JET Alumni Share Their Post-JET Experiences
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| Throughout the weekend the JET30 Reunion featured panels and discussions highlighting the interesting and successful paths many alumni have taken since returning from JET. Many of these speakers have had a significant impact on the U.S.-Japan relationship, whether it was Bill Clifford, President and CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America (ALT, Shizuoka, 1987-1989), Emily Metzgar, Associate Professor, Indiana University and author of the recently published The JET Program and the U.S.-Japan Relationship: Goodwill Goldmine (ALT, Shimane 1993-1995), or David Boling, Deputy Assistant, USTR (ALT, Fujishiro, Ibaraki, 1988-1989), all of our speakers shared their personal stories that led them to where they are today. These stories connected them to the younger generation of alumni in the audience, and provided a wonderful opportunity for alumni to connect personally and professionally.
To see a comprehensive list of all of our alumni speakers and their bios, please visit our website for the full program here. |
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Welcome Reception at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence
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| USJETAA is grateful to the Embassy of Japan and Deputy Chief of Mission, Atsuyuki Oike, for hosting JET30 attendees at the exquisite Japanese Ambassador’s Residence on Friday night. (Photos: Kelley Rich) |
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Natsu Matsuri Gala Dinner, Raffle & Moth(ra)
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| Photos: Kelley Rich
After a full day Saturday, alumni were invited to celebrate at the Natsu Matsuri, starting with a networking reception featuring summertime games, lanterns, and many colorful yukata and jimbei worn by attendees on the outdoor terrace. This was followed by a buffet dinner and exciting raffle drawing with prizes generously donated by organizations and individuals, including ANA, with two roundtrip tickets from the U.S. to Tokyo, and selections of Japan-related books from Chin Music Press and Stonebridge Press. After dinner, attendees moved back outside to the lower terrace to hear alumni share stories of “Fame & Fortune” at the “Moth(ra) Storytelling Hour” with JET alum Steven Horowitz acting as emcee. To hear the recording of the Moth(ra) please click here. |
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| Photo: Andrew Schecker, ANA; Errol Packard (CIR, Niigata 2005-2008, JETAA Texoma); Smitha Prasadh (ALT, Tokushima 2005-2007, JETAA Pittsburgh); Laurel Lukaszewski, USJETAA. Photo credit: Kelley Rich, JETAASC |
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| USJETAA is grateful to everyone who participated in the JET30 Reunion Raffle on August 5! We had an exciting array of prizes generously donated by ANA, Stonebridge Press, Chin Music Press, Keith Krulak and Laurel Lukaszewski. The prizes were drawn in a double-blind drawing by Andrew Schecker of ANA. The Raffle raised over $2,800 to support USJETAA outreach and programs.
The winners were:
- Greg Aurit (ALT, Tokushima 2002-2005) – Ceramic Tea Bowl and Plate by local artist Laurel Lukaszewski
- Maurice Maloney (ALT, Fukui 2004-2006)– Books from Chin Music Press
- Asuka Nagase (ALT, Osaka 2009-2014) – Books from Stonebridge Press
- Geoffrey Hartman (ALT, Nara 2003-2006) – Japanese Treats donated by Keith Krulak
- Smitha Prasadh (ALT, Tokushima 2005-2007) – Roundtrip ANA Ticket from the U.S. to Tokyo
- Errol Packard (CIR, Niigata 2005-2008) – Roundtrip ANA Ticket from the U.S. to Tokyo
Thank you again to all of our donors and to everyone who purchased tickets! |
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| The JET30 Reunion would not have been possible without the support and funding from the following organizations and individuals. USJETAA is grateful for their support. |
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Thank you to the following organizations for their generous donations of wonderful items for the National Conference and JET30 registration gift bags:
ANA, Cultural Vistas, Destination DC, Hana Japanese Market, Hitachi, InsideJapan Tours, JICC, JNTO, Japan-America Society of Washington, DC, JET Program Office, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., NTA, National Cherry Blossom Festival, O-en Network, S&R Foundation, SAN-J, Sasakawa USA, Sojitz, Tofugu
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A special thanks to our JET30 Planning Committee Members & Volunteers!
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JET30 Planning Committee
Liz Brailsford Jessica Burbach Paige Cottingham-Streater
Joy Champaloux Paul Champaloux Mark Frey
Nick Harling Cheryl Hou Jessyca Livingston
Keith Krulak Laurel Lukaszewski Mac Maloney
Leigh Ann Mastrini Xander Peterson Danielle Reed
Stephanie Sanders Monica YukiJET30 Volunteers
Jamie Adgerson Karen Bailey Wanda Butler Megan Carroll
Saad Chaudhry Melissa Chin Kathleen Emory
Beth Gawne Li Gosselink Tricia Kubrin Beth Eck Olchowski
Bianca Sanchez Christine Skodon Elizabeth Slupski
Ashley Tabb Jennie Terman Amanda Rollins Heidi Ashton YoonAnd a huge thank you to all of the many attendees who jumped in and lent a hand whenever we needed it! |
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