Programs and Events

Hanau Boy Scouts Learn About Diplomacy and Citizenship
December 21, 2006.The Hanau Boy Scout Troop 49 from the U.S. Army Garrison Hessen visited the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt on December 22 under the guidance of commander COL Williams. They learned about the history and mission of the U.S. Consulate, U.S. presence in Frankfurt, participated in a quiz on American citizenship and history and met with Consul General Jo Ellen Powell. After an afternoon of civic education the Boy Scouts received their citizen badges as proof of their learning experience.
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Prof. Paul Rundquist discusses American politics with students in Landau and Germersheim
December 15, 2006. Prof. Paul Rundquist, a former member of the Congressional Research Service in Washington and presently a visiting professor at the University Halle-Wittenberg and the London School of Economics, gave lectures on "American Politics and Culture After the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks" at the University Koblenz-Landau/Landau Campus and the University of Mainz/Germersheim Campus on December 15. Having only recently ended over 30 years of independent research for members of Congress, Rundquist was able to offer the political science and American Studies students fascinating insights into the political process and the relationship between Congress and the White House after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (more) 

German and American Children Sing Christmas Carols at City Hall in Mainz
December 13, 2006. Mainz Lord Mayor Jens Beutel welcomed a full house of children, their parents and friends to the traditional German-American Christmas caroling event at Mainz City Hall. Organized by Lintrude Krüger of the Mainz-Louisville Friendship Circle together with students and teachers of Aukamm Elementary School and Brüder-Grimm-Schule Mainz-Kostheim, the caroling event celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Lord Mayor Beutel, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy R. Wulff, Commander of 221st Base Support Battalion in Wiesbaden, and Louise Karst, President of the Mainz-Louisville Friendship Circle, welcomed the children and representatives from the U.S. Consulate General and the U.S military. The children sang German and American Christmas carols and brought a festive spirit to the City Hall. Later the kids visited the Mainz Christmas market together, and sang songs on the market stage.
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Marc Copland and Dave Liebman Elate Frankfurt Jazz Fans
December 13, 2006. Jazz pianist Marc Copland (left) and saxophone player Dave Liebman presented selections from their album "Bookends" to a crowd of modern jazz fans at a packed Romanfabrik. The pianist Marc Copland is known as an insider's tip among jazz pianists. Dave Liebman, who plays soprano and tenor sax, is one of the great representatives of modern and free jazz and has played with Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, and Chick Corea. Since 2002 Copland and Liebman have frequently toured together. Michael Hohman of Romanfabrik and PAO Scott Rauland greeted the guests of this special jazz evening before the two well-known and established musicians filled the air of the Romanfabrik with a unique jazz sound. The evening was a cooperative venture between the Romanfabrik, the U.S. Consulate General, and Jazz Initiative Frankfurt. (more) 

PAO Scott Rauland Discusses the U.S. Immigrant Experience with High School Students
December 12, 2006. As part of the U.S. Consulate General's School Outreach Program, Public Affairs Officer Scott Rauland visited the Konrad-Adenauer-Gymnasium in Westerburg (Rhineland-Palatinate) on Dec. 12. He engaged Mr. Achim Engels' 12th grade English "Leistungskurs" in a discussion of immigration to the United States. Himself descended from Norwegian immigrants, Mr. Rauland covered the history of immigration and its legacy in American society. He also discussed with the students its ethnic and cultural composition today as well as current social and political issues. (more)

Children in Bad Homburg Perform for Consul General Powell
December 10, 2006. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell visited the mosque of the Turkish-Islamic Society of Bad Homburg on Sunday, December 10. During her visit the Consul General had the opportunity to listen to songs and poems in both Turkish and German performed by children who attend school there on the weekends for religious instruction. Ms. Powell also discussed the program "Windows on America," which Ambassador Timken and his wife initiated earlier in the year. The program sends young students in Germany between the ages of 15 - 17 to the U.S. to get personally acquainted with Americans and the American way of life. Enter Photo Gallery
Exhibition Catalogue: Mosques in the United States and Canada | (more) 

High School Class from Hösbach visits U.S. Consulate General
December 8, 2006. Participating in the U.S. Consulate General's School Outreach Program, grade 10c of the Hans-Seidel-Gymnasium in Hösbach near Aschaffenburg visited the Consulate for a two-fold briefing on December 8. Dr. Renate Vollmer of the Public Affairs Section's Information Resource Center gave a concise overview of the large spectrum of programs offering extended stays in the Unites States for young people. Himself a first-generation immigrant from Panama with parents of mixed ethnic backgrounds, Vice-Consul Scott Hartmann then took the 28 students and their teacher Christian Davis on a tour through the history of American immigration ending with the cartoon "The Simpsons" as a useful starting point for discussing current issues such as ethnicity, religion, and social relations in U.S. society.
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Getting Ready for the U.S. – Pre-departure Briefing at University of Applied Sciences Fulda
December 7, 2006. On December 7th, students from the University of Applied Sciences Fulda attended a 90-minute information session on studying and interning in the United States. The majority of the 50 participating students majors in international management and plans on going to the United States for a semester in 2007. EducationUSA Frankfurt team member Renate Vollmer and Keith Lommel from the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate discussed the U.S. education system, financial aid, health insurance and visa issues with the students. Enter Photo Gallery | (more) 

U.S. Scholar Discusses Mosque Architecture in America with Students & Community Leaders
December 2-4, 2006. Dr. Omar Khalidi, an American photographer and chronicler of mosque architecture, visited mosques in the Rhein-Main area and spoke to several groups on the first leg of his tour through Germany, organized by the U.S. Embassy in Berlin. Khalidi, a senior research scholar at the Aga Khan Program in Islamic Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, spoke to members of the Masjid Othman Ibn Affan in Rüsselsheim and to students and faculty of the American studies and Islamic studies departments at the Johann-Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell hosted a dinner in honor of Dr. Khalidi with a diverse group of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian community activists as well as cultural and academic contacts. Dr. Khalidi will also be visiting Berlin, Cologne, Heidelberg, and Stuttgart, and will attend the opening of the American mosques exhibit at Carl-Schurz Haus in Freiburg on Friday, December 8. Enter photo gallery | (more) 

Langen Students learn about Exchange Opportunities with the United States
December 1, 2006. Students and parents attended an evening information session at Dreieichschule in Langen on studying and working in the United States. Organized by the Förderverein Dreieichschule, the event drew more than 20 participants on a Friday night. EducationUSA team member Renate Vollmer (U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt) gave a presentation on the university system, application process and financial aid, followed by information on internships, voluntary work and Au Pair. Afterwards she answered questions at an information table set up in the lobby. Students picked up information on various exchange programs, and received advice on exchange opportunities. The school library received a book collection, including the four volume set "If You Want to Study in the United States" and the CD ROM "About the USA". Enter photo gallery | (more) 

Conference for University International Offices Held in Frankfurt
November 30, 2006. A conference on "Studying Abroad in the U.S.," organized by the U.S. Consulate General and the Fachhochschule Frankfurt am Main, was well attended by representatives of universities in Frankfurt's consular district. Dr. Renate Vollmer introduced Mission Germany's service "EducationUSA", Phillip Slattery and Gerda Wagner gave an overview of current visa regulations and answered numerous questions. Dr. Christian Schäfer of the German Academic Exchange Service presented international perspectives for the German Bachelors degree. The conference was rounded-out by a roundtable on partnership programs with the U.S. by the German Bundesländer Baden-Württemberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, and Hessen with representatives from the ministries and from universities. To support the student advising efforts of the international offices, the U.S. Consulate General provided the "If You Want to Study" book series, published by the State Department, as well as printed versions of the IIP E-Journals "College and University Education in the U.S.A" and "See You in the U.S.A."
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Steuben Schurz Society Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner
November 23, 2006. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell attended the Steuben-Schurz Society's annual Thanksgiving dinner this year, which was held on November 21 in Frankfurt. In her remarks to the group on "The U.S. Mid-term Elections and U.S. Foreign Policy," the Consul General pointed out that President Bush has "assured the American people and the world that he wants to make these next two years productive ones." She further added that "the Executive Branch, in cooperation with the new Congress, will continue to work with allies to promote our common interests and shared values," and praised the Steuben Schurz Society for the valuable work they do in promoting understanding between Germans and Americans. Amongst the 100 guests who attended the dinner were three members of the Steuben-Schurz "USA Interns" program as well as four of the U.S. students who were given scholarships to study in the state of Hesse after their universities were closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Thanksgiving at the White House | (more) 

National Book Award Winner Richard Powers on Reading Tour through Germany
November 24, 2006. On his reading tour through Germany, Richard Powers, recent winner of the National Book Award, read to full house at S. Fischer publishing house in Frankfurt on November 24. Richard Powers, the author of eight previous novels and a MacArthur Fellowship recipient, won the National Book Award for his latest book, The Echo Maker. The award was announced on November 15 in New York City. During a reading tour through Germany, which was co-sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and the Fischer Verlag, with stops in Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Cologne, Richard Powers took time to chat about The Echo Maker and earlier works. Chat transcript | (more)

Happy 10th Birthday to the American Library in Karlsruhe!
November 18, 2006. The American Library in Karlsruhe celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special all-day program on November 18. On behalf of the U.S. Mission to Germany, Information Resource Officer (IRO) Sheila Weir congratulated the library team and the Friends of the American Library, e.V. on their success and thanked them for the enthusiasm and dedication in the last decade. In her remarks, Ms. Weir commended Dr. Karen Adams-Rischmann, chairwoman of the Friends Association, Chief Librarian Julia Arnold as well as countless volunteers from many nations on their initiative and tireless efforts to turn this former U.S. army library into such a lively and exciting venue for intercultural encounter. Ms. Weir also highlighted the U.S. Embassy's support for the American Library and the long-standing cooperation with Dr. Adams-Rischmann and Ms. Arnold. Enter photo gallery |(more) 

Ambassador Timken joins 60th anniversary celebration at GAI Heidelberg
November 16, 2006. Jakob Köllhofer, Director of the German-American Institute (GAI), welcomed Ambassador Timken and his wife, Baden-Württemberg Minister President Öttinger, Heidelberg Lord Mayor Weber, and Dr. Manfred Osten, former secretary-general of the Humboldt Foundation, among the guests of honor in a celebration of the GAI's 60th anniversary. In his speech the Ambassador congratulated Mr. Köllhofer on the institute's impressive success story in promoting the transatlantic partnership in the Rhine-Neckar region. He also expressed his admiration for the effectiveness of the public-private partnership sustaining the GAI. The guests of honor and a large audience of friends of the GAI from politics, business, science and culture greatly enjoined musical entertainment presented by a "rainbow" group of children of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds for whom the GAI offers a regular meeting point.
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Ambassador Timken discusses the U.S. Elections at Hessischer Rundfunk
November 16, 2006. Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. met with senior editors of Hessischer Rundfunk television and radio programs on November 16 in Frankfurt. They held a wide-ranging discussion on current issues, including the U.S. elections, U.S. investments in Germany, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and climate change. The Ambassador also conducted an interview with hr info, which was broadcast the afternoon of November 16. In the interview Ambassador Timken also discussed the U.S. elections as well as German efforts to promote economic reform.
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Military Naturalization Ceremony at the U.S. Consulate
November 14, 2006. Some 30 active-duty service members from 19 different countries took the oath of allegiance and became the newest U.S. Citizens during a special overseas military naturalization ceremony held at the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, on November 14. Dr. Emilio Gonzalez, Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, presided over the ceremony for the service members, their families and friends. An immigrant to the United States himself, Dr. Gonzalez thanked the service members for their dedication in defending America's ideals of freedom and democracy with their lives. Consul General Powell emphasized in her remarks the role of immigrants in the United States: "Throughout our history, immigrants have added their contributions and cultures to America, making our nation strong. [...] The society that you defend and are about to join as Citizens was built on the dreams and determination of the millions of immigrants who came here before you." Enter photo gallery | (more) 

Consular officer Michael Greer discusses the U.S. immigrant experience with high school students
November 13, 2006. As part of the U.S. Consulate General's The School Outreach Program, Consular officer Michael Greer visited the Kurfürst-Balduin-Gymnasium in Münstermaifeld on November 13. He engaged two 12th grade English classes in discussions of immigration to the United States. Himself of Scottish and Italian descent, Mr. Greer caught the students' particular attention with an analysis of the cartoon "The Simpsons" as a useful starting point for discussing issues like ethnicity, religion, gender, and social relations in American society.
Request an American Speaker for your School | (more) 

Let’s Go Abroad!
November 9, 2006. On November 9, 2006, the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt’s EducationUSA and the Consular Section participated in the annual "Let’s Go Abroad" information fair organized by the German-American Institute "Carl-Schurz-Haus" in Freiburg and the Labor Exchange. The fair featured 15 organization offering programs for the U.S. and other overseas countries. More than 300 high school and university students enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions on going to the United States for studying or an internship. They picked up information material on the United States, including the CD ROM "About the USA". (more) 

Consulate intern Joao de Oliveira discusses the U.S. immigrant experience with high school students
November 3+6, 2006 As part of the U.S. Consulate General's The School Outreach Program, intern Joao de Oliveira visited three high schools in Limburg and Wiesbaden on Nov. 3 and 6. He engaged English classes from grades 9 to 12 in discussions of immigration to the United States. Himself a young second-generation immigrant American with a Brazilian father and a Peruvian mother who had met in California as students, Joao caught the students' particular attention with an analysis of the cartoon "The Simpsons" as a useful starting point for discussing issues like ethnicity, religion, gender, and social relations in American society.
Request an American Speaker for your School | (more) 

Hessischer Rundfunk welcomes CBS Los Angeles sports reporter and video journalist Rodney Hunt
November 3, 2006. The U.S. Consulate General arranged a visit for CBS Los Angeles sports reporter, video journalist and photographer Rodney Hunt to Hessischer Rundfunk (hr) TV in Frankfurt on November 3 for an exchange of ideas with German colleagues. Hessenschau reporter and video journalist Olaf Jahnke, a trained camera man, introduced his guest from LA to the groundbreaking video journalism program at hr. Rodney Hunt was impressed with hr's technology and training initiative involving 90 video journalists in different news and service programs. Hunt said "technology waits for no one. Hessischer Rundfunk has taken it by the horns. These reporters are an invaluable asset to the broadcaster and its audience." (more) 

Studying and Working in the United States
November 2, 2006 On November 2, EducationUSA Frankfurt's Renate Vollmer and Erinn Stott from Consulate General Frankfurt’s Visa Section participated in "AVANTI! Job, Praktikum und Studium in Europa und Übersee" in Darmstadt. The fair, organized for the fifth time by the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt, featured 27 organizations. Numerous teenagers and young adults picked up information on studying and working in foreign countries. They used the opportunity to ask specific questions on going to the United States for studying or an internship and picked up information material on the United States, including the CD ROM "About the USA". The presentations by EducationUSA Frankfurt on "Studying and working in the United States" drew 40 interested young adults. Overall, nearly 300 students and trainees attended the fair. (more) 

Consulate General Welcomes Hesse Business Council
November 2, 2006 On November 2, Consulate General Frankfurt welcomed the Business Council's Hesse section to an evening discussion on economic, cultural, and political ties between the United States and Germany, with special focus on the state of Hesse. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell welcomed guests to the Consulate's historic "Flag Room" and noted the special relationship between Americans and Germans since 1945. Deputy Principal Officer Richard Aker spoke on U.S.-German relations as the launching pad for an open discussion on political and economic issues. (more) 

Consul General Powell Greets Fulbrighters
October 28, 2006. At the annual Welcome Meeting for fellows of the Fulbright exchange program in Frankfurt, organized by the Fulbright Alumni Association for returning German students and arriving American students, Consul General Powell joined Fulbright Commission Executive Director Dr. Rolf Hoffmann and other VIPs in welcoming the large group of over 100 guests who attended. Powell emphasized that almost 1/3 of the more than 150,000 people who have come to the United States from Germany as guests of the U.S. Government under various exchange programs are Fulbrighters. Powell appealed to the students to continue being Ambassadors for German-American friendship and to stay in touch with each other. CG Powell also introduced the Department of State Alumni Program web page for all Alumni of U.S. government-sponsored programs. (more) 

President Bush's Chief Environmental Advisor discusses Environmental Policy in Frankfurt
October 23, 2006. Chief Environmental Policy advisor to the President, James L. Connaughton, spent a day in Frankfurt to discuss U.S. Environmental Policy with German media representatives, environmental experts, and the general public on October 23. He addressed the upcoming G-8 summit in Germany next year and explained the administration's National Energy Plan and Comprehensive Climate Strategy in an interview, a webchat, organized by the State Department, and at a luncheon hosted by Consul General Powell. As a member of the U.S. delegation, Mr. Connaughton was on his way to Helsinki, where the European Union and the United States of America will conduct a High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development on October 24-25. The objective of the talks is to build on existing transatlantic initiatives and further advance the G-8 Gleneagles Plan of Action for Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development. In this context, Mr. Connaughton emphasized "the significant common ground the U.S. enjoys with European environmental policies." He said, the United States is "working very closely with European policymakers on long-term technology opportunities."
Audio Feature: Listen to excerpts from Jim Connaughton's interview with Pia Zimmermann, hr-info (Windows Media Player and DSL connection required) | Podcast | Webchat summary | (more) 

Press Roundtable Clarifies Visa Regulations for German Children's Passports
October 19, 2006. On October 19 Frankfurt's Consular Section held a press roundtable to inform journalists about upcoming visa regulations regarding children's passports (Kinderreisepässe). Children's passports issued on or after October 26, 2006 will require a visa for entry to the U.S. Those issued before October 26 will remain valid for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Therefore the U.S. Consulate advises German travelers, whose children might need new passports after October 25, to obtain regular German e-passports for their children. The journalists were also briefed on the worldwide requirement to use the electronic visa application form as of November 1 and on application procedures for the current 'Green Card Lottery' (Diversity Visa Lottery). Finally, Jeffrey Sapko, Department of Homeland Security attaché, announced the launch of a new online appointment system for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (more) 

American Expert Analyzes Mid-Term Elections And U.S. Foreign Policy
October 18, 2006. Dr. Jackson Janes, Executive Director of the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies at the Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., presented two lectures on “U.S. Foreign Policy Challenges and the Mid-Term Elections” at a luncheon hosted by the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation in Mainz and at a roundtable at the Hesse State Chancellary in Wiesbaden on October 18. Dr. Janes offered a thorough analysis of the significance of the mid-term elections for U.S. foreign policy and transatlantic relations to numerous representatives from industry, academia and especially from the state governments of Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, which cultivate particularly strong ties to the U.S. federal government and their partner states Wisconsin and South Carolina, and therefore have a special interest in the political developments in Washington. (more) 

NYU Professor Easterly Calls For A Paradigm Shift In Foreign Aid
October 17, 2006. William Easterly, Professor of Economics at New York, gave a lecture on “We are Saving the World to Death – Towards a More Professional Management of Foreign Aid” at the German National Librray. Organized by the U.S. Consulate, Campus Verlag, the Hesse Center for political Education (HLZ), the National library and the German-British Society, the event drew an audience of over 300. Among them were over 50 professionals from GTZ and KFW, Germany’s major institutions in the field of foreign aid, who felt encouraged by the conclusions of Easterly’s empirical study that the traditional financial hand-outs had done more harm than good and that successful aid had to be made accountable, results-oriented and compatible with actual local needs to the exclusion of national governments. (more)

Mawlana Celebration at Orient Palace in Frankfurt
October 13, 2006. Orient Palace, the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt, the Afghan Mosque Frankurt and the Mevlana Mosque in Offenbach celebrated an evening dedicated to the famous poet Mawlana, who had been born as Jalalluddin Mohammed Rumi Balkhi in 1207 A.D. in what is today the province of Balkh in northern Afghanistan and emigrated to Turkey to escape the attacks of the Mongoles. Mawlana is known for being the father of Sufism and the order of the dancing dervishes. After the prayer and the breaking of the fast in this holy Muslim month of Ramadan, more than one hundred guests of different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds enjoyed short speeches by representatives of the Consulate and the two mosques as well as an oriental buffet, music by a Muslim-Christian duo, video art and the dance of a dervish, all in the spirit of tolerance and humanity as preached and practiced by Mawlana. Afghan Ambassador to Germany Hamidullah Nasser-Zia said that "one feels at home here. This is the way to bring together hearts and religions." (more) 

Consul General Jo Ellen Powell opens seminar on 'Doing Business in the United States'
October 11, 2006. U.S. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell opened a one-day seminar on "How to Be Successful in Doing Business in the United States" at the Chamber of Commerce in Freiburg/Breisgau on October 11, 2006. The seminar was jointly organized by the chamber, the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt, the Carl-Schurz-Haus Freiburg, the Council of American States in Europe (C.A.S.E.) and the German American Business Community in Baden. Representatives of C.A.S.E., the German-American Chamber of Commerce in New York, law firms and industrial companies, as well as an American expert on intercultural differences, provided hands-on advice and practical experiences for medium-sized companies planning to enter the U.S. market. (more) 

Folk Concert Highlights the State of Wisconsin
October 9, 2006. Singer & songwriter Bucky Halker and his band celebrated Wisconsin's cultural heritage on occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Hesse Wisconsin state partnership at a concert at Romanfabrik Frankfurt on October 9. Hosted by Romanfabrik and the U.S. Consulate General, Halker - originally from Ashland, Wisconsin - presented his newly released CD “Wisconsin 2.13.63” along with inspired interpretations of Woody Guthrie songs and traditional Blues tunes by Leadbelly and J.B. Lenoir. Frankfurt's local Blues harp hero Mojo Kilian joined Halker on stage for selected pieces. PAO Scott Rauland, who also hails from Wisconsin, introduced the artist and underscored the long-standing relationship between the states of Hesse and Wisconsin. (more) 

America@Frankfurt Book Fair featured Indian Culture in America as well as Materials for Schools and Libraries
October 4-8, 2006. The U.S. Embassy in Germany promoted publications and products for schools and libraries as well as specialized services for information professionals and academics at the Frankfurt International Book Fair, the world's largest and most renowned literary exhibit, visited by almost 300,000 eager readers, networkers and knowledge-seekers this year! As a tribute to the Guest of Honor, India, the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt and the State Department in Washington organized a webchat with Indian American writer Indu Sundaresan, at the embassy's booth. Students around Germany as well as visitors at the booth took the opportunity to chat with Indu about her books and her impressions of America from the perspective of an immigrant: "The happiest realization still is that in the U.S. you can be part of the society and still maintain your own ethnic and cultural identity. I am, today, both Indian and American, more effortlessly than in any other country in the world." Public Affairs Representatives also interviewed famous Indian American film director Mira Nair.
The State Department's youth book collection on display at the stand drew the attention of many librarians and visitors. Teachers filled their bags with information materials, while students and kids flocked to the booth to collect American flags, About the USA CD-ROMs and information on studying in the U.S. | (more) 

German-American Day Concert Celebrates American Jazz Classics
October 8, 2006. The City of Frankfurt, the Jazz Initiative, the U.S. Consulate and musikglobal Frankfurt joined forces along with corporate sponsors (Cerberus Deutschalnd GmbH, Dewey Ballantine LLP, Fraport, P&G, Standard&Poor's) in showcasing American Classics with the Frankfurt Jazz Big Band at Amerika Haus on October 8 as part of the German-American Day celebrations. PAO Scott Rauland emphasized the significance of the Amerika Haus legacy and the continued importance of cultural programs in his opening remarks. City Councilman Bürger delivered opeing remarks for the city highlighting the heritage of American Jazz and its impact on the cultural environment in Frankfurt. (more) 

Prof. Martha Bayles speaks at international conference by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
October 6, 2006. Martha Bayles, professor at Boston College, participated in an international conference on "Political Communication in a Globalized World: Attention for Political Concepts, Persons, and States" organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in cooperation with the Institute for Journalism of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz at the ZDF Conference Centre in Mainz-Lerchenberg on October 5/6, 2006. As part of a panel on "Country Branding: Worldwide Public Relations" Prof. Bayles discussed the ability of a government to influence its country's image abroad, using the United States as an example. (more) 

German-American Friendship Day Features Youth Exchange Fair and Reception at U.S. Consulate
October 6, 2006. On October 6th, German-American Friendship Day, the City of Frankfurt and the U.S. Consulate organized the youth exchange fair "Hello World!" for the fourth time. 40 exchange organizations and exchange consultants presented their programs at Wöhlerschule. More than 700 students and parents used the opportunity to talk to representatives of the organizations and pick up information materials. The Consular Section provided guidance on visa procedures. During their visit to the fair, Consul General Jo Ellen Powell and City Official Haindl talked to recently returned exchange students about their experiences.
In the evening, Consul General Powell hosted the fourth annual joined reception with the City of Frankfurt to celebrate German-American Friendship Day at the U.S. Consulate, attended by more than 200 guests. The Consul General’s remarks emphasized the U.S. government's commitment to Frankfurt demonstrated by the expanding role of the Consulate as a regional center for American diplomacy. (more) 

Ambassador Timken meets Business Representatives and School Kids in Heidelberg
October 5, 2006. At the invitation of the Heidelberg Center for American Studies (HCA), Ambassador Timken delivered the keynote address at a conference on "State and Market in a Globalized World: Transatlantic Perspectives" at the Arthotel in Heidelberg on October 5. Addressing over one hundred leading representatives of the business and academic commuinities in the Rhein-Neckar region, he shared his personal experience as a prominent American entrepreneur whose fortune 400 company had successfully met the challenges of an ever accelerating globalization process through flexibility and constant innovation. Abassador Timken and his wife also visited the Roma-Sinti Center in Heidelberg and met with the director of Forschungsgruppe Wahlen, Matthias Jung, to discuss public opinion issues in Germany. In the afternoon, Ambassador Timken paid a visit to Rhein Neckar Zeitung and joined his wife at the One World Language School (OWLS), a program of the German-American Institute for integrated learning. (more) 

60th Anniversary of Speech of Hope celebrated in Stuttgart
October 4, 2006. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was the keynote speaker at a ceremony at the Stuttgart opera house on October 4 commemorating the 60th anniversary of the September 1946 "Speech of Hope" in Stuttgart by then-Secretary of State James F. Byrnes. In that speech, the U.S. had signaled its intent to re-unify Germany (with or without Soviet cooperation) and that U.S. troops would remain in Germany as long as any foreign troops remained in the country. At the October 4 ceremony - attended by Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr., his wife Sue and 1,300 guests - all speakers including Chancelor Merkel (via video message from Berlin), Federal Minister Annette Schavan, Minister President Günther Oettinger and Lord Mayor Wolfgang Schuster underscored the indispensable nature of the German-American partnership. According to Dr. Kissinger, "no other foreign government leader receives more attention and respect in Washington than Chancellor Merkel." Talking about the threat of terrorism, Kissinger also pointed out that "the challenges of present times require a new form of cooperation between Germany and the United States." (more) 

“Libraries Open Doors to Cultures Around the World!” Ambassador Timken at State Library Festival
October 1, 2006. Ambassador and Mrs. Timken participated in the closing event of the State Library Festival in Rhineland-Palatinate (R-P) in Koblenz on October 1. The festival was part of the state's “Culture Summer” under the patronage of Minister President Kurt Beck. From September 18-October 1, the Festival featured over 400 events at 200 libraries in this state of over 4 million inhabitants. In his remarks, the Ambassador compared the festival to the “National Book Festival” that First Lady Laura Bush co-hosted with the Library of Congress the day before on the Washington Mall: "Like the First Lady, Sue and I are both great fans of libraries because of their potential to improve educational opportunities, open doors to cultures around the world, and connect people. The Embassy and our Consulates support libraries through new partnership initiatives that are designed to develop a broader network of cooperation with libraries around Germany and to showcase the special role that libraries play in society." (more) 

Consul General Powell Hosts Iftaar at her Residence
September 29, 2006. On the occasion of Ramadan, Ambassador Timken and Consul General Powell hosted numerous Muslim representatives from government, business, academia and culture to an Iftaar dinner at Mrs. Powell's residence. In his remarks, Ambassador Timken recognized the millions of Americans with Islamic background and their contribution to American society. He also quoted from President George W. Bush's Ramadan address: "Ramadan and the upcoming holiday seasons are a good time to remember the common values that bind us together. Our society is enriched by our Muslim citizens whose commitment to faith reminds us of the gift of religious freedom in our country. We send our best wishes for a blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak." (more) 

Ambassador Timken Opens ‘American Mosques’ Exhibit at Frankfurt City Library
September 28, 2006. A broad cross-section of the diverse Muslim community in central Germany attended Ambassador Timken’s opening of the “American Mosques” exhibit at the Frankfurt City Library's international branch on September 28, 2006. The photos by MIT professor Omar Khalidi show the enormous ethnic diversity of Muslims in the U.S. and reflect the American tradition of religious tolerance and immigration.
Ambassador Timken called the exhibition "a wonderful way to observe Ramadan" and said he hopes visitors "will learn more about Muslims in America by seeing how American Muslims worship around the U.S." He underscored President Bush's message to the United Nations last week, in which the president underlined the tremendous respect Americans of all creeds have for Islam, and the commitment that Muslims make to faith, family, and education: "We look forward to learning more from each other in the years ahead through programs and exhibits like this." (more) 

Mrs. Timken and Consul General meet with Muslim women leaders
September 28, 2006. A group of Muslim women and specialists working with immigrants in Germany were invited to a roundtable with Mrs. Sue Timken and Consul General Jo Ellen Powell at the Consulate General in Frankfurt. Mrs. Timken talked about her and Ambassador Timken's initiative "Windows on America", which enables minority students to experience first-hand school and family life in the U.S. and about their numerous Muslim outreach activities. The roundtable included activists from a variety of professions and national backgrounds. Mrs. Timken encouraged the women to continue a dialogue with each other and promised to come back to visit the women's institutions and see the project. (more) 

Ambassador and Mrs. Timken visit Mainz
September 28, 2006. Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr., and Sue Timken paid an official visit to the city of Mainz. Ambassador Timken signed the City's Golden Book at a ceremony at the town hall. Mayor Beutel and the Ambassador both emphazised the special importance of Mainz for the German-American friendship, having hosted two presidential visits, one by former President Bush in 1989 shortly before the wall came down, and one by the current President Bush in February 2005, another turning point in U.S.-German relations. At the reception following the signing of the Golden Book, Ambassador Timken, Mrs. Timken, and Frankfurt Consul General Jo Ellen Powell met with members of the City Council, representatives of the Mainz-Louisville Friendship Circle, the Federation of German-American Clubs, and with exchange students currently studying at the University of Mainz. In the morning, Ambassador Timken gave an interview to the Allgemeine Zeitung. Mrs. Timken then met with 10th grade students of diverse ethnic backgrounds at Gleisbergschule in Mainz-Gonsenheim, and talked with them about their future job perspectives, images of the United States and Germany, and answered personal questions. During their stay in Mainz, Ambassador Timken and Mrs. Timken also visited Schott Glass, and were received by Cardinal Lehmann for a tour of Mainz Cathedral. (more) 

Karben Students Learn About Exchange Opportunities with the United States and Europe
September 28, 2006. More than 80 students and parents attended an evening information session at Kurt-Schumacher-Schule on exchange opportunities with the United States and Europe. EducationUSA team member Renate Vollmer (U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt) gave a presentation on "Spending a High School Year in the United States" and answered numerous questions. Students picked up information on various exchange programs, and received advice from EducationUSA and Eurodesk on exchange opportunities. The school library received a book collection, including the four volume set "If You Want to Study in the United States". (more) 

Ambassador opens "I Like America" exhibit at Schirn Kunsthalle
September 27, 2006. A standing room only crowd was on hand at the Schirn Kunsthalle in Frankfurt September 27 to see Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. open the exhibit entitled "I Like America." The Ambassador praised the exhibit, which documents the fascination Germans had with the exploration of the American frontier in the 1800s, for helping both Germans and Americans appreciate the common values of freedom and liberty that have made the American frontier a topic of interest on both sides of the Atlantic. (more) 

Directors of German American Institutes discuss new Youth Outreach Initiatives at U.S. Consulate General
September 18, 2006. Directors from the German American Institutes (GAI) of the Southwestern cities of Freiburg, Heidelberg, Saarbrücken, Stuttgart and Tübingen met on Monday at the U.S. Consulate General to discuss joint youth outreach initiatives with Consul General Jo Ellen Powell, John Matel, Director of IIP's Office for Europe and Eurasia at the State Department, and Public Affairs representatives.
Public Affairs Officer Scott Rauland emphasized the importance of attracting younger audiences by using the latest technology while John Matel demonstrated how State Department webchats work, using an online chat with Antonio R. López of World Bridger Media on media literacy as an example. The State Department arranged the chat to coincide with the inaugural White House Conference on Global Literacy hosted by First Lady Laura Bush at the New York City Library on the same day. (more) 

Teacher training seminar on “Religion and Politics in the U.S.
September 14 & 15, 2006. Teachers from the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg participated in a training seminar on “Religion and Politics in the United States” in Boppard on Sept. 14 and 15. The seminar was co-sponsored by the Atlantic Academy Rheinland-Pfalz and the IFB Boppard. German and American experts, among them Adam Garfinkle, chief editor of The American Interest, and U.S. Army Chaplain and Imam Abdul-Rasheed Muhammad, explained religion as a central and complex part of American history, culture and politics manifesting itself in many widely different forms and political directions. (more) 

Exhibit about children's book author Eric Carle opened at National Library in Frankfurt
September 13, 2006. The German National Library in Frankfurt opened the exhibit 'Eric Carle: Syracuse N.Y. - Stuttgart - New York' on September 13. Eric Carle, the author of The Hungry Caterpillar and more than 70 other picture books that have sold over 65 million copies worldwide, is one of the most popular children's book authors. The speakers, among them Public Affairs Officer Scott Rauland, U.S. Consulate General, and Wolfgang Dietrich, a long term friend of the author's, emphazised Carle's role for international understanding and building strong bridges between Germany and the United States. Gregor Hübner played the musical version of 'I See a Song - Ich habe die Geige klingen hören' by Eric Carle. The exhibit will be shown at the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek through November 18. (more) 

U.S. Consulate Re-dedicates September 11th Plaque
September 11, 2006. On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the commemorative plaque, located until August 2006 in front of the Amerika Haus, was unveiled at the U.S. Consulate General, Gießener Straße. The ceremony featured brief remarks by Frankfurt's Lord Mayor Petra Roth, who reiterated the desire of the citizens of Frankfurt to work with the U.S. to "pursue a peaceful future," and U.S. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell, who stated that she looked forward "to working with our German friends and partners to leave a safer and more hopeful world for our children and grandchildren." (Remarks)
Donated by the city of Frankfurt on September 11, 2002, the commemorative plaque by artist Günter Maniewski is a sign of sympathy and the city’s close relationship with the United States, especially the city of New York and its citizens. (more) 

State of Hesse Recognizes German-American Friendship Society at Official Reception
September 5, 2006. Minister-President, Roland Koch, organized a special reception for the members of the Steuben-Schurz Society, the oldest German-American friendship society in Germany, on Tuesday, September 5. Koch was joined by U.S. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell, who praised the Steuben-Schurz Society for excellence in "sustaining personal connections, cultural ties, and business relationships among everyday citizens." She offered a special salute to the Steuben-Schurz Society for its work in developing the USA Interns program, which has helped hundreds of young Germans and Americans get to know their counterparts by working with partner organizations on the other side of the Atlantic. (more) 

Consul General Powell Visits the 6th annual Newcomers Festival - Welcome to Hessen on September 2 in Frankfurt
September 2, 2006. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell, the most prominent newcomer in attendance, opened the Newcomers Festival on September 2 at Hessischer Rundfunk along with its Director General, Dr. Helmut Reitze, and Dr. Helmut Kreuziger, Managing Director, Hessen Agency. She praised the cultural and economic diversity as well as the hospitality of Hesse. The event which is supported by the Hessen Ministry of Economic Affairs attracted 60 exhibitors and over 3,000 visitors of many different nationalities. The Newcomers Festival consists of an extensive exhibition of services, clubs and organizations in the area. It is designed as a family-oriented and informative event that allows the international community to discover the attractiveness and diversity of the region as a business location. (more) 

Frankfurt celebrates the Blues
August 31, 2006. The Matchbox Bluesband and special guests Keith Dunn (USA) and Christian Rannenberg unleashed blues power at an outdoor concert at Frankfurt's Palmengarten on August 31. (more)

Seminar highlights 60 years of U.S. presence in Hesse
August 31, 2006. U.S. ConGen’s POL/ECON chief Dan Froats was the first one of a roster of speakers participating in a seminar on “Amerikaner in Hesse” organized by the Hesse Center of Political Educatio, the Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft and the city of Hanau at the Hanau City Hall on August 31 and Sept. 1. German and American experts as well as individuals who had played an active role in the German-American relationship, among them AFN radio director Gary Bautell, described and analyzed German-American interaction during the past six decades as well as the impact of the U.S. military presence and of its partial disappearance on the state and the region. (more) 

Joe Stefanelli Exhibit opened at Ludwig Museum Koblenz
August 30, 2006. Ludwig Museum Koblenz opened a unique exhibit with paintings by Joe Stefanelli, one of the last living members of the legendary New York School and representative of abstract expressionism. The collection of paintings is being shown for the first time in a German museum. 85 year old Stefanelli had come from New York especially for the opening. Koblenz Cultural Commissioner Detlef Knopp and PAO Scott Rauland welcomed Joe Stefanelli and the guests. Museum director Dr. Beate Reifenscheid introduced the artist and his work, colorful paintings which seem to bundle Stefanelli's humour, his zest for life and inner freedom. After the opening, numerous friends and collectors of Stefanelli's art welcomed the artist and besieged him for autographs. The exhibit will be shown at Ludwig Muesum Koblenz until October 29. (more) 

Frankfurt Passport Service Goes Live!!!
August 28, 2006. Newly-arrived Consul General Jo Ellen Powell delivers Frankfurt's first Emergency Photo-Digitized Passport (EPDP) to American citizen Randal Rodenberger.

The new, more secure format for emergency passports has been introduced in Munich, London and Frankfurt as a prelude to world-wide usage. American citizens who receive the EPDP will have one year to obtain a full validity passport at no additional charge.

The new passports have a digital photograph and are only 12 pages, since they are intended to be used only for temporary emergencies. The Department plans to roll out the new technology to embassies and consulates worldwide by the end of the year. (more) 

Welcome to our new Consul General Jo Ellen Powell!
August 21, 2006. Jo Ellen Powell, a career member of the Foreign Service, has assumed her new duties as Consul General of the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt on August 21, 2006. Prior to her assignment to Frankfurt she most recently held the position of Executive Director in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) at the State Department in Washington D.C. Before joining the WHA bureau in August 2004 she served as the director of the Human Resource bureau’s Office of Employee Relations, 2001-2004, and as the Management Counselor, U.S. Embassy Canberra, 1998-2001. Ms. Powell’s previous posts abroad included Paris, Rome, Beirut, and Amman, Jordan.
Ms. Powell, a recipient of several distinguished State Department awards, is married to Stephen Engelken, also a career Foreign Service Officer. They have one son, John. (more) 

America at Gießen Festival
August 19, 2006. On August 19th, Sister Cities Assocation Gießen - Waterloo, Iowa, presented information on their long-time partnership during the annual "Stadtfest Gießen". Members of the association told interested guests about their activities, including trips to Waterloo and other parts of the United States, and provided information on how the partnership had started. They were joined by EducationUSA (Public Affairs Section/U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt), which provided information on studying and working in the United States. Visitors were especially interested in a high school year abroad and Au Pair opportunities. They also picked up general information on the United States, including the CD ROM "About the USA". During the afternoon, the Gießen public enjoyed a square dance performance by the Lahn-River-Wheelers. (more) 

Thanks for the Memories!
August 15, 2006. More than 100 Frankfurters bid farewell to the Amerika Haus on Tuesday. For the last 60 years, the Amerika Haus has been the heart of American culture in the city. Amerika Haus Director and PAO Scott Rauland handed over a symbolic key to Frankfurt's cultural commissioner Dr. Felix Semmelroth. In his remarks, PAO Rauland emphasized that "the closure should not be seen as a sign of decline in German-American relations." On the contrary, "the presence of American culture in this city is so strong that one doesn't necessarily need a cultural institution to promote it." Acting Principal Officer Richard Aker agreed by pointing out numerous cooperative ventures with local partner organizations: "Thanks to these partnerships, we look forward to a bright future for German-American relations. We must maintain strong ties and mutual understanding for one another’s ideas and cultures to help make the world a safer and more peaceful place. We are sure that the network of strong local partnerships and new media technology will allow us to continue to do this in an increasing variety of ways." (more) 

Ambassador Timken Reaches Out to Local Communities in Southwestern Germany
August 3-6, 2006. Ambassador and Mrs. Timken visited various cities in Baden-Württemberg and met with citizens as part of their effort to reach out to local communities in Germany. In Breisach, they were greeted by Mayor Rein and members of the city council and signed the Golden Book of Breisach. Freiburg's Lord Mayor Salomon welcomed the Timkens to the town hall on August 4 where he discussed the latest economic challenges in the region with the Ambassador. On August 6, the Head of the District Authority in Gutach, Landrat Brodbeck, introduced the Ambassador and his family to the famous Black Forest Open Air Museum Vogtsbauernhöfe that explore 400 years of cultural heritage in the Black Forest region. On the same day, the Ambassador visited Wolfach, sister city of the American town of Richfield, located in the Ambassador's home state of Ohio. Wolfach's Mayor, Gottfried Moser, hosted a reception at the town hall in his honor with members of the city council and participants in the exchange activities with Richfield. (more) 

Ambassador Timken joins Artists and Students at Premiere of "Dances for the Blue House"
August 3, 2006. Ambassador and Mrs. Timken along with Cultural Affairs Attaché Claussen participated in the opening performance of the cultural and youth outreach project “Dances for the Blue House” taking place in the southwest German cities of Breisach and Freiburg since mid-July. The Blue House in Breisach was the center of the city’s local Jewish community before its destruction during the Holocaust. Jonathan Hollander and Aviva Geismar, two Jewish-American choreographers, and their New York-based dance companies Battery Dance Company and Drastic Action had worked with some 150 local German high schools students and dance groups to create new dance pieces that respond to the tragedy and commemorate the Jewish history of the town. In his remarks to the participants, German and international guests, some of them descendants of Jewish families in Breisach, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of “building a bridge between yesterday, today and tomorrow for coming generations.” He commended the dancers on their efforts to foster mutual understanding with this exchange project that uses the power of dance to confront history. (more) 

Ambassador Timken kicks off regional IVLP Alumni Network
July 28, 2006 On July 28, Ambassador and Mrs. Timken attended the first International Visitor Leadership Program Reunion for the Southwestern part of Germany at Evangelische Akademie Bad Boll. The event was organized by the German American Center/James F. Byrnes Institute, Stuttgart, and Evangelische Akademie Bad Boll. Director Joachim Beck, Evangelische Akademie, and State Secretary Rudolf Böhmler, Chairman of the Board at DAZ, welcomed the guests. In his remarks, Ambassador Timken emphazised the importance of networking and building people-to-people contacts. Alumni Coordinator Daniela Schilling-Muehl introduced the alumni.state.gov website and its AGS Community, pointing out the manifold opportunities of this international alumni community. The Alumni were enthused to meet and get to know each other. The program laid the ground for a Regional Alumni Association and for future cooperation with and among the IVLP Alumni. Traditional blues music with the Down Home Perculators and a barbecue rounded-out the program. (more) 

Ambassador and Mrs Timken visit Kirchheim unter Teck
July 28, 2006. On their trip through Baden-Württemberg, Ambassador and Mrs. Timken visited the picturesque town of Kirchheim unter Teck on July 28. In the morning, Ambassador and Mrs. Timken met with students of Schlossgymnasium, who enthusiastically talked about their exchange experiences in the U.S.. Schlossgymnnasium recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of their exchange program with Marsh Valley High School in Idaho. Ambassador and Mrs. Timken shared with the students their impressions of Germany and described their daily work. After a visit to Daimler Chrysler’s Fuel Cell Research Facility in Nabern, Kirchheim's Lord Mayor Angelika Matt-Heidecker welcomed the Ambassador and Mrs. Timken in the historic town hall, where the Timkens signed the city's Golden Book. A walk through the old town of Kirchheim concluded the visit. (more) 

U.S. and EU at Mannheim City Library
July 27, 2006. EducationUSA Franfurt and Eurodesk Deutschland held an afternoon information session on studying and working in the United States and the European Union. 75 Mannheim High School and vocational students used the opportunity to pick up information material, listen to presentations and get advice. Topics ranged from how to organize a stay as an Au Pair to internships, studying and working in the United States. Mayor Christian Specht welcomed the students to the City Library and spoke about the importance of spending time in another country. In the morning, students chatted with Renate Vollmer (EducationUSA) and Annette Luthringshauser (Eurodesk) during a webchat on the topic organized by the Mannheimer Morgen |  (more) 

U.S. Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. signs Golden Book of the city of Ulm
July 27, 2006. On his first trip to the southern and eastern regions of Baden-Württemberg Ambassador Timken and his wife Sue Timken were welcomed by the Lord Mayor of the city of Ulm, Ivo Gönner, and signed the city's Golden Book.

Also on their route was a tour of the Steiff company in Giengen, which Mrs. Timken, herself a huge "Teddy Bear" fan, enjoyed very much. The Ambassador also gave an interview at the regional newspaper Südwestpresse. (more) 

Summer reception at German-American Institute Tübingen
July 21, 2006 About 400 friends and members joined the GAI at it's yearly summer reception at the pittoresque monestary of Bebenhausen close to Tübingen on July 20. The GAI looked back on a very successful last year and presented a versatile fall program. Rolf Schiller, President of the Board of the German American Society, and Vice Konsul Gregg Naarden, greeted the numerous guests. This year, long-time members of the Society were honored for the first time. Among them was 92 year-old Professor emeritus Gerhard Müller-Schefe, who remembered the life-changing first research scholarship to the U.S. with his family of six and the beginings of the GAI in Tübingen. Before the guests mingled in the cloister, they were entertained by the Tübingen Klezmer group "Jontef", who presented songs about a Jewish-American immigrant family. (more) 

Illinois and Rhineland-Palatinate Teachers Study Media
July 17-21, 2006. Teachers from Rhineland-Palatinate and Illinois participated in the annual week-long Intercultural Teacher Training Seminar jointly organized by the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Education, the Illinois Humanities Council, the IFB - Haus Saarburg, the Atlantic Academy Rhineland-Paltinate and the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Scott Rauland and representatives of the other co-sponsoring institutions kicked off the seminar on "The Impact of Media on Education."

During the week, lectures and discussion workshops at the seminar facilities in Boppard were combined with field trips to ZDF, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Bloomberg and the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt where the group was briefed by Andrew Parker, Chief of the Consular Section, on the manifold functions of the consulate including its Public Diplomacy activities. (more) 

American Students Visit School to Teach German Teenagers About America
July 12 & 13, 2006. The Consulate General Frankfurt held another two school outreach events to help German high school students gain a better perspective of life in the United States. The interns gave presentations on immigration history and discussed multiculturalism. On July 12th, Public Affairs Intern Andrew Eilts, a student at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., accompanied by Assistant Public Affairs Officer Jeff Arnold, visited the Dr. Richter School in Kelkheim. On July 13th, Public Affairs intern Erin Cooper, a student at the University of California, Berkeley, visited the Liebigschule in Frankfurt. EducationUSA Frankfurt’s Renate Vollmer gave a brief presentation on studying and working in the United States. Following each presentation, the students asked questions on various topics. (more) 

Study, Work and Intern in the United States - USA Infospecial at Koblenz City Library
July 5, 2006. On July 5th, EducationUSA Germany held an infosession on studying and working in the United States at the City Library Koblenz. The event, organized in cooperation with the German-American Club Koblenz, drew more than 40 participants. A presentation by Public Affairs Frankfurt/Education USA’s Renate Vollmer was followed by an intense questions & answer session. Topics ranged from visa regulations to organizing internships and studying and working in the United States. Participants picked up information material on the United States, including the CD ROM "About the USA", on EducationUSA and other services of the Information Resource Center Frankfurt. The library received a book donation with publications on these topics, including the "If you Want to Study in the United States" guides. (more) 

Celebration of America's 230th Independence Day
June 29, 2006. Over 200 invited guests from throughout the Rhein-Main area enjoyed a unique celebration of America's 230th celebration of Independence Day in the Atrium at the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt.

In addition to the presentation of the colors by the U.S. Marine Security Guard Detachment Color Guard and welcoming remarks by Ms. Geeta Pasi, Acting Principal Officer, the guests witnessed a Naturalization Ceremony conferring U.S. citizenship on 17 members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Germany.

After the formal program, the guests enjoyed food and refreshment while listening to the Headwinds Woodwind Quintet of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band. (more) 

Workshop on Chicano Theater at Frankfurt University
June 29, 2006. On June 29, Jorge Huerta, a professional theater director with the University of California at San Diego, and Carlos Morton, a playwright and theater producer with the University of California Santa Barbara, conducted an afternoon workshop on “Chicano Theater” at Frankfurt University’s Center for North American Studies. These two leading authorities vividly explained the complexitiy of the major cultural expression of an ethnic group which has become the largest ethnic minority in U.S. society. Working as a harmonious team and combining lecturing, reading and acting, Huerta and Morton opened students’ and faculty’s eyes for the variety of Chicano cultures and identities, the major social and political issues grappled with by Chicano communities and for the way all of this had been reflected in Chicano theater over the past 50 years. (more) 

Dialogue Between Labor Market Experts at Landau University
June 27, 2006. On June 27, Nik Theodore, Professor of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, University of Illinois at Chicago, held a lecture on “Work – New Trends in the Age of Globalization” at the economics department of the University Koblenz-Landau/Landau Campus in Rhineland-Palatinate. Theodore shared his most recent empirical research on the temporary labor force in the U.S. with over 50 students and faculty with a special interest in labor market issues. Since the question of the minimum wage is currently on the top of the German labor market reform agenda, Theodore’s finding that there was no correlation between a rise of the minimum wage and job growth was of particular interest. (more) 

Young soccer players of the World Cup Sports Initiative end their tour in Frankfurt
June 23, 2006. Young soccer players of the World Cup Sports Initiative started their day by visiting the Commmerzbank Tower. They got an eagle's eye view of Frankfurt from the Commerzbank Tower during a tour arranged by Commerzbank spokesman Dennis Phillips. Their schedule took them from Manhattan last week to 'Mainhattan' this week, as they mixed in some sightseeing to round out their schedule of soccer clinics, scrimmages, and attendance at a World Cup game. In the afternoon, the players from 13 different countries played lively scrimmages with the youth soccer teams of Eintracht Frankfurt (boys) and KSV Weckesheim (girls) and talked about soccer in their countries. In the evening, the participants will visit the International Media Lounge for music by American blues musician Little Willie Littlefield. The boys and girls, ages 13-18, represent: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bolivia, China, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Uganda and Uzbekistan. (more) 

Fans Cheer Team USA at Amerika Haus
June 22, 2006. The Amerika Haus Frankfurt was once again filled with guests as Public Affairs Frankfurt hosted another World Cup party to coincide with the USA vs. Ghana game on Thursday. Despite the American loss, over 100 people enjoyed watching the game and the accompanying American-style BBQ with hot dogs and hamburgers, and the crowd remained enthusiastic supporters of Team USA until the end of play. Due to the United States' 1:2 loss, the American team has been eliminated from the 2006 FIFA World Cup despite an impressive game against Italy last Saturday. (more) 

Guest lecture on China at Frankfurt University's East-Asia Institute
June 21, 2006. Marking a new cooperation between the U.S. Consulate General and Frankfurt University’s Interdisciplinary Center for East-Asian Studies (IZO), Jacob Park, professor of business and public policy at Greenmountain College in Vermont, gave a lecture on "China and Sustainable Development: Global Risks and Opportunities" at IZO on June 21. Prof. Park shared his original year-long research on the tremendous ecological challenges resulting from China’s rapid economic growth and discussed with students and faculty the implications for Europe and the U.S. of China’s transition from a production site for foreign companies to a world leader in high-end research and development. (more) 

Ambassador & Mrs. Timken Engage in Soccer Diplomacy in Kaiserslautern
June 17, 2006. Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and his wife Sue Timken were in Kaiserslautern on Saturday, June 17, throwing their full support behind the U.S. Men's National Team in their 1-1 draw against Italy. The Ambassador was warmly greeted by Kaiserslautern's Lord Mayor Deubig outside the historic Casimir Hall along with representatives from the American and German Armed Forces and was later a guest of honor at a lunch hosted by the Lord Mayor in the City Hall. Afterwards, the Ambassador and his wife toured Kaiserslautern's famous 'Fan-Mile' and met with journalists and excited fans from all over the world, including many Americans who had come to show their support for Team USA. The Ambassador also met with the Italian Ambassador to Germany, with both expressing confidence in their respective teams and praise for Germany and Kaiserlautern's warm welcome and comprehensive security arrangements. After the meeting, Ambassador Timken went to the Fritz-Walter-Stadion where he watched the USA and Italy battle to a 1-1 tie. (more) 

Ambassador Timken Promotes U.S. Soccer on National TV
June 16, 2006. Ambassador Timken gave a live interview at the ZDF program "Drehscheibe Deutschland - WM Spezial" and spoke with ZDF online editor Sebastian Voss on June 16th (Transcript). He expressed his excitement of being Ambassador in Germany at the time of the World Cup and praised the host nation's hospitality for soccer fans throughout the country. Asked about the U.S. team's performance during its first game, he acknowledged the strength of the Czech side but was optimistic for a good game against Italy in Kaiserslautern tomorrow. He congratulated Germany for qualifying for the second round. Ambassador Timken praised the excellent cooperation with German authorities with respect to security issues. The popularity of soccer in the U.S. has been growing steadily over the past years and with 18 million active players the national team should not have any recruitment problems in the future. (more) 

University of Wisconsin Women’s Soccer Team helps Celebrate Hessen-Wisconsin Partnership in Frankfurt
June 16, 2006. As part of the thirtieth anniversary of the Hessen-Wisconsin state partnership in 2006, thirty eight members of the University of Wisconsin women’s soccer team were welcomed to Frankfurt in the historic Kaisersaal at the Römer. The group was greeted by state council woman Erika Pfreundschuh, who expressed her gratitude for their role in reminding the world that soccer, as well as sports in general, does not only belong to men. Susan Walke and Dr. Kirsten Gerstner from the U.S. Consulate General and Uwe Becker, CDU Faction leader and Frankfurt’s future head of the department for youth and sports, also warmly welcomed the guests. During their twelve day tour of Hessen, facilitated by the Hessen state government, the team will be competing against four German clubs as well as seeing and experiencing all that Hessen has to offer. There was an air of excitement floating in the room, it was obvious that the team was eager to embrace the opportunity to compete, learn, and interact with young Germans. (more) 

World Cup Reception at Amerika Haus Brings in a Full Crowd
June 12, 2006. Over 150 guests packed the Amerika Haus Frankfurt on Monday to see the USA vs. Czech Republic match and to support the USA Interns program. The Steuben-Schurz Gesellschaft, the German-American friendship organization that runs the USA Interns, held the World Cup reception to help dozens of interns who cross the Atlantic every year and support bilateral American-German friendship through the USA Intern program. Although the game did not end in an American victory, the interns, SSG supporters, and Consulate employees all enjoyed wonderful food and friendship in a lively atmosphere at the Amerika Haus. (more) 

Media Conference on German and American Journalism Draws Large Audience
June 12, 2006. Over 100 participants attended a media conference on New Paradigms in German and American Journalism hosted by Mainz University and its partners from the m3+ZDF exchange program in cooperation with the Atlantic Academy. This unique exchange program traces its roots to a 1996 presentation by U.S. journalism professor Jim Willis to a ZDF audience and has since expanded to include Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Wiesbaden and Mainz Universities of Applied Sciences. It is co-sponsored by the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. The conference featured leading television journalist Elmar Theveßen, ZDF, as well as German and American media professors, who are involved in this exchange. The main topic for discussion was the development in the U.S. of so-called 'emotional journalism,' illustrated by various clips, in particular Anderson Cooper's CNN coverage of hurricane Katrina. (more)