Dave Amoroso • Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Inc.
414-354-0200, ext. 108 • dave@rspr.com

MILWAUKEE —The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective, announced that Dr. Paul F. Trebian, Ed.D., MBA/TM, MA, BS, who has been serving in an interim capacity, has been named the permanent President & CEO by the organization’s Board of Directors.

“In the nearly three months that he served in the interim role, Paul quickly formed relationships with IIW partners and staff, with the board recognizing his aptitude for the position,” said Donna Roeber, IIW Chairperson. “When the idea was broached to have Paul serve in a permanent capacity, it was enthusiastically supported by the full board, and most importantly, Paul was very excited to continue serving the IIW.”

“The commitment that I had for the IIW at the outset of serving the organization has grown exponentially since early March, and I am honored to continue leading our outstanding staff as we focus on our mission, vision, and the constituents we represent,” said Trebian. “I am appreciative of the opportunity to help the IIW grow through the provision of services to our clients throughout southeastern Wisconsin and look forward to championing our work to enhance the community.”

Trebian, a native Alaskan, has more than 38 years of experience in many disciplines including architecture, medicine, information services, social services, business ownership, and higher education. He has experience in assisting business leaders with a holistic approach to strategic management, process improvement, and organizational development to achieve the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Trebian, who had served on the IIW’s Board of Directors for more than eight years, has earned Bachelor of Science, Master of Architecture, Master of Business Administration degrees, in addition to a Doctoral Degree in Education.

The IIW initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of its purpose, including immigration and social services, refugee resettlement, citizen diplomacy, and interpretation and translation.

The IIW also produces the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, with the 2023 event scheduled to be held Fri., Nov. 17 – Sun., Nov. 19 at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.

For more information, call 414-225-6220 or visit www.iiwisconsin.org.

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MILWAUKEE, WIS. —The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective for more than 85 years, will host its annual World Citizen Celebration dinner on Sat., Oct. 8. The event will be held at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin, 813 E. Kilbourn Ave. in Milwaukee, with a reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., and awards presentation at 7:30 p.m.

The celebration will also serve as a kickoff to the IIW produced Holiday Folk Fair International, with the 2022 event to be held Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20 at the State Fair Park Exposition Center. Tradizione Vivente – The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee – will perform at the event and all attendees will receive a pair of Folk Fair tickets.

The 2022 event will salute those that have played a leadership role in shaping the IIW and its commitment to the local and global communities. The following people will be recognized:

• Peter F. Kranstover – Dorothy von Briesen World Citizen Award
• Amir Tahir – Victor Ven-Kai Chou World Citizen Award
• Gina Jorgensen and Vic Thomas – Expressive Cultural Heritage Award
• Johnny Wong – Alfred L. Schlecht Volunteer Award
• Eckhart Grohman – Corporate Citizen Award

A development economist with 30 years of broad international experience in the areas of development finance and implementing economic assistance strategies abroad. Kranstover brings in-depth, on the ground expertise in design and implementation of assistance activities with a focus on rural development, refugees and displaced persons, primary health care, environment and natural resources, democracy strengthening, and conflict analysis. After almost 18 years abroad in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and over a decade in Washington D.C., Kranstover brings an excellent combination of policy knowledge and implementation practicality to international affairs and the foreign assistance field.

Tahir is the Chief Executive Officer and Experienced Director of Operations of the Muslim Community Health Center, a federally qualified healthcare center. He has a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and health care industry, in such roles as the Clinic Supervisor and Coordinator of Columbia St. Mary’s Family Practice and Express Care. Skilled in clinical research, pediatrics, physician relations, working with physicians, and patient safety, Tahir is a strong operations professional with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) focused on Medicine from Sindh Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.

An educator with Milwaukee Public Schools, Jorgensen is both a visual art teacher and leader. She holds degrees from Alverno College in Art Education & Therapy and a master’s degree in Visual Studies from Cardinal Stritch University. As an active member of the Italian Community Center and its Cultural Committee, she has offered many creative ideas to its events. Her activity at the Holiday Folk Fair as a former Chair and as a member of the Tradizione Vivente – The Italian Dance Group, she has produced many activities for students to participate in during the annual Education Day.

As the Associate Entertainment Director, Thomas is involved in all phases of the entertainment at Summerfest. He is responsible for contract and negotiations with artist staff and management, booking of acts, and plans, procedures, and coordination of entertainment staff. In addition, Thomas also serves as the ethnic festival liaison, which means he works with all the ethic festivals, like Milwaukee Irish Fest, German Fest, Festa Italiana, Polish Fest, and Mexican Fiesta. He holds a degree from in Communications, Music, and Theater from Oberlin College.

Restaurateur of the former China Palace, Wong brings his expertise to the Holiday Folk Fair as coordinator of the World Café.  He not only oversees the logistical setup of the event with its numerous aspects but also offers advice from his many years as a chef and owner. Although retired, he finds time to offer his services to assist the IIW in its refugee resettlement efforts as well as working within the Chinese community to promote its activities and culture.

Grohmann is a Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Regent, Milwaukee businessman, and avid art collector, who donated his collection to MSOE in 2001 and subsequently the funds to purchase, renovate, and operate the museum that bears his name. The Grohmann Museum is home to the world’s most comprehensive art collection dedicated to the evolution of human work, from farming and mining to the trades, such as glassblowing and seaweed gathering. The collection identifies the similarity between the evolution of work and the pragmatic educational approach of the university. A university setting provides students, staff, and visitors with a historical context for their own activities as they relate to engineering and business.

Jacquelyn Gates Shipe, the Chief Executive Officer of Global Ties Alabama, a nonprofit organization that promotes global peace and understanding through citizen diplomacy, will make the event’s keynote address. Shipe is also the President and CEO of SOARing, LLC, which delivers global leadership development consulting services specializing in ethics and compliance, diversity, and organizational culture shaping. Her clients include the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank Group, Jacobs ESTS, ERC, Kaizer Permanente, Nationwide, Oakwood University, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.

From 2008 to 2010, she served as the Associate Vice President of Development at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and from 2004-2006, she served as the Vice President for Advancement and Development at Oakwood University. Shipe is the former Ethics Officer for the World Bank Group where she reported to the Office of the President and was a corporate officer for Duke Energy and Bell Atlantic/Verizon having served as the Vice President of Diversity, Ethics and Compliance. Shipe also held strategic management positions at the Senn Delaney Leadership Consulting Group, Time Warner, PepsiCo, Revlon, and JCPenney.

Shipe is the former Chair of the Board of Directors of Global Ties U.S. She is an emeritus board member of the Ethics Officer Association and Operation ReachBack Inc. She is on the Advisory Board of the Center for Business Ethics at Bentley College, the Advisory Committee of Oakwood University’s New Beginnings Single Parent Resource Center, and is the Planned Giving Director of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc – of which she is one of its former national presidents. Shipe is an alumnus of the FBI Citizens Academy – Class of 2011 and Leadership Huntsville’s Class 29 and FOCUS Class 2004. She is the Women’s Ministries Leader of the Abundant Life Ministries in New Market, AL.

She has been cited by Ebony Magazine as one of America’s 100 Most Influential Blacks and by Good Housekeeping Magazine as one of 100 Young Women of Promise. Shipe was inducted into the 2004 Women’s Hall of Fame at the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, North Carolina and is a 2021 Global Ties Network Decade of Impact Leadership Award Winner. She is a well-known speaker on ethics and values leadership, global diversity, women, education, and youth issues.

The cost of the World Citizen Celebration dinner is $125 per person, or $1,200 for a table of eight. Proceeds from the event are used to support the IIW’s Education Day Cultural Program that is held at the annual Holiday Folk Fair International.  For more information and/or to make a reservation, call 414-225-6220, ext. 103.

The IIW initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of its purpose, including immigration and social services, refugee resettlement, citizen diplomacy, and interpretation and translation.

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MILWAUKEE —The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective, announced that Dr. Brian Curry will become the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer on Wednesday, June 1. Curry will replace Alexander P. Durtka, Jr., who is retiring after 38 years with the IIW.

The IIW initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of its purpose, including immigration and social services, refugee resettlement, citizen diplomacy, and interpretation and translation.

“On behalf of the International Institute of Wisconsin’s Board of Directors, the staff, and our community partners, I am excited to welcome Brian to the IIW family,” said Donna Roeber, Chairperson. “In getting to know Brian, his compassion and dedication to the IIW mission came shining through. He has a very good awareness of what the IIW does and he wants to be a part of an organization that reaches out and truly helps people. We look forward to sharing this new journey with Brian.”

Roeber went on to recognize Durtka for all he’s provided the IIW. “I want to thank Al Durtka from the bottom of my heart. His leadership has been instrumental in the organization’s growth not only locally, but throughout the state and internationally,” Roeber said. “We wish Al and his wife, Sharon, all the best in their future adventures.”

Curry most recently was with Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor as the

Assistant Vice President – International Affairs. He also served more than five years as the Chief Executive Officer with Simply 1Life, Inc. a food and beverage company that specializes in nutraceuticals and functional foods.

“When considering a new position, I need to be comfortable with the organization’s mission. The more I learned about the International Institute of Wisconsin and thought about the services it provides, I began to feel I needed to be part of a group that did something good for others,” Curry said. “It became transformational for me to be part of a team that serves others.”

Curry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Michigan State University, a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from Western Michigan University, and at the Medical College of Wisconsin, he received a Master of Science degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology and a doctorate in Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy.

“Though my educational and work background is in science, I have always been part of groups where problem solving was an integral component of the work being done,” he said. “During my career, most companies I have worked for have been involved with international business. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a global mindset, as I’ve been privileged to work in Asia, made presentations throughout Europe, and helped to implement programs in Kenya. I am looking forward to helping to expand this global mindset throughout the communities the International Institute of Wisconsin serves.

“It was quite a journey to get to the point of being offered the opportunity to lead this outstanding organization,” Curry said. “I look forward to working with the IIW staff to assist those that use our services to become active participants in the communities they call home.”

The IIW also produces the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, with the 2022 event scheduled to be held Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20 at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.

For more information, call 414-225-6220 or visit www.iiwisconsin.org.

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MILWAUKEE —Alexander P. Durtka, Jr., the President and Chief Executive Officer of The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), was presented with the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award at an awards dinner on Fri., April 8.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented on limited occasions when the UWM Alumni Association honors an alumnus/alumna with exemplary achievements over the span of a lifetime, recognizes those who have had extraordinary success in the following arenas: professional achievement, community involvement, advancement of UWM’s mission, giving back of time, effort, and/or capital and encouraging and inspiring future leaders.

Recipient of a Master of Science degree in Social Work in 1973 from UW-Milwaukee, Durtka also earned a Master of Divinity from Sacred Heart School of Technology in 1991 and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Cardinal Stritch University in 2008. A sought-after lecturer, he has returned regularly to give lectures at UW-Milwaukee as well as making presentations throughout the world.

Recognized for his 38 years leading the IIW, an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective, Durtka was acknowledged for offering a forum for individuals to experience the world and to learn not only about their culture, but the various cultures, heritages, and philosophies that those who live in Milwaukee and Wisconsin bring to the community. He cultivated strong partnerships with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants and the State of Wisconsin. In addition, Durtka has expanded the organization’s provision of interpretation and translation services, the International Visitor Leadership Program, and the IIW’s internship program. He also implemented the IIW’s annual World Citizen Awards, which recognizes those who promote a global world view.

With the IIW serving as the producer of the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, recognized as America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, Durtka was instrumental in growing the event over the last four decades. This includes the introduction of visiting guests groups from around the world and the creation of the Holiday Folk Fair Wall of Honor, the Master Artisan Guild, the Cultural Awareness Program (CAP) Educational Day, and the Around the World in 5K run/walk. He was also responsible for adding an annual naturalization ceremony to the event, where hundreds of individuals are sworn in as new United States citizens.

“My memories of UWM are not buildings or activities, but rather individuals – my advisor, field placement supervisor, and others who helped guide me in my development in a profession that can have a lasting impact, which theirs did,” Durtka said. “As the African Yurba saying states, ‘We stand tall on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.’ We continue the tradition as we now supervise interns as they begin their journey.”

Durtka, whose IIW tenure will conclude with his retirement later this spring, has been recognized for his efforts with numerous other awards and commendations, including the Order of the Rising Sun (conferred by the Emperor of Japan, for his contributions to the Japan – United States relationship), the Silver Meritorious Award from the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF), the Silver Sake Cup from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commendation, the Preserving Our Legacy Award from the National Folk Organization – USA, and Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Zablocki Civic Achievement Award.

For more information, call 414-225-6220 or visit www.iiwisconsin.org.

Editor’s Note: Attached is a photo of Alexander P. Durtka, Jr. receiving the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone.

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MILWAUKEE — The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective, announced that Alexander P. Durtka, Jr. will retire as IIW President and Chief Executive Officer in the spring of 2022, after 38 years with the organization.

Operating under the name International Institute, Durtka joined the organization in 1984, and a year later, he oversaw the name change to the International Institute of Wisconsin. He also led the IIW’s relocation in 1991 from its building on 27^th and Highland to new office space on Old World Third Street, where the organization maintains its headquarters.

“With an 85-year history of providing hundreds of thousands of individuals linguistically and culturally appropriate services, under Al’s direction, the IIW has offered a forum for individuals to experience the world and to learn not only about their culture, but the various cultures, heritages, and philosophies that those who live in Milwaukee and Wisconsin bring to the community,” said Donna Roeber, Chairperson of the International Institute of Wisconsin’s Board of Directors.

Throughout Durtka’s tenure, the IIW has worked with individuals from around the world in dire need, including Afghans, Bosnians, Burmese, Congolese, Croatians, Hmong, Kosovo Albanians, Rohingya, Serbians, Somalis, and many others. “During his time with the IIW, Al has spearheaded the provision of immigration and resettlement services to more than 22,000 individuals in southeastern Wisconsin,” Roeber said. “This has included cultivating strong partnerships with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants and the State of Wisconsin. In addition, he has expanded the organization’s provision of interpretation and translation services, the International Visitor Leadership Program, and the IIW’s internship program.”

With the IIW serving as producer of the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, recognized as America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, Durtka has been instrumental in growing the event over the last four decades. This includes the introduction of visiting guests groups from around the world and the creation of the Holiday Folk Fair Wall of Honor, the Master Artisan Guild, the Cultural Awareness Program (CAP) Educational Day, and the Around the World in 5K run/walk. “Al was also instrumental in shepherding the event’s location changes, from the old MECCA arena and auditorium, to the Summerfest Grounds, to the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds and the new State Fair Park Expo Center, to the virtual events conducted online in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Roeber.

As a result of his leadership, the IIW has established relationships and partnerships with a variety of other agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations, including Sister Cities International, the Consular Corps of Wisconsin, the World Trade Association, the International Festivals & Events Association, the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO, and the Wisconsin Refugee Advisory Committee.

Durtka has been recognized for his efforts with numerous awards and commendations, including the Order of the Rising Sun (conferred by the Emperor of Japan, for his contributions to the Japan – United States relationship), the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Lifetime Achievement Award, the Silver Meritorious Award from the CIOFF, the Silver Sake Cup from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commendation, the Preserving Our Legacy Award from the National Folk Organization – USA, and Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Zablocki Civic Achievement Award.

The IIW board has been working the last several months on its leadership transition, which has included partnering with Patina Solutions Group Inc., a Brookfield, Wisconsin search firm. “We are seeking an individual with strong local and global awareness, plus a passion for the mission of intercultural support and awareness. The ideal candidate will set strategies for services, finances, talent management, brand development, and relationships with stakeholders, community leaders, and partners,” said Roeber. “The IIW’s new President and CEO will provide strategic leadership and vision to fulfill our mission, and assure the organization’s continuing relevance, growth, and financial viability while developing strong relationships to generate support for the organization and its reputation.” The complete job description and job interest submission information is available at https://iiwisconsin.org/job-opportunities/.

“As a result of Al’s tremendous leadership, the IIW’s next leader will enter an exciting situation, an organization that is in a strong position to continue serving the needs of individuals who call southeastern Wisconsin home,” Roeber said. “An experienced and dedicated staff, supported by an enthusiastic and strong board, volunteers, and friends, will meet the challenges presented by today’s political, financial, and public health situation, mindful of Al’s commitment to the community.

“We thank Al for all he has done to grow the IIW’s program and service offerings and for his stewardship. We wish him and his wife, Sharon, all the best in their future adventures.”

The IIW initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of its purpose, including immigration and social services, refugee resettlement, citizen diplomacy, and interpretation and translation. In addition, the IIW produces the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, with the 2022 event scheduled to be held Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20 at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.

For more information, call 414-225-6220 or visit www.iiwisconsin.org.

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Share with your audience how The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective, will be resettling more than 100 Afghan refugees that have been at Fort McCoy during the week of November 15, 2021. The IIW anticipates over 200 refugees will be resettled by the organization in the coming weeks.

Alexander Durtka, Jr. IIW President and CEO, said the organization is working to secure housing for these individuals, along with household goods, furniture, clothing, etc. IIW staff will also be working with the Afghan refugees and area employers to secure employment for those being resettled.

Mr. Durtka is available for interviews via phone and video. We welcome your coverage. For more information or to arrange an interview, call Dave Amoroso at 414-354-0200, ext. 108.

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MILWAUKEE —The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective, recently added four new members to the organization’s board of directors.

The new board members are as follows:

• Kevin J. Armstrong, President of Founders 3 Commercial Services, Inc.
• Mark Gesner, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Hub for Innovation and Community Engaged Learning at Cardinal Stritch University
• Luis Hernandez Jr., President/Owner of Urethane Systems Plus, Inc.
• Alexandra Becker Sielaff, Ph.D., Senior Director, Learning & Organizational Development at Dental Associates

“We are very excited to add these experienced and talented individuals to our board of directors,” said Alexander Durtka, Jr. IIW President. “Their varied backgrounds and expertise will mesh extremely well with those that have been on our board and help us continue our mission.”

The new members will join the following individuals who continue their role on the IIW board:

• Azmi Alaeddin, Owner of Alaeddin Middle East Cuisine
• Clara Brennan (Treasurer), CEO of International Business and Education Consultants
• Kelly Jordan (Chairperson), Logistics Coordinator at M.E. Dey & Company, Inc.
• Mindy Michalski, Retired, Rockwell Automation, Inc.
• Terence Miller, Director of the Office of International Education at Marquette University
• Robert Misey, Jr., J.D., LL.M., Business and Tax Counsel at Reinhart, Boerner, von Deuren
• Gerald Mullins (Secretary), Retired School Administrator
• Barbara Prindiville (Vice Chair), Retired, President Waukesha County Technical College
• Kalyani Rai, Associate Professor at the UW Center for Urban Community Development
• Donna Roeber, Retired Registered Nurse
• Wolfgang A. Schmidt, Former IIW Chairperson
• Sebastian Ssempijja, Owner of Sebastian Family Psychology
• Derek Stackhouse, General Sales Manager of Fields Auto Group
• Paul Trebian, Consultant at P.F. Trebian – Concepts to Practice

The IIW initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of its purpose, including immigration and social services, refugee resettlement, citizen diplomacy, and interpretation and translation. In addition, the IIW produces the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, with the 2020 event scheduled to be held Fri., Nov. 20 – Sun., Nov. 22 at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.

For more information, call 414-225-6220 or visit www.iiwisconsin.org.

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Share with your audience how Milwaukee is celebrating World Refugee Awareness Week on Wed., June 19, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. during the Westown Farmers Market in Zeidler Park on Michigan Street in downtown Milwaukee.

The day’s entertainment will include performances from refugees from Burma and Iraq, the Dance Academy of Mexico, and The Congolese Dance Group. Speakers, including Bojana Zoric Martinez, the Refugee Programs Section Chief and the Wisconsin State Refugee Coordinator, and Alexander Durtka Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute of Wisconsin, will provide attendees with an overview of the resettlement scene in Milwaukee and the surrounding area.

The Westown Farmers Market boasts more than 50 vendors, offering a wide range of ready-to-eat lunch choices, locally grown produce, and crafts made by resident artisans.

WHO: Milwaukee Refugee Resettlement Agencies, the Westown Association, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families – Refugee Section, and southeastern Wisconsin residents

WHAT: World Refugee Awareness Week Celebration

WHERE: Westown Farmers Market in Zeidler Park

WHEN: Wed., June 19: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Members of the planning groups and event attendees are available for interviews. We welcome your coverage. For additional information on the World Refugee Awareness Week celebration, call Dave Amoroso at 414-788-4913 (c).

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MILWAUKEE, WIS. — Dr. Alexander P. Durtka, Jr., the President and CEO of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), was conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun by the Honorable Naoki Ito, the Consul General of Japan based in Chicago, at a reception and dinner at the Wisconsin Club on Sat., Feb. 16.

Durtka was presented with the award, which is conferred by the Emperor of Japan, for his contributions to the Japan – United States relationship. A board member of Wisconsin Chiba, Inc. and president of the Japan America Society of Wisconsin, Durtka has played a key role in fostering people-to-people Japanese-Wisconsin exchange, particularly through the Wisconsin-Chiba relationship. Durtka, who has planned and facilitated events that highlight Japanese culture in Wisconsin, including the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, is recognized for his dedication to the expansion of grassroots exchange between Japan and the United States, contributing to a deeper understanding and elevating Japan’s presence in local communities.

The Order of the Rising Sun was established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. The badge that was presented features rays of sunlight from the rising sun, with the design symbolizing energy as powerful as the rising sun.

The IIW, an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective for more than 80 years, initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of its purpose. This includes immigration and social services, refugee resettlement, citizen diplomacy, and interpretation and translation. In addition, the IIW produces the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, with the 2019 event to be held Fri., Nov. 22 – Sun., Nov. 24 at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.

Editor’s Note: Attached is a photo of Dr. Alexander P. Durtka, Jr. (left), the President and CEO of the International Institute of Wisconsin, receiving a plaque from the Honorable Naoki Ito (right), the Consul General of Japan based in Chicago, as part of the Order of the Rising Sun award ceremony.

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MILWAUKEE, WIS. —The International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective for more than 80 years, is joining with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants and urging the Trump Administration to set a higher number of refugee admissions for fiscal year 2019.

“We’re disheartened by the recent announcement of allowing only 30,000 refugee admissions for next year based on the current worldwide refugee crisis,” said Alexander Durtka, Jr., president of the IIW. “Participating in the United States Refugee Admissions Program has been a cornerstone of the services that the IIW has provided for several decades. Our staff and board of directors view the program as crucial to the country’s humanitarian efforts.”

The United States government carefully selects refugees who enter the country, as those individuals must go through a thorough and lengthy admissions process that includes rigorous security screenings and in-person interviews.

“As we have learned in working with thousands of individuals we have resettled in the greater Milwaukee area, resettlement is paramount for many refugees, as safety cannot be assured in the countries they flee due to particular circumstances they face,” Durtka said.

The range of resettlement services the IIW offers refugees include providing safe and secure living arrangements, basic necessities, links to resources to address their physical, medical, economic and social needs, cultural orientation, case management and adjustment of legal status. Integration into society is the overall goal of the IIW resettlement program, and the organization works diligently to help its clients achieve this goal.

“Here in southeastern Wisconsin and across America, intense advocacy for refugee resettlement is demonstrated daily by community volunteers, employers, faith-based partners, and neighbors,” Durtka said. “The pronouncement to further reduce the number of refugees is contrary to the needs of vulnerable refugees.”

According to Durtka, with the planned modifications, thousands of individuals who were previously evaluated, endorsed, and pledged protection by the U.S. government will now need to  reopen the process. “The interruption to programs will have harsh long-term impact for nearly every refugee,” he said.

The IIW initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of its purpose, including immigration and social services, refugee resettlement, citizen diplomacy, and interpretation and translation. In addition, the IIW produces the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, with the 2018 event to be held Fri., Nov. 16 – Sun., Nov. 18 at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.

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