The Chicago bus trip proved to be a wonderful experience, and the traditional Greek dinner was the icing on the cake of this popular excursion. Our annual gala in recognition of International Women's Day took place at the time-honored Scottish Rite Cathedral and attracted about 200 members and guests. The Victorian Afternoon Tea amazed with an exceptional fashion show and many a hatbox were opened in order to dress up suitably for this event. Several successful new members' coffees took place where both board members and new members got together in a spirit of fun and friendship. Our association has grown to about 250 members from 45 different countries.
AIW luncheons are continuing to dazzle with excellent food choices and exceptional venues and programs. The November luncheon attracted more than 100 members and guests. Our interest group leaders prepared striking displays, and participants of the bazaar donated more door prizes than ever before. The AIW welcomed renowned guests at their lunch events including Kathy Nagler, Executive Director of the iMOCA, artist and entrepreneur Nancy Noel, and award winning journalist Diane Willis. At our upcoming luncheon in July we are going to enjoy a meal with Italian flair at the Bella Vita Ristorante right on the Geist reservoir.
Two well attended symposiums provided excellent information on schooling in the US . The overwhelming interest of our members resulted in the education committee creating a brochure about American Schools , Colleges and Universities. This booklet was fashioned to help international families in central Indiana to adjust successfully to the American school system and will soon be available. A productive educational seminar on Visas, Green Cards and Citizenship issues received excellent reviews. The feedback indicated the need for a similar such seminar in the future.
On a sad note, our organization lost two of our valued friends during the past year. Ingeborg Goodman and Angenieta Biegel , MD will always be remembered. I will think with great affection and pleasure of those wonderful days we spent together at different AIW functions.
It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as the president of the Association of International Women. What an amazing, enjoyable, and personally fulfilling year it has been! Thank you all for the opportunity to give back to our fabulous organization. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the many brilliant women who served as members of the board of directors, assistants, committee members, interest group leaders and to all members. Our new board under the competent leadership of Jeanne Lugo is already in gear preparing for our upcoming year and I know that wonderful things are in store for us.
Have a great summer and enjoy your travels, wherever in this big world they may lead you. To those of you who are leaving Indianapolis I wish you all the best for the future.
"Auf Wiedersehen"!
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