and Master’s degrees in the Sciences, Engineering and Technology
fields. This Program also seeks to strengthen U.S.-Colombian scientific
collaboration. The oldest of Fulbright Colombia’s cost-share programs, the
grant is also supported by contributions made by sponsoring institutions
that provide employment to the grantee upon completing the degree
and returning to Colombia. Of 31 applications received in 2007, 12 grants
were awarded.
Fulbright-Colciencias-DNP 2007
Program Grantees
Grantee
Sponsoring
institution
Field of Study
Program
University
Angélica Burbano
ICESI
Industrial Engineering
Ph.D.
University of Arkansas
Gustavo Adolfo Carrillo
Universidad Francisco
de Paula Santander
Hydrology
Ph.D.
University of Arizona
Luis Antonio Garavito
Universidad Nacional
de Bogotá
Operations Research
Ph.D.
University of Illinois
Jorge Iván Marín
Universidad del Quindío
Electrical Engineering
Ph.D.
Georgia Institute of
Technology
Juan Carlos Martínez
Universidad Tecnológica
de Bolívar
Electronic Engineering
Ph.D.
University of Connecticut
Álvaro Orjuela
Universidad Nacional
de Bogotá
Chemical Engineering
Ph.D.
Michigan State University
Catalina Ortiz
Universidad Nacional
de Medellín
Urban Planning
Ph.D.
University of Illinois
David Leonardo Ramos
Sucromiles S.A.
Biotechnology
M.S.
University of Maryland
David Eliécer Senior
Universidad Tecnológica
de Bolívar
Electrical Engineering
Ph.D.
University at Buffalo
Daniel Serrano
Indupalma S.A.
Computing Sciences
M.S.
Georgia Institute of
Technology
Germán Andrés Vargas
CENICAÑA
Agricultural Entomology
Ph.D.
Kansas State University
Communications
M.A.
Ohio University
Jorge Fernando Zapata Universidad de Antioquia
Science & Technology Program for
Outstanding International Students
This Program offers grants to finance doctoral degrees in the United States
in the Sciences, fields of Technology, and Engineering for outstanding
international students. The evaluation process is through a highly
competitive global competition, with a blue ribbon selection committee
that includes renowned American scientists and Nobel prize winners.
A young Colombian scientist was among the 27 award recipients from
around the world in this first grant competition among 120 finalists from
approximately 70 countries.
14. Fulbright
Alejandro Reyes, 2007 grantee
Grantee
Field of Study
Program
University
Alejandro Reyes
Bioinformatics
Ph.D.
Washington University
Faculty
Development
Program
Universities and the Fulbright Commission in Colombia team up to
provide postgraduate training to professors and researchers in all fields
of study. Institutions of higher learning throughout the country cover
living expenses while the Fulbright Program provides full or partial tuition
waivers, university admission, health insurance, the cost of the visa,
English language courses, and other orientation seminars. 2 university
professors were selected for awards in 2007, out of 6 applicants.
Universidad de los Andes
Grantee
Sponsoring
University
Field of Study
Program
University
Carlos Andrés Aldana
Universidad de los
Andes
Commercial Law
M.A.
Georgetown University
María del Rosario
Torres
Universidad Javeriana
Arts Administration
M.A.
University of Oregon
Fulbright-
Suramericana Program
Master’s programs for the largest private sector consortium in Colombia
are supported through the Fulbright-Suramericana Program since 1999.
Affiliate companies of the Antioquia Business Group in manufacturing
and banking sponsor young professionals for advanced degrees in
Business, Law, Economics and Engineering who then return to positions
of leadership within the organization. The exacting selection process also
requires proven commitment to social responsibility. 4 grantees were
selected from 10 applicants in 2007.
Alejandro Mejía, 2007 grantee
Grantee
Sponsoring Company
Field of Study
Program
University
Mauricio Botero
BANCOLOMBIA
Finance
M.S.
Emory University
Claudia María Castro
Compañía Nacional
de Chocolates
Industrial Engineering
M.S.
Pennsylvania State
University
Camilo Restrepo
ARGOS S.A.
Environmental Engineering
M.S
University of Maryland
Luis Fernando Ríos
COLCAFE COLOMBIA
Strategic Innovation
M.S
University of Maryland
Fulbright .15
Hubert
H. Humphrey
For the first time since the inception of the Humphrey competition 10
years ago, 3 Colombians were selected to participate in this prestigious
study program in 2007. The Hubert H. Humphrey Program offers advanced
studies to mid-career professionals from 144 different countries with
demonstrated leadership qualities and commitment to public service.
The Humphrey Fellows were awarded a one-year academic residency
with professional internships, sharing study programs with a total of 162
Fellows from around the world.
Juan Pablo Ortega, Rodrigo Rivera, Ann
Mason, Pablo Jaramillo
Grantee
Colombian Institution
Field of Study
University
Pablo Jaramillo
Comité Cafetero de Caldas
Education
Cornell University
Juan Pablo Ortega
Empresas Públicas de Medellín
Technology Innovation
M.I.T.
Rodrigo Rivera
Former Senator
Public Policy
American University
Foreign Visiting
Scholar Program
The Program for Foreign Visiting Scholars offers two grants per year
to Colombian professors to conduct advanced research during one
academic semester at a U.S. university or research institute. The program’s
goals are to create new research opportunities for Colombian academics
and to promote research collaboration between the U.S. and Colombia.
2007 saw the first grant competition in this Program in Colombia in more
than 20 years, in which one professor was selected.
Zayda Sierra, 2007 grantee
Grantee
Colombian Institution
Field of Research
University
Zayda Lucía Sierra
Universidad de Antioquia
Higher Education for
Indigenous Communities
University of Hawaii
Zayda Sierra
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Georgia and Professor in the School of Education at the
Universidad de Antioquia, Dr. Sierra is a leading expert in the field of Indigenous Education. She is the founder of
the Diverser Group, a research organization that specializes in Pedagogy and Cultural Diversity. Dr. Sierra’s research
project, which she carried out at the University of Hawaii in Manoa, was on Curricular Design and educational
challenges faced by indigenous populations in a globalized context.
16. Fulbright
Grant Programs
for U.S. Citizens
Grant Programs for U.S. citizens seek to increase knowledge about
Colombia in the United States, as well as to contribute to academic
research on Colombia, to strengthen institutional relations, and to
foment research networks between both countries. The Council
for the International Exchange of Scholars, CIES, and the Institute
of International Education, IIE, are the U.S.-based cooperating
agencies that administer the U.S. Fulbright Programs, responsible
for program promotion and pre-selection of candidates. Fulbright
Colombia awarded a total of 25 grants in 2007 to U.S. scholars,
graduate students, and artists with institutional affiliations
throughout the country.
statistics.2007
25
grants awarded to U.S.
citizens in 2007
36%
of the grants are for
projects to be carried out in
the regions
52%
of the grantees are female
Grants by area of study:
40% Social Sciences
32% Humanities
16% Sciences, Health &
Environment
8% Arts
4% Others
Fulbright .17
U.S. Scholar
Program
Visiting scholars from U.S. universities arrange 5-month appointments at Colombian
universities, where they engage in research and lecturing at both the undergraduate
and graduate level. Providing opportunities to experts in the field of Colombia and
non-Colombianists alike, the U.S. Scholar Program is instrumental to U.S.-Colombian
academic collaboration and to the creation of research networks. CIES received
a total of 13 applications from scholars, of whom 6 were awarded grants for the 2007
academic year.
Grantee
Field of study
U.S. Institution
Colombian Host
Institution
Arshiya Baig
Public Health
University of California
Universidad de los Andes
Fundación Santa Fe
Karen R. Burns
Anthropology
University of Georgia
Universidad de los Andes
Equitas
Steve Cagan
Art
Independent Photographer
FundaciónUniversitariaClaretiana
Diana Coryat
Communications
Global Action Project
Universidad del Valle
Agustin Lao
Sociology
University of Massachusetts
Universidad del Valle
Stephen Meardon
Economics
Bowling Green State
University
Universidad de los Andes
Arshiya Baig
Steve Cagan
Agustin Lao
M.D. and researcher at the University
of California in Los Angeles, Dr. Baig
works on public health issues,
especially related to domestic
violence. Her research project seeks to
establish domestic violence protocols
for themedical profession in Colombia,
which she is carrying out jointly at the
Universidad de los Andes and the
Fundación Santa Fe in Bogotá.
Steve is an independent social
photographer who was invited by
various educational and community
organizations in Quibdó to hold
seminars, workshops, and talks on
Photographic Practices. He was also
involved in a photographic project
on daily life and forms of resistance
found in Chocoan culture.
Dr. Lao, Associate Professor in
the Sociology Department at the
University of Massachusetts at
Amherst, is a leading expert on the
African Diaspora and Racial History.
With an affiliation at the Universidad
del Valle in Cali, his research project
involved migration, forms of local
organization, and Afro-Colombian
ethno-racial identity in urban
localities.
Karen Ramey Burns
Professor of Anthropology at the
University of Georgia, Dr. Burns
is a forensic anthropologist who
worked on a project related to the
recuperation and identification of
victims of violence carried out in
conjunction with the Anthropology
Department at the Universidad de
los Andes and Equitas. Dr. Burns also
collaborated in the creation of the
first Master’s Program in Forensic
Anthropology in Colombia at the
Universidad de los Andes.
18. Fulbright
Diana Coryat
Diana is Director of the Global
Nation Project, a communications
initiative that seeks to stimulate civic
consciousness and participation
among marginalized youth through
diverse media projects. She had a
joint appointment at the Schools of
Communications at the Universidad
del Valle and the Universidad de
Antioquia.
Stephen Meardon
Dr. Meardon is currently Assistant
Professor of Economics at Bowling
Green State University in Ohio.
His Fulbright Grant was carried
out at the School of Economics
at the Universidad de los Andes,
where he researched bilateral trade
agreements between Colombia
and the U.S. in the 19th century.
U.S. Student
Program
Recent graduates and students enrolled in both Master’s and Ph.D.
programs in the U.S are eligible for the U.S. Student Grant. Candidates must
demonstrate Spanish language proficiency and present viable research
proposals for their year-long stay in Colombia. Most also do coursework
in graduate programs at Colombian universities, which provide tuition
waivers to the U.S. students. For the 2007 grant period, 8 grants were
awarded from 33 applications in the Social Sciences, Humanities, Sciences
and Public Health fields.
Brittney Bailey, 2007 grantee
Grantee
Field of study
Program
U.S. Institution
Colombian Host
Institution
Lamonte Aidoo
Spanish & French
B.A.
Lincoln University
Universidad de los Andes
Brittney Bailey
International
Relations
B.A.
University of Southern
California
Universidad Javeriana
Teófilo Ballvé
International
Affairs
M.A.
The New School
for Social Research
Universidad de los Andes
Emily Cohen
Anthropology
Ph.D.
New York University
Universidad Javeriana
Ian Mendenhall
Sciences
Ph.D.
Tulane University
CIDEIM & CALIDRIS
Sara Potler
International
Relations
B.A.
University of Virginia
Universidad de los Andes
Whitney Sheen
Public Health
M.H.S.
Johns Hopkins University
Universidad Javeriana
Sarah Zukerman
Political Science
Ph.D.
M.I.T.
Universidad de los Andes
Fulbright-Hays
Program
The Fulbright-Hays Program for International Doctoral Dissertation
Research is administered by the Department of Education of the U.S.
Government. Its purpose is to assist doctoral candidates conduct research
abroad in the fields of modern languages or area studies. A total of 163
grants were awarded in 2007, one of which went to a Ph.D. candidate to
do her doctoral field work in Colombia.
Grantee
Field of study
Program
U.S. Institution
Colombian Host
Institution
Rebecca Anne Tally
Latin American
Studies
Ph.D.
Cornell University
Archivo Nacional
Fulbright .19
Senior
SPECIALISTS
Innovative forms of academic and professional collaboration is the goal of the Senior Specialists
Program. Colombian universities and institutions invite U.S. academics and experts for short-term
visits to engage in activities related to Institutional and Program Development, Curriculum Design and
Evaluation, and to offer specialized workshops, seminars and training courses. Institutions in 4 cities in
Colombia hosted 5 senior specialists in 2007, in the fields of Education, Environmental Science, Public
Health, Music and the Arts.
Stanley Alpert
A leading environmental lawyer with a vast experience in civil and criminal trials, Mr. Alpert was Chief of Environmental
Litigation for the New York Attorney General, and currently is in private practice in the field of Environmental Law. Mr.
Alpert advised the Universidad Libre de Cartagena and the Fundación TECNAR on research, the regulatory system and the
legal regime in environmental cases.
Christon Hurst
Professor at Xavier University and Ph.D. in Virology and Epidemiology from Baylor University, Dr. Hurst spent one month in
the Environmental Engineering Department at the Universidad del Magdalena assisting on research projects and teaching
a specialized course on the design of treatment systems for sewage water.
James Lerager
Mr. Lerager is the Director of the International Research and Documentary Photography Project, and Photography
Editor of the journal Perspectivas Latinoamericanas. His Fulbright Grant was carried out in the School of Communications
and Journalism at the Universidad de Antioquia, where he taught an advanced seminar on the theory and practice of
Documentary Photography and Photojournalism.
Sonia Ospina
Dr. Ospina is currently the Director of Graduate Programs at the Wagner School of Public Service at New York University.
Ph.D. in Sociology from SUNY Stony Brook, she was invited by the School of Government at the Universidad de los Andes
to evaluate and advise on the program structure and curriculum design of its new Master’s in Public Administration.
Jayant Rajgopal
Dr. Rajgopal is Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Industrial
Engineering. An expert in Mathematical Programming, Probability and the Analysis of Production, Manufacturing and
Operations, Professor Rajgopal offered an advanced course on Production and Operations to students in the Department
of Industrial Engineering at the Universidad Nacional in Bogotá.
Grantee
Field of Study
U.S. Institution
Colombian Host Institution
Stanley Alpert
Environmental Law
The Alpert Firm
Universidad Libre de Cartagena
Fundación Tecnológica Antonio de Arévalo
Christon Hurst
Environmental Science
Xavier University
Universidad del Magdalena
James Lerager
Journalism and
Communications
International Documentary Photography
and Research Project
Universidad de Antioquia
Sonia Ospina
Public Administration
New York University
Universidad de los Andes
Jayant Rajgopal
Industrial Engineering
University of Pittsburgh
Universidad Nacional
20. Fulbright
Teacher
Exchange
Program
10 elementary and high school teachers from Colombia and the U.S.
participated in the 2007 Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program. In this
innovative international job swap, 5 Colombian public and private school
teachers from Bogotá, Barranquilla and Cali replaced their American
colleagues in schools across the U.S. While they were teaching Spanish
and providing a window onto Colombian culture to their new students,
the 5 American grantees held their own as English teachers in the
Colombian schools. Not only do the students benefit from direct contact
with native speakers, but the teachers return to their homes after the
yearlong exchange experience with improved language skills and new
insight into life in another country.
Samuel Caudill, 2007 grantee
Grantee
Host Institution
City
Sarah Allen
Colegio San José
Barranquilla
Heindrick Suárez
Irving Elementary School
West Allis, Wisconsin
Samuel Caudill
INEM Jorge Isaacs
Cali
Jaime Narváez
Mason County High School
Maysville, Kentucky
Rachel Busetti
Colegio Agustiniano,
Ciudad Salitre
Bogotá
Nancy Ortega
North Elementary School
Brighton, Colorado
Adriana Pérez
Colegio Nuevo Colombo
Americano
Bogotá
Claudia Yaneth Ortiz
Longfellow School
San Diego, California
Marge Andrews
Colegio Costa Rica
Bogotá
Clara Lozano
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, Washington
Teachers
Sharing ideas
U.S. Fulbright teachers in Colombia toured the country in 2007, offering
a series of conferences to local English language teachers, school
administrators, and university students on current teaching trends and
methodologies in foreign language instruction in the U.S. secondary
school system. The seminars represented an outstanding opportunity for
U.S. and Colombian educators to exchange ideas on English and Spanish
language teaching. The seminars drew over 450 attendees in Bogotá, Cali
and Barranquilla.
Renee Foster, 2006 grantee
Fulbright .21
Educational
Advising
Olga Lucía Sánchez,
Educational Advisor
The Fulbright Educational Advising Office plays a vital role in providing
information about higher education opportunities in the U.S. and in
supporting Fulbright outreach. One of the Education USA Advising
Offices, it is the hub in a network of 9 advising centers located at
the binational Colombo-American Centers throughout the country.
EducationUSA advising centers are a key source of comprehensive and
up-to-date information for international students about all aspects of the
U.S. education system.
In addition to maintaining an extensive reference library, the Educational
Advising Office offers seminars, workshops and personalized advising
sessions regarding diverse aspects of studying in the U.S., including
how to select the right program, the application process, admissions
requirements, personal statement, letters of recommendation, aptitude
tests, and financial costs. Starting in 2007, the Fulbright website offered
a new Advising office online service through a weekly chat space where
those interested can interact with Advising Officers and special guests to
obtain relevant information about advanced studies in the U.S.
The Director of Educational Advising worked closely with university
representatives in the United States and in Colombia through educational
fairs and university tours, and participated actively in major conferences
on international education. She hosted several workshops, as well as
activities such as International Education Week and a refresher seminar for
student advisors from different EducationUSA centers.
22. Fulbright
Special Initiatives
& Highlights
Enrichment Program
In April, Fulbright Colombia hosted the Annual Seminar for all U.S. Student grant
recipients in the Andean Region, in Cartagena. The Universidad Tecnológica de
Bolívar was our local institutional partner for this event. 41 U.S. grant recipients
who are developing grant projects in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú and
Venezuela attended. The Seminar provided the opportunity to share experiences,
exchange academic interests, and deepen their knowledge about the region and
Colombia.
Fulbright Forums
U.S. Fulbright Scholars in Colombia shared their research projects with Colombian
and U.S. colleagues during a series of seminars and symposiums during 2007. The
Fulbright Forums included Weaving Translocal Networks: The Black Atlantic and the
Politics of Transdisciplinarity, by Professor Agustin Lao presented at Universidad
del Valle; the conference by Professor Karen Burns at the Universidad de los
Andes on Forensic Anthropology and Human Rights; a photographic presentation
by Steve Cagan in the Universidad Nacional in Bogotá titled El Chocó: An
Unknown Cultural and Environmental Treasure; Professor Joanne Rappaport at the
Universidad Nacional, Approaches to the Study of Mixed Races in the New Kingdom
of Granada; and Professor David Gow´s presentation at the ICANH about his
research on political opposition in Cauca during the Tunubalá Government.
Ann Mason and Laura Bush
Fulbright Colombia Attends Luncheon for Laura Bush
During the official visit of President George Bush to Colombia in March 2007,
Colombian First Lady Lina María Uribe and the wife of the Vicepresident Victoria
García de Santos hosted a luncheon to honor Mrs. Laura Bush. Ann Mason
attended in the company of a variety of national figures from the education
and cultural sectors. The objective was to converse about the advances and the
challenges in the field of education in Colombia.
Deputy Chief of Mission hosts Dinner for Grantees
Milton Drucker, Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d´Affaires of the U.S. Embassy
in Colombia during 2007, hosted a dinner at the Ambassador’s residence for the
2007 Fulbright grantees from both countries. It was an ideal space for the U.S.
and Colombian scholars and students to meet each other and to share ideas
about their academic projects and international experiences.
2007 grantees at the Embassy dinner
Fulbright .23
Awards Ceremony
Fulbright held its first Awards Ceremony in 2007 to honor its Colombian grantees
by presenting them with symbolic diplomas of their grants. The event, which was
held in the Auditorio Teresa Cuervo Borda in the National Museum in May, had
as special guest Minister of Defense and former Fulbright scholar Juan Manuel
Santos. Dr. Santos studied Public Administration at M.I.T. and Harvard University
as a Fulbright-Fletcher Scholar in 1980-1981. Family members, Government
representatives from Colombia and the United States, universities and participating
entities made up the more than 250 attendees at the evening’s event.
Orientation Seminars
Both Colombian and U.S. grantees participated in the 2007 Orientation Seminars
that took place at El Noviciado, the hacienda of the Universidad de los Andes in
Cota. The Seminars, which are held every year, offer grant recipients preparation
for their upcoming academic and cultural experience. Those from the United
States are introduced to Colombian history and current social, cultural and political
issues, while the Colombians attend a variety of talks about the U.S. education
system, the academic challenges they are likely to face, and U.S. lifestyles they will
encounter. Former Fulbrighters from both countries participated in the seminars.
2007 National Tour
For the first time, Fulbright carried out a national tour of 22 Colombian cities in 2007
to promote its programs and to better understand the interests in advanced studies
in different regions of the country. The tour, which showcased the new Graduate
Program for the Regions, was launched at the Universidad de Nariño in Pasto with
the participation of university President Gabriel Jaime Muñoz, and congressional
representative and former Fulbright Scholar Pedro Obando Ordóñez.
24. Fulbright
Fulbright Colombia:
50 Year Anniversary
Silver Trail Inauguration
Fulbright Colombia opened its 50th anniversary celebration on January 31 with an inaugural reception in the Museum of
Modern Art of Bogotá, MAMBO, featuring a photography exhibit by two-time Colombian Fulbrighter Santiago Harker. The
photographic study of the silver trail between Mexico and the United States is the result of his grant in the Fulbright-Ministry
of Culture Program for the Arts. More than 1,200 people attended the MAMBO reception to enjoy the photographs and to
witness the renewal of the agreement of cooperation between the two entities that promote advanced studies in the arts in
the U.S.
Fulbright in Washington D.C.
The Commission took its anniversary celebration to Washington in May 2007 with a delegation of former grantees from the
United States and Colombia, members of the Board of Directors and staff. The first activity was the conference Celebrating 50
Years of Academic Exchange between Colombia and the United States, organized with the Colombia Program and the School of
Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Former Fulbright grantees Nazih Richani, Verónica Salles-Reese, Sandra Ceballos,
Jane Erlick, Pedro Obando and Santiago Harker shared their ideas about politics, society and culture in a well-attended
conference presided by Arturo Valenzuela, Director of the Center of Latin American Studies, and Gerard Martin, Program
Director for Colombia, both from Georgetown University.
Following this event, the Colombian delegation met with various representatives of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs of the State Department. Marianne Craven, representing the Office of the Assistant Under Secretary of State, Rosalind
Swenson, Director of the Office of Educational Exchange, Cynthia Wolloch, Director of Fulbright Programs in Fulbright´s
Western Hemisphere and Debra Shetler, Program Officer, hosted the meeting. Alan Hails and Bruce MacMaster, members of
Fulbright’s Board of Directors, Pedro Obando and Sandra Ceballos, former Fulbright scholars and Colombian Congressional
representatives, and Ann Mason, Executive Director of Fulbright Colombia, represented the Commission.
The visit concluded with a reception offered in the Washington, D.C. residence of Carolina Barco, Colombian Ambassador
to the United States. 100 friends, colleagues, and grantees of Fulbright Colombia, including Mrs. Hillary Fulbright, joined
the celebration. A cultural show livened the evening; there was an exhibit of Santiago Harker’s photographs of the Wayuú
indigenous group and the Fulbright ensemble composed of former grantees who gave a wonderful concert directed by
Juan Carlos Rivas, Fulbright scholar and Musical Director of the Fundación Batuta. The musical delegation included Federico
Demmer, Associate Professor at the Universidad Nacional, Armando Fuentes, Chair of the Department of Music of the
Universidad de los Andes, Ana Cristina González, Professor of Music of the Universidad Javeriana and Tomás Ojeda Jiménez,
member of the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra.
The State Department paid special tribute to Fulbright Colombia for its 50 years of service in favor of mutual understanding
between the two nations. The U.S.-Colombia Business Partnership and Aviatur co-sponsored the reception, and the cultural
program was made possible through the support of the Office of Cultural Affairs of the Colombian Foreign Ministry.
Fulbright .25
Fulbright-UniNorte Conference on Water
The eighth version of the Fulbright-UniNorte conference series took place in August 2007. Water: Advances in Millennium
Goals, debated different facets of the enormous need for a radical transformation in the policy model that provides potable
water to the Caribbean coastal region with the participation of Colombian and international experts. This year the conference
was broadened to include participation along the entire coast, in celebration of the Fulbright Commission’s anniversary. The
conferences took place over two days in Barranquilla, and on the third day simultaneous conferences were held in Santa Marta
at the Universidad de Magdalena, in Riohacha at the Universidad de La Guajira, and at the Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar
in Cartagena. Participants included Leyla Rojas, Under Secretary of Potable Water and Basic Sanitation of the Ministry of the
Environment; Carlos Rodado, Governor of the Department of Atlántico; José Luis González, Governor of the Department of La
Guajira; Dr. Jesús Ferro Bayona, President of the Universidad del Norte, and Marcela García, Director of Programs at Fulbright
Colombia. Fulbright scholar Christon Hurst, Ph.D. in Virology and Epidemiology from Baylor University and current Adjunct
Professor of the School of Biology at Xavier University in Ohio, and Carl Soderberg, Division Director for the Caribbean of the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also brought their expertise to the discussions. Various professors represented the
Universidad del Norte, including Amelia Escudero, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development, and Carlos Javier
Velásquez of the Law School. The conference was co-sponsored by the United States Embassy and by Coca Cola, El Cerrejón
and ExxonMobil. These companies also participated in a panel discussion about business initiatives and social responsibility
in water-related issues and presented their joint program Clean Coasts.
Academic Exchanges in a Globalized World
Fulbright and Colciencias joined forces in an academic gathering that celebrated the 50th anniversary of Fulbright’s work
in Colombia, as well as a decade-long alliance between the two institutions that have worked together to promote the
internationalization and training of Colombia´s academic and scientific community.
The event included the participation of George Yúdice, recognized sociologist and expert in globalization and transnational
processes and Director of Modern Languages and Latin American Studies at the University of Miami, and Andrés Palacio,
Deputy Secretary Department of Social Protection. Additional participants included Salud Hernández Mora, former Fulbright
scholar from Spain and columnist for El Tiempo newspaper, Santiago Castro-Gómez, Director of the Instituto Pensar of the
Universidad Javeriana, Francisco Ortega, Research Coordinator of the Center for Social Studies of the Universidad Nacional
and Fulbright scholar, María Mercedes Gómez, former Fulbright grantee and Chair of the Department of Languages and
Socio-Cultural Studies of the Universidad de los Andes, Steve Cagan, Independent Photographer and 2007 Fulbright scholar,
and Arlene Tickner, Professor of the Universidad Nacional.
The seminar was divided into three thematic groupings, each one dealing with the broad issue of educational exchange from
a conceptual, academic and experiential perspective, focusing on the flow of knowledge in a globalized world, the transfer
and exchange of information, and the asymmetry of knowledge.
26. Fulbright
Ambassador Brownfield Hosts Reception
The Ambassador of the United States to Colombia, William Brownfield, held a reception at his home on November 27 to honor
and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fulbright Commission in Colombia. The event was attended by more than 300
people, among them Government ministers, former grantees, directors of a variety of entities that currently work in alliance
with Fulbright Colombia, staff and former directors of the Commission.
The Ambassador delivered remarks in which he reaffirmed the Embassy’s support of the Fulbright Program and spoke of
the urgent need for human resource training in order to bring about greater growth and development in Colombia. He also
extended a cordial invitation to the Colombian Government and the private sector to continue to support advanced studies
for Colombian professionals.
The reception finished with a musical performance of the Fulbright Sonata, a composition by former Fulbright grantee
Maestro Juan Antonio Cuéllar, which was interpreted by Tomás Ojeda and Ana Cristina González, both former Fulbrighters.
First Fulbright Award
As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the Commission established the Fulbright Award in recognition of distinguished
grantees who through their professional activities, have made a contribution not only to academia, but also to U.S.-Colombian
mutual understanding.
On this occasion, the award was given to Javier Botero Álvarez, a former Fulbright scholar who obtained his Ph.D. in Physics
from the University of Louisiana in Baton Rouge in 1982. Through his research experience and as Under Secretary for Higher
Education, he has strengthened the academic community in Colombia, as well as the relations between both countries.
Javier has been a researcher in the fields of complex systems, atomic physics and condensation of quantic gases, among
others. He was Director of Atomic and Molecular Data in the International Atomic Energy Agency. Currently, he is the Director
of Institutional Development of the Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniería, where he teaches and where he was also Academic
Dean until September 2002, when he joined the Ministry of Education.
Anniversary Sponsors
A variety of organizations sponsored the different activities, making possible Fulbright´s golden anniversary. We would
especially like to thank AeroRepública, Aviatur, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State,
El Cerrejón, Chevron, Coca Cola, Codensa, the Colombian Embassy in Washington, ExxonMobil, Georgetown University, the
MAMBO, the Ministries of Foreign Relations and Culture of the Republic of Colombia, the Universidad del Norte, the U.S.Colombia Business Partnership and the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá.
Fulbright .27
Outstanding Grantee
Achievements
Microsoft Partner Award for Ittalent
Felipe Botero, a 1980 grantee who did an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota and
is currently the Managing Director of Ittalent, received the Microsoft Partner Award for 2007 in the category
of corporate social responsibility, out of a field of 241 finalists in Latin America. This is an annual award given
to those Microsoft partners who supply leading software solutions to the marketplace based on Microsoft
technology.
Lehman Brothers Grants for Two Colombians
Two 2006 Fulbright-Suramericana grantees were among the three winners of the annual awards made by
Lehman Brothers to outstanding Fulbright scholars enrolled in finance programs. María Adelaida Tamayo is
currently studying for her Master’s degree in Finance at Boston College, while Luis Ignacio Gómez is pursuing
his Master´s in International Business at Brandeis University, also in Boston. Lehman awarded each a US$15,000
grant and a professional internship in the New York office.
Leonardo Reales wins the Sue Davis Award
2005 grantee Leonardo Reales was selected as the 2007 winner of the Sue Davis Award. Administered by
LASPAU, this very competitive award is given to international students in doctoral programs who demonstrate
outstanding academic performance. Leonardo was selected in the Fulbright-Colciencias-DNP Program to do a
Ph.D. in International Relations at The New School for Social Research in New York.
28. Fulbright
Una Gringa Book Opening in Bogotá
In her book Una gringa en Bogotá, published by Aguilar, 2005 scholar June Erlick reflects on the changes
in Colombia’s capital since her first visit in 1975. Daniel Samper Pizano sums it up this way: “It is not just a
description of the habits of locals, a tourist guide, a political pamphlet or a thrilling report; it is all of the above
coming together in the memoirs and views of a brilliant gringa who loves Colombia.” June is Director of the
Latin America Studies Review in the David Rockefeller Center at Harvard.
Joy Williams Dances at the Conference People and the Planet
The Fulbright Association’s 2007 annual conference featured Colombia as the guest country for its opening
ceremony. The Association celebrated its 30th anniversary with the People and the Planet Conference, which was
kicked off with a reception offered by Colombian Ambassador Carolina Barco in her residence in Washington
D.C., that showcased 2005 U.S. Student grantee Joy Williams. Joy performed a beautiful sample of folk dances
from different regions of Colombia.
Fulbright Grantee Appointed Principal Associate in McKinsey
1999 grantee David Campos was appointed Principal Associate of the consulting firm McKinsey in January
2007. David, who finished his Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering at M.I.T. and has been working in the
firm’s office in South Africa since 2005, works primarily on operations transformations in large companies.
New Book by Professor Harvey Kline
Harvey Kline, 2005 scholar and Professor of Political Science at the University of Alabama, is author of the 2007
book Chronicle of a Failure Foretold: The Peace Process of Colombian President Andrés Pastrana, which analyzes
the peace process between the guerrilla and the Pastrana administration. He also co-authored Latin American
Politics and Development and Introduction to Latin American Politics and Development, both with Howard Wiarda
and published by Westview Press in 2007.
The Eco-village Aldeafeliz
During 2007, Carlos Rojas organized the Colombian Network of Eco-villages and Alternative Communities. He
currently lives in Aldeafeliz, an eco-village that has been visited by more than 1,000 visitors of various nationalities
interested in developing new and more ethical ways to inhabit our planet. A 1999 Fulbright grantee, Carlos
received his Master’s degree in Urban Planning at Cincinnati University.
Fulbright .29
Winner of the Cinematography Development Award
Efraín Bahamón, 1995 grantee in the Teacher Exchange Program, was the winner of the Cinematography
Development Award in 2007. He will soon begin filming the short film Plegarias Atendidas, for which he also
wrote the script and will eventually direct. The film tells the story of Augusto, an unemployed man driven to
desperation by personal debts, who comes to grip with the fact that his world is about to collapse.
Marcela Castro at the International Forum for Private Law
Marcela Castro, Professor at the Universidad de los Andes’ Law School, was a speaker at the International Forum
for Private Law that took place in October 2007 and that was attended by the renowned Italian Commercial Law
Specialist, Maestro Francesco Galgano. Professor Castro, who delivered a lecture on Private Law in the Principal
Legal Systems, is a 1984 grantee who did her Master’s degree in Comparative Law at the University of Illinois.
2 awards for Jorge Hernán Cárdenas
Jorge Hernán Cárdenas and his Executive MBA team at the Universidad de Los Andes took first place in the
Tepper School of Administration’s McGinnis Venture Competition at Carnegie Mellon University, for emerging
technologies by entrepreneurs in the Life Sciences category. The team also placed third in the Moot Corp, a
global competition among business plans at the University of Texas in Austin. Jorge Hernán received his Ph.D.
in Economics at the University of Minnesota with his 1984 Fulbright Grant.
A New Era for the Instituto Caro y Cuervo
Grantee Genoveva Iriarte, Ph.D. in Language, Culture and Society from University of Pennsylvania, was
named Executive Director of the Instituto Caro y Cuervo in 2007. Under her leadership, the organization has
undergone a makeover aimed at “preserving and enriching the nations’ idiomatic heritage.” This reorganization
process involves new lines of research, an update of the postgraduate studies in the Andrés Bello Seminar, the
introduction of new information technologies and communications, the set-up of an intranet and a digital
transfer of all patrimonial archives.
30. Fulbright
New Alliances
for 2007
Government Entities Invest in the Regions
A new cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Education, Colciencias
and DNP provides support for the Graduate Studies Program for the
Regions. The agreement represents a consolidation of Fulbright´s alliances
with the National Government and contributes US$2.25 million to cofinance a total of 70 grants for Colombians from different regions of the
country. The first grant competition was held in 2007 and resulted in the
selection of 23 talented individuals from six regions who will begin their
studies in 2008.
The Colombian Government and USAID support Advanced Studies for
Afro-Colombian Leaders
The Ministry of Education, Icetex and USAID have joined forces with
Fulbright to offer a training and leadership program for Afro-Colombians.
The agreement was signed in 2007 and will issue 21 grants for graduate
studies in all areas, with support from four institutions totaling nearly
US$3.0 million. Upon completion of their studies, beneficiaries will return
to Colombia to contribute their acquired knowledge to the development
of their communities and regions.
Cooperation with the Ministry of Culture in Favor of Cultural Diversity
The alliance between the Ministry of Culture and Fulbright was expanded
in 2007 with the creation of a new grant program directed at ethnic groups.
A total of 15 Afro-Colombians and Indigenous Colombians will be able to
do graduate studies in a variety of fields starting in 2008. The purpose of
the Cultural Studies Program for Afro and Indigenous Colombians, with the
support of US$1.5 million from the Ministry and Fulbright, is to strengthen
Colombia’s multicultural society, which constitutes one of Colombia´s core
development goals.
Fulbright .31
Icetex and the Ministry of Education Partner with Fulbright in English
Language Learning
Fulbright Colombia will launch a new Grant Program intended to promote
English language learning throughout the country, in cooperation with
Icetex and the Bilingual Plan of Colombia´s Ministry of Education. Grant
recipients from the United States will participate in Fulbright’s English
Teaching Assistant Program and in the Language Assistant Program of
Icetex through a new inter-institutional agreement. The grantees will
support ESL programs in Colombian universities by being teaching
assistants to Colombian professors.
Social Responsibility La Guajira
The alliances between Fulbright and the private sector gained momentum in
2007 with a new agreement that seeks to benefit development efforts in La
Guajira through two initiatives. Starting in 2008, the Fulbright-Cerrejón Grant
for La Guajira will finance graduate studies for a guajiro who is socially and
professionally committed to the region. The company will also finance a U.S.
grantee to participate in the English Teaching Assistant Program to work in
two public schools in La Guajira that are associated with Fundación Cerrejón.
Fulbright-Suramericana Agreement Benefits Universities in Antioquia
Suramericana, representing the Grupo Empresarial Antioqueño, has joined
forces with the Fulbright Commission to annually co-finance a grant for a
professor from a public university from the region. The Grant for University Universidad de Antioquia
Professors from Antioquia provide support for Master´s and Doctorate
degrees in any field study, and will be offered beginning in 2008.
32. Fulbright
Institutionall
Partners
Fulbright Colombia carries out its operations within an institutional network
made up of private and public entities in both countries. These organizations
provide the political, academic and administrative infrastructure, as well as
the financial resources, to implement the exchange programs. Although the
U.S. and Colombian governments are the Commission’s primary partners,
many other organizations form part of its inter-institutional framework,
ranging from the universities in both countries that waive tuition, to local
companies that co-sponsor the grantees.
Government of the United States of America
J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
Created by a legislative act by the U.S. Congress, the J. William Fulbright
Foreign Scholarship Board oversees the Fulbright Program. Its 12 members,
appointed by the President of the United States, have backgrounds in
academia, the cultural sector, and public life. The Foreign Scholarship Board
sets the policies of the program and approves the grant nominees.
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. State Department
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the State Department is
the administrative and executive arm of the Fulbright Program. It has fiscal
responsibility for the annual budget, and makes the annual allocation of
Congressional funds to Fulbright Colombia and the other commissions.
United States Embassy
The United States Embassy in Colombia is the local contact for the
Fulbright Commission in support of its exchange activities. Not only is the
U.S. Ambassador the Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors, but the
Public Affairs Officer and the Cultural Attaché are both also members of
Fulbright Colombia’s Board.
United States Agency for International Development, USAID
Fulbright Colombia and USAID signed an agreement of cooperation in 2007
in support of the Colombian Government’s Program for Afro-Colombian
Leaders. USAID provides financial resources for the pre-academic,
leadership and administrative components of this new Grant Program.
Fulbright .33
Government of Colombia
Ministry of Foreign Relations
The Ministry of Foreign Relations is Fulbright’s institutional home within
the Colombian Government. The Ministry of Foreign Relations recognizes
the Fulbright Commission as an intergovernmental organization, whose
purpose is to administer its exchange program It is considered by the
latter, from the perspective of the Colombian Government, as an interstate
organism; our legal principle is to manage an educational program that
is financed with public funds that are made available to the Commission
under the terms of the agreement signed by the two countries.
Ministry of Education
Fulbright and Colombia’s Ministry of Education cooperate in two educational
areas. The Under Secretary for Higher Education supports the Graduate
Program for the Regions and the Program for Afrocolombian Leaders, while
the Office of Bilingualism helps support the English Language Teaching
Training Workshops, which are offered each year to public high schools
throughout Colombia.
Ministry of Culture
The Ministry of Culture and Fulbright have been working together for 6
years in support of advanced education for artists. So far, 30 Colombians
have obtained Master’s and Ph.D. degrees through the FulbrightMinCultura Program for the Arts, which was renewed for 5 years in 2007. A
new 2007 agreement also makes possible the Culture Studies Program for
Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Communities.
National Planning Department
The 1996 agreement between Fulbright and the DNP, the first of its kind
signed with the Colombian Government, seeks to support advanced
training for Colombia’s human resource. DNP provides financial assistance
and technical expertise for the Fulbright-Colciencias-DNP Program, and
starting in 2007, also supports the new Graduate Program for the Regions.
Colciencias
Colciencias joined the Fulbright-DNP agreement in 1997 to create the
Fulbright-Colciencias-DNP Program. In the 10 years since this program
has operated, 109 Colombians have obtained Master’s and Ph.D. degrees,
primarily in the science, technology and engineering fields. Colciencias
is also one of the principal Colombian Government partners in the new
Graduate Program for the Regions, along with the Ministry of Education
and DNP.
34. Fulbright
Private Sector
Suramericana
Suramericana signed its first agreement of cooperation with the Fulbright
Commission in 1999 to support advanced education for professionals
associated with the Antioquia Business Group companies. 40 Colombians
have completed Master’s degrees in the fields of Business, Economics, and
Engineering through the Fulbright-Suramericana Program. A new 2007
agreement finances a grant for graduate studies for a professor from a
public university in Antioquia.
Cooperating Agencies in the U.S.
Institute for International Education, IIE
IIE is our cooperating agency for the Graduate, Artists, and Science and
Technology Programs, in charge of university admissions and monitoring
of the Colombian grantees during their studies. IIE also handles the
application and preselection process for the U.S. Student and English
Teaching Assistant Programs, administers the Humphrey Program, and
offers the Fulbright orientation and enrichment seminars.
Council for the International Exchange of Scholars, CIES
CIES is the agency in charge of Fulbright Colombia’s exchange programs
for professors and researchers. CIES administers the call for applications
and the peer review process for the U.S. Scholar, Visiting Scholar, Senior
Specialists and Scholar-in- Residence Programs.
LASPAU, Academic and Professional Programs for the Americas
A part of Harvard University, LASPAU is our cooperating agency for the
majority of our grant programs. LASPAU oversees university admissions
and the monitoring of the Colombian grantees in the Faculty Development,
Fulbright-Colciencias-DNP, Regions and Fulbright-Suramericana Programs.
Fulbright .35
Audit
Report
KPMG was in charge of the Fulbright Colombia annual audit report
for the year that ended in September 30, 2007. On January 14, 2008,
the auditor issued the following certification:
We have audited the Commission for the Educational Exchange
between the United States of America and Colombia’s statement of
assets and liabilities from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2006, as
well as the related statements of operations, fixed asset movements
and cash flow for the stated year. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Commission’s management. It is our
responsibility to report our opinion regarding these financial
statements in light of our audits.
We have conducted our audit in accordance with the general
standards accepted in Colombia. Such standards demand careful
planning and execution of the audit in order to guarantee the
highest levels of certainty when attesting to the precision and
transparency of the financial statements. We believe our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As described in note 2, the Commission prepared these financial
statements based on the accounting practices prescribed at
worldwide level by the Commission in the Manual for Binational
Commissions and Foundations, which enunciates comprehensive
principles of accounting that are different to generally accepted
practices.
On the basis of the accounting information described in note 2,
it is our opinion that the financial statements referred to above
fairly display, in all their material respects, the assets, liabilities and
fund balances totals of the Commission for Educational Exchange
between Colombia and the United States of America for the period
between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2006, as well as the
results of its operations, its fixed assets movement and its cash
flows for the year that has ended.
Gerardo Buendía Bueno
Register 8811-T
January 14, 2008
36. Fulbright
F
Financial
Report
Summary financial report for the year ended September 30, 2007
2007
2006
United States Government
1,130,490
1,006,174
Funds Colombian Government
1,252,335
707,893
Funds other sources
24,878
1,021
Total Revenue
2,407,703
1,715,088
Programs
577,166
549,265
Future Program Commitments
1,190,311
682,893
Non-grant Activities
215,393
87,921
Administratives Expenses
417,503
381,541
Others Expenses
3,000
4,000
Total Expenses
2,403,373
1,705,620
Statement of Financial
Operations
Revenue
Expenses
Net Surplus (deficit) for the year
expenses
4,330
9,468
Statement of financial
position
Current Assets
1,959,454
1,341,506
Fixed Assets
170,070
169,858
-170,070
-169,858
Total Assets
1,959,454
1,341,506
Current Liabilities
and commitments
1,823,323
1,289,687
Long Term Liabilities
149,347
69,365
Fund Balance
-13,216
-17,546
Total Liabilities
1,959,454
1,341,506
Accumulated Depreciation
Note:
This is a summary of
Fulbright Colombia’s audited
financial report for the year
ended on September 30,
2007. This summary has
been extracted from the
fully audited financial report,
dated January 14, 2008. A
copy of the full financial
statements can be obtained
through the Administrative
and Financial Office of
Fulbright Colombia.
Fulbright .37
Facts
& Figures
Colombian Grantees
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Master’s degree Students
15
24
17
19
17
Ph.D. students
20
22
17
19
12
Non-degree program
1
2
4
3
4
Teacher Exchange Program
5
6
4
6
5
41
54
42
47
38
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
U.S. Scholar
3
9
7
6
6
U.S. Student
12
11
13
8
9
Senior Specialists
3
4
2
6
5
Teacher Exchange Program
5
4
4
6
5
U.S.
Grantees
23
28
26
26
25
TOTAL GRANTEES
64
82
68
73
63
Colombian
Grantees
U.S.
Grantees
38. Fulbright
2007
Annual Report
Editor:
Sandra León Tovar
Designer:
.Puntoaparte editores
www.puntoaparte.com.co
Printer:
Panamericana Formas e Impresos S.A.
www.fulbright.edu.co
Fulbright-Colombia
Calle 38 Nº 13-37 piso 11
Teléfonos: 2324326-2877831
fulbcol@fulbright.edu.co
Fulbright .39