PAST EVENTS


ANNUAL DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY

Monday 26, October 2009
6:00PM Young Building, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI 02840

Saturday 24th, October was United Nations Day and in celebration of one of the UN's missions, Education, CIV chose to honor at their Annual Dinner, the excellent work performed by Salve Regina University in their International Studies programs and the lifelong work of the late Sen. Claiborne Pell. At the dinner meeting, which was held on Monday 26, October, at the Young Building, home of the Pell Center, four new Directors were elected to replace John Bagwill, Barbara Fontaine, Anne Huot, who is also the outgoing President and Paul Marshall, whose terms had expired. Appointed were Anthony Cercena, Armando Heredia, Cynthia Martin, and Jolene Polidoro.

The Keynote Guest Speaker was Dr. Dean de la Motte, Vice-President of Academics Affairs at SRU. 

Receiving a Certificate of Achievement was the International Programs Department at SRU which includes the Extensive Study Abroad Program; International Studies Major and Graduate International Relations Degree under the directorship of Dr. George Anton. Cited for Meritorious Service in her Department was Dr. Camille Allen, Assistant Director of International Programs, for her dedication to student programming. Sister Jane Gerety, President of SRU, accepted the Award on behalf of SRU. Capt. Rob Winneg, Director of the Naval Staff College read a joint letter from the Naval Command and Staff Colleges honoring SRU.

Also honored was Sen. Pell and the mission of the Pell Center, which was a result of his vision and life’s work dedicated to education and international dialogue. An Act of Congress on September 27, 1996 established the Pell Center at SRU. The Certificate of Achievement was presented by Capt Ray Perry, Commander of the SENE Coast Guard Sector and received in memory by, Mrs. Nuala Pell. Dr. Peter Liotta, Director of the Pell Center spoke on the Pell Center. The Pell Library was open for viewing during the cocktail reception. 

  

Among the seventy or so members and guests were Salve faculty, Newport Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano, Capt Neil Parrott and Sen. June Gibbs as well as students and their families from the Naval Staff College.

ANNUAL SUMMER MEMBERSHIP RECEPTION

Tuesday 18, August 2009
6:00PM Elks Lodge, Newport, RI 02840

The Newport International Film Festival and the Jane Pickens Theatre and Events Center were honored at a cocktail reception held at the Elks Lodge, Newport, RI. Fifty or more members, guests and honorees enjoyed balmy weather on the wraparound porch overlooking Bellevue Ave. Members brought appetizers to share.

Jennifer Maizel, Executive Director of the Newport International Film Festival and Kathleen Staab, President of the Jane Pickens Theater and Events Center were recipients of Certificates of Achievement. Receiving Certificates of Appreciation for their volunteer efforts with NIFF were Bryan Belmore, Joe Ruggeri and Ken Scigulinsky, who is also a CIV Board Member, and his wife Tia. Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano helped present the Awards.

As guest speaker, Jennifer spoke about NIFF's philosopy in selecting the films, short films and other subject matter from around the world shown at the Festival held in June. Also included in the programing are special presentations designed for children to educate as well as entertain. Their informative website is http://www.newportfilmfestival.com   Kathleen Staab, Jane Pickens President, has been a strong supporter of NIFF. Jane Pickens Theater has a varied schedule of independent and "art" films and fascinating programs from every corner of the globe. Significant films included the first showing of Slumdog Millionaire locally and events have included a live feed to first night at La Scala Opera in Milan. Their website is http://www.janepickens.com.

A raffle was held which raised funds for CIV's new Academic Award. Membership Chair George Wardwell also made a donation to the Fund. Among the guests were Capt.Neil Parrott, the new Commanding Officer at SWOS and several of his newly arrived International Officers who were warmly welcomed as were several members of the Providence World Affairs Council. Also joining in the festivities were several Command and Staff College students and their families.

 

GREAT DECISIONS KICK OFF RECEPTION
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Wednesday 28, January 2009
7:00PM Elks Lodge, Newport, RI 02840

The Guest Speaker was Rear Admiral James Philip Wisecup, the new President of the Naval War College. His illustrated presentation on the History of the War College drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd. The Council for International Visitors welcomes R.Adm. Wisecup and wishes him well on his tour of duty here and looks forward to working closely with him in their continuing sponsorships of the international students there.

At a recent reception Adm Wisecup, the new President of the Naval War College, delivered a well-received illustrated presentation on the history of the Naval War College to members of the Council for International Visitors at their Great Decisions Kick Off Reception at the Elks Lodge on Bellevue Ave.
The annual event marks the beginning of the Council's yearly eight week series of discussions on topical issues of global importance. The series is held every Wednesday at 7:00PM at the Newport Public Library and is free and open to the public. The topics and speakers for 2009 include Race For The Arctic; Global Food Crisis; Afghanistan & Pakistan; Energy & The Global Economy; Cuba: On The Verge; Egypt: Key Ally In The Middle East; The USA & Rising World Powers; Human Rights In A New Era: War For Peace. Speakers include Cdr. Sandra K. Selman. USCG, NWC; DR. Kathleen Gorman, URI; Col. Theodore Gatchel, USMC (Ret.); Col. Gregory D. Reilly, US Army, NWC, Mr. John Dowd, Fidelity Research & Mortgage Co.; Dr. Alberto Coll, DePaul University, Dept of Law and Col. Linda S. Murnane, USAF, Ret., NWC.

GREAT DECISIONS KICK OFF RECEPTION
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January 2008