Programs and Events

Political Scientist Paul Harris Speaks on Religion and Politics in the U.S. at Universities in Muenster and Siegen
December 18 & 19, 2006. A total of 300 students turned out at the universites of Siegen and Muenster on December 18 and 19 to hear U.S. political scientist Paul A. Harris speak about religion and politcs after 9/11. Harris, a political scientist at Augusta State University in Georgia, combined scholarly research with personal familiarity with life in the Bible Belt to explain the foundations of religious freedom and practice in the U.S., the development of civil religion, and the importance of (Christian) religion in American politics, both domestic and foreign. (more)

Consul General Matt Boyse Visits NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen
December 18, 2006. During a December 18 visit to the Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Consul General Matt Boyse discussed with host Brigadier General Steven Schmidt the mission and role of the facility as well as ways the Consulate General can be of assistance in providing citizen services to the many American military personnel and their families stationed there. (more)

Eleanore Boyse Meets With American Military Wives in Geilenkirchen
December 18, 2006. During a December 18 visit, Eleanore Boyse, wife of Consul General Matt Boyse, exchanged views with wives representing the large contingent American military and civilian staff serving at the NATO base at Geilenkirchen. They discussed a range of issues faced by the families of expatriate Americans, particularly in the military, in Germany, and proposed ways to better integrate military wives more into the activities of the other American and other womens’ groups in NRW. The visit also laid the groundwork for a visit by the Consulate General’s Consular Chief Bruce Kraft to the base in January 2007 to assist with the provision of Citizen Services to the large American community at the base. (more)

In Memoriam George W. Knowles
U.S. Consul General in Düsseldorf from 2003 until his retirement in July 2006, Mr. Knowles died in France on December 13, 2006 after losing a long struggle against cancer. He will long be remembered for his active engagement at all levels in North Rhine-Westphalia and his particular interest in fostering exchanges to improve understanding between Germans and Americans. Requiescat in Pace. (more)

Consul General Matt Boyse at "Bruno's Business Club" on NRW TV
December 12, 2006. On December 12, the host of the NRW TV program “Bruno’s Business Club," Ralf-Dieter Brunowsky, discussed differences between American and German approaches to education, investments in and trade relations by U.S. and North Rhine Westphalia-based firms in each country, energy policy, and U.S-German exchange programs with CG Matt Boyse. During the 45 minute conversation, carried live on the Düsseldorf-based regional cable station, the Consul General had an opportunity to comment on and clarify perceptions of a number of current topics. (more)

Discussing American Christmas Traditions with German Students
December 11, 2006. Participating in the U.S. Consulate General's School Outreach Program, American Exchange student Hale Schneider of San Diego, CA visited Cologne Irmgardis Gymnasium on December 11. Hale Schneider was welcomed by the 11th grade students with home-made cake and cookies and invited to talk about Christmas traditions in the U.S. Teacher and students enjoyed the opportunity to talk to a "real" American and test their English to also discuss such diverse issues as soccer, high school life in the U.S. and gun control. (more)

Wülfrath Students Visit Amerika Haus
December 8, 2006. Participating in the U.S. Consulate General's School Outreach Program, a group of 25 9th graders of the Hauptschule Wolverothe in Wuelfrath visited the Amerika Haus for a briefing on December 8. U.S. history and society are currently the major topics in their English class. The students received an introduction into the print and electronic resources available at the Information Resource Center and a video afterwards took them on a tour through the history of American immigration. (more)

Consul General Matt Boyse Speaks at Duesseldorf Business Club
December 8, 2006. On December 8, CG Matt Boyse spoke before 50 guests at a breakfast meeting of the Business Club in Duesseldorf on “The November Elections and U.S. Foreign Policy.” In his remarks, Mr. Boyse interpreted the results and discussed the debates now underway in the Democratic and Republican parties and in the U.S. more broadly about foreign, security and economic policy, focusing on current discussion about “realism” vs. “idealism” in American foreign policy. (more)

Assessing U.S. Policy towards Pakistan
December 7, 2006. U.S. diplomat Stephen Engelken described U.S. efforts to build a stable and long-term relationship with Pakistan at a discussion event at the Duesseldorf Institute for Foreign and Security Policy on December 7. He singled out nuclear proliferation, dealing with the Taliban leadership, the upcoming free and fair elections, and Pakistan’s relationship with India as key issues and pointed out U.S. support in education, science and economic cooperation. (more)

Mosques in America - American Mosques
December 6, 2006. Dr. Omar Khalidi from MIT in Cambridge presented an illustrated survey of mosque architecture in the U.S. on December 6 at the Amerika Haus in Cologne. Of the 2,000 mosques in America, only about 150 were designed during the last 50 years. The architecture of mosques and Islamic centers built in the U.S. today reflect the diversity of the Muslim communities and their growing desire to transcend national characteristics and embrace American styles, designs, and materials. (more)

Dortmund Students Learn about Educational Opportunities in the United States
December 5, 2006. On December 5, EducationUSA specialist Petra Spitz gave a presentation on the university system, application process and financial aid, followed by information on internships, voluntary work and Au Pair at the central public library in Dortmund. About 25 young adults participated in the event using the opportunity to ask specific questions on going to the United States, request advice on exchange opportunitites and pick up information materials. Under the "America @ Your Library" program the Dortmund library had received a book collection about the United States earlier this year, which also includes study guides and books about other educational opportunities in the U.S. (more)

Cologne Teacher Trainees “Check Out” Resources at Amerika Haus
December 4, 2006. On December 4, a group of teacher trainees from Cologne visited the Amerika Haus where they got a briefing on available American studies resources and also learned about the center’s school outreach activities. On the occasion, Consul General Matt Boyse joined the young educators for a discussion of bilateral perceptions stressing the diversity and the dynamism of U.S. society. Mr. Boyse also suggested websites that project an accurate picture of the United States. (more)

Consul General Matt Boyse on NRW.TV
December 4, 2006. On December 4, CG Matt Boyse appeared on "Horné um Eins," a live public affairs show on the regional cable network NRW.TV. During the 20-minute conversation, the CG discussed U.S. activities in the North Rhine Westfalia consular district, as well as aspects of U.S. economic and foreign policy posed by host Roger Horné. (more)

Ambassador Timken at Annual Thanksgiving Event in Duesseldorf
November 30, 2006. On November 30, Ambassador and Mrs. Timken, Consul General and Mrs. Boyse attended the annual Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Steuben-Schurz Society and the Industrie-Club of Duesseldorf. In his dinner speech, the Ambassador lauded the enormous importance of German-American economic cooperation, which provides vital employment opportunities on both sides, thereby significantly contributing to the prosperity of both countries. (more)

Ambassador Timken Visits Opel Plant in Bochum
November 30, 2006. U.S. Ambassador William R. Timken jr. and U.S. Consul General Matthew G. Boyse visited the Opel plant in Bochum on November 30. They were reveived bei CEO Hans H. Demant and plant director Uwe Fechtner. Demant emphasized the long and successful transatlantic cooperation. (more)

National Book Award Winner Richard Powers on Reading Tour through Germany
November 27, 2006. On his reading tour through Germany, Richard Powers, recent winner of the National Book Award, read to full house on November 27 at Literaturhaus Köln. 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

Consul General Matt Boyse at Turkish Language Newspaper Zaman
November 24, 2006. Regional Director of the Turkish language newspaper Zaman, Remzi Meziroglu, invited Consul General Matt Boyse to a discussion of current political, economic and social issues at the paper's Düsseldorf office on November 24. A summary of the wide-ranging discussion appeared in the paper's December 16 issue (in Turkish). (more)

German American Society Neuss Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner
November 24, 2006. During a Thanksgiving Dinner on November 24 hosted by the German-American Society of Neuss (DAGN), Consul General Matt Boyse spoke about the significance of the most important American holiday to the approximately 100 guests. The DAGN supports student exchanges with schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, growing out of the sister-city relationship Neuss has had with that city for many years. Proclamation by the President: Thanksgiving Day, 2006 (more)

EducationUSA at "Grenzenlos" Information Fair in Bochum
November 23, 2006. On November 23, 2006, the U.S. Consulate Duesseldorf’s EducationUSA Section participated in the bi-annual "Grenzenlos" educational exchanges information fair at Bochum University. The fair featured 50 organizations offering programs for the U.S. and other overseas countries. About 400 of the 2,000 visitors used the opportunity to ask questions on going to the United States for studying or an internship, attend the presentations and pick up information material on the United States, including the CD-ROM "About the USA." Information about Educational Opportunities in the U.S. (more)

State Parliamentarians Discuss U.S. Mid-Term Elections
November 16, 2006. Invited by the "German-American Parliamentary Group," NRW legislators and staffers assembled for a breakfast discussion at the State Parliament in Duesseldorf on November 16 to discuss with University of Wisconsin political scientist Charles Franklin the results of the recent mid-term elections in the U.S. Professor Franklin gave an analysis of the public and political climate in the U.S. and its reflection in the individual election outcomes and the composition of the new Congress and Senate. (more)

Consul General Speaks at Thanksgiving Dinner in Aachen
November 16, 2006. Consul General Matt Boyse (pictured with German Chair of the Aachen-Arlington Sister City organization Dr. Traudl Kösters) attended the annual Thanksgiving Dinner on November 16 in Aachen. In addition to noting the traditional role of this holiday in the United States, he lauded the vibrant exchange programs the group has established in recent years. These feature several trips and homestays per year for students and their parents from each city, and also include interaction between other professional groups, such as city planners and government officials. (more)

Consul General Matt Boyse at Rhein Fire Kickoff Meeting
November 14, 2006. During a kickoff meeting on November 14 hosted by the Duesseldorf-based Rhein Fire (American) football team, Consul General Matt Boyse discussed the team’s plans for its upcoming season with Head Coach Jim Tonsula and Managing Director Sammy Schmale. In addition to explaining the behind-the-scenes preparations for next year, Coach Tonsula described the team’s public service and youth-related activities to encourage the growth and appreciation of the sport in Germany. The team’s next season will run from mid-April until late June 2007. (more)

Consul General Matt Boyse Discusses U.S. Foreign Policy Issues with High School Students
November 14, 2006. Consul General Matt Boyse visited the Liebfrauenschule in Grefrath-Mülhausen on November 14, speaking with 70 13th grade students on the subject of “The Midterm Elections and their Impact on U.S. Policy in the Middle East.” The Consul General explained the many issues at play in the elections, the significance of the results, and the foreign policy debates underway in Washington. The students are studying American history and foreign policy as part of a “Social Science” course.
The U.S. Consulate's School Outreach Program  (more)

“Building Bridges” Conference Held at Amerika Haus Cologne
November 8, 2006.  On November 8, the Fulbright Commission conducted a German-American “Building Bridges” conference at the Amerika Haus Cologne, designed to discuss approaches to successful integration of Germany’s changing school populations. In a series of panel discussions and workshops, the participants focused on best practices of integrating students with different cultural and social backgrounds. The two-day conference produced a series of specific suggestions for strengthening the role of the educational system in integrating an increasingly diverse student body. (more)

Consul General Matt Boyse Speaks on U.S.- German Relations in Lippstadt
November 6, 2006. At the invitation of the regional branch of the Society for Defense and Security Policy (Gesellschaft fuer Wehr- und Sicherheitspolitik), Consul General Matt Boyse visited Lippstadt on November 6, paying a courtesy call on Mayor Christof Sommer. The CG and the Mayor discussed i.a. economic relations between the region and the United States, which are particularly significant in the automotive sector, and relations between the U.S. and Germany more generally. The CG also spoke at an evening gathering of citizens organized by the Society on “Challenges Facing U.S.-German Relations.” (more)

American Imam Traces History of Muslims in the U.S.
November 3, 2006.  American Army Chaplain Imam Abdul-Rasheed Muhammad from Heidelberg gave an overview of Islam in the U.S. on November 3 at the Amerika Haus in Cologne. Imam Muhammad described the history, diversity, and concerns – post-9/11 situation – of Muslims in U.S. society and also in the U.S. military. Consul General Matthew Boyse and Amerika Haus Director Constance Colding Jones, who hosted the event, used the opportunity to discuss religious diversity in America with the guests, among them many representatives of Muslim organizations. (more)

American Diplomat Engages Cologne Students
November 2, 2006. As part of the U.S. Consulate’s school outreach program, U.S. diplomat Desiree Humphreys visited the Ursulinengymansium in Cologne to talk to a 12th grade English class. As the students had just read Joyce Carol Oates' young adult novel "Big Mouth & Ugly Girl," the lively discussion focused on high school life in America, including security issues and gun control. Drawing on her own school experience, Ms. Humphreys illustrated the diversity of U.S. culture and society and conveyed to the students a realistic picture of what it is like to be a high school student in the U.S. (more)

Energy Policy as a Transatlantic Challenge
October 31, 2006. “Goodbye to Oil? Energy Policy as a Transatlantic Challenge” was the title of the 8th Transatlantic Dialogue at Amerika Haus on October 31. Moderated by WDR editor Arnd Henze, panelists included Jim Marzilli, legislator from Massachusetts, Reinhard Loske, ranking member of the Greens in the Bundestag, and Henning Rentz, head of energy policy at RWE. The discussion provided relevant insights into U.S. and German approaches to dealing with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. At a press briefing earlier Marzilli provided additional information on renewable energy initiatives at the local and regional level in the U.S. (more)

Duesseldorf Newcomers Festival
October 29, 2006. Together with Duesseldorf Economics Dezernent (“Minister”) Wilfried Kruse (off camera), Consul General Matt Boyse spoke at the Second Annual Newcomers Festival for the international community on October 29. More than 70 exhibitors and 2000 visitors attended this event, designed to acquaint foreign residents, both those who have moved to the region recently and those who have lived here for a longer time, with the many educational, cultural, sport, ethnic, economic, religious, and other offerings in the Duesseldorf area. (more)

NRW Companies Plan German Christmas Market in New York City
November 2, 2006. During a November 2 meeting at Schloss Dyck, Kreis Neuss Landrat (County Commissioner) Dieter Patt and CG Matt Boyse discussed the important role U.S. investors play in the neighboring region, as well as engagement between Neuss- and Düsseldorf-based firms and New York City, the most recent example of which are plans for a German-style Christmas market at the South Street Seaport in Manhattan, which grew out of a September visit to New York City of senior NRW politicians and representatives from the business community. (more)

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program
October 27, 2006.  In an October 27 meeting with American participants in the 2006-2007 Congress-Bundestag Exchange Program/CBYX (Parlamentarisches Patenschafts Program/PPP) attending institutions of higher learning in Northrhine Westfalia, Consul General Matt Boyse exchanged perspectives on higher education in Germany and the United States. The PPP, under the auspices of the InWent exchange organization, brings U.S. students to Germany to study language during the fall semester and to gain work experience in the spring. Students from Germany participate in a similarly organized program in the United States. (more)

Consul General Matt Boyse Addresses American-German Business Club
October 24, 2006. Consul General Matt Boyse addressed the American-German Business Club in Bonn on October 25 on “Challenges in U.S.-German Relations.” Speaking in the former Bundestag, which has become an international conference center, he stressed similarities in views between the two governments and within their societies on many critical topics facing the world today, and drew attention to other issues on which the two countries will need to focus in the future. (more)

U.S. Consul General Visits Center for Studies on Turkey in Essen
October 18, 2006.  Meeting with Prof. Dr. Faruk Şen, Director of the Center for Studies on Turkey, on October 18 in Essen, Consul General Matt Boyse discussed existing and future cooperation programs. (more)

U.S. Participation at Cologne Trade Fair INTERMOT
October 10, 2006. With the assistance of Duesseldorf Commercial Attache Ed Fantasia, Consul General Matt Boyse opened the U.S. stand at the 5th International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair and Trade Show INTERMOT at the Cologne Fair grounds on October 10. Pictured are: (from left to right) Oliver Kuhrt, Director of the Koelnmesse GmbH; U.S. Consul General Matt Boyse; Mette Petersen, Director of Cologne Fairs North America; and Jochen Witt, President and CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH. About 65 U.S. firms displayed their products at the largest fair/trade show in this sector in the world. (more)

National Basketball Association Supports Cologne Youth Center
October 9, 2006. October 9 saw the inauguration of the newly refurbished basketball court of the Kinder-und Jugendhaus (Koeln-) Neubrueck. The “NBA Cares” outreach initiative had provided funding to completely renovate the youth center’s sports facility. More than 100 kids, NBA officials and players, and city and community representatives, attended the event which demonstrated the benefits of a private-public partnership (NBA/Adidas/City) to support youth-oriented projects. (more)

Ambassador Timken Attends Iftar in Neuss
October 6, 2006. On October 6, Ambassador William R. Timken Jr. and Mrs. Timken attended an Iftar at the Turkish DITIB-affiliated Ayasofya Mosque in Neuss, across the Rhine from Düsseldorf, hosted by Imam Cemal Temiz and Association President Mustafa Ünlü.  With Turkish Consul General Hakan Olcay kindly acting as interpreter, the Ambassador stressed his interest and that of President Bush and the Administration in reaching out to Muslim communities, not only during this Ramadan season.  The Ambassador also reported on the discussions between the President and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan at the White House on October 2. (more)

Ambassador Timken Delivers Commencement Address at Petersberg Hotel near Bonn
October 7, 2006. On October 7, Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. delivered the Commencement Address at the graduation celebration of the Otto Beisheim School of Management 8th Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA Program at the historic Petersberg Hotel near Bonn. In attendance were 56 graduates of the program, all of them working managers, as well as faculty and family members. In his speech, the Ambassador praised the successful joint German-U.S. university linkage and encouraged the graduates to “be a part of the strong network of policymakers, researchers, journalists, nonprofit leaders, and business leaders that is one of the cornerstones of today’s transatlantic partnership.” Remarks (more)

Prominent U.S. Speakers at Campus Symposium in Iserlohn
September 29, 2006. On September 28-29, former President Clinton and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Lt. Gen. James L. Jones spoke at a campus symposium on the subject "Future Needs Competence" hosted by Dietrich Walther, President of the Business and Information Technology School (BiTS) in Iserlohn. The ex-President spoke at length about the Clinton Global Initiative, and Gen. Jones spoke on "NATO Support and Economic Stability." Pictured here are General Jones, BiTS President Walther, and CG Matt Boyse. (more)

Consul General Matthew Boyse Attends Iftar Dinner in Duisburg
September 25, 2006. At a September 25 Iftar dinner in Duisburg, Consul General Matt Boyse spoke about commonalities between the Turkish community in Germany and the United States. Among the participants in the event were the Lord Mayor of Duisburg, Adolf Sauerland, Turkish Consul General Hakan Olcay, and leaders from the city’s large and diverse Turkish community, including Ahmet Uenalan. (more)

Deputy Chief of Mission John Koenig Visits North Rhine-Westfalia
September 21, 2006. During a visit September 20-21 visit to Duesseldorf, Bonn and Cologne, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Germany John Koenig participated in the Board of Directors meeting of American Chamber of Commerce in Germany at 3M headquarters in Neuss. Pictured here (from left) are: Amcham President Fred Irwin, Consul General Matt Boyse, DCM Koenig, STEAG AG Executive and former Federal State Secretary of Economics Dr. Alfred Tacke, Amcham Germany Executive VP Norbert Quinkert, 3M President Kurt-Henning Wiethoff, and incoming Embassy Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs George Ruffner. Dr. Tacke delivered a keynote speech on challenges in energy policy. (more)

Ambassador Timken Visits Opencast Lignite Mine at Garzweiler
September 3 - 5, 2006. During his visit to North Rhine-Westphalia September 3-5, Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. visited the RWE opencast lignite mine at Garzweiler in the Lower Rhine area, accompanied by Consul General in Düsseldorf Matt Boyse. Executive Vice President of RWE Power, Matthias Hartung welcomed the Ambassador, who also had the opportunity to sit at the controls of the world’s largest bucket wheel excavator, with its impressive technical capabilities to extract the raw material for efficient power generation. A visit to the construction site of RWE’s newest lignite-fired power plant in nearby Neurath and the RWE headquarters in Essen was also part of the program. (more)

First Game of the 2006 German Baseball “World Series” in Solingen
September 16, 2006.  The first game of the 2006 German Baseball “World Series” took place in Solingen, Northrhine Westfalia, on September 16.  Competing from the Northern Germany Division for national champion were the Solingen Alligators, with the Regensburg Legionaires representing the Southern Division.  Consul General Matt Boyse (pictured here with the Solingen team) threw the first ball of the game, which Solingen won 5-1. (more)

U.S. Consul General Matt Boyse Meets German-American Parliamentary Group at the NRW Landtag
September 14, 2006.  At a breakfast meeting with the German-American Parliamentary Group from the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Landtag on September 14, Consul General Matt Boyse gave remarks on the state of the bilateral relationship.  Members of the Landtag shared their views with the new Consul General on issues of current interest.  Pictured is Caucus Chairperson Angela Freimuth (FDP) and NRW Landtag President Regina van Dinther (CDU); a dozen representatives from the governing CDU-FDP coalition and the opposition SPD and Green parties participated as well. (more)

The Future of Internet Television: A German-American Exchange
September 12, 2006.  The 12th Transatlantic Dialogue organized by North Rhine Westphalia's “Landesanstalt für Medien” and the U.S. Consulate General in Duesseldorf focused on the chances and challenges of delivering television programs via the Internet in Germany and the United States. In his opening remarks, U.S. Consul General Matthew Boyse emphasized the importance of the transatlantic dialogue as a forum for devising and sharing best practices. (more)

In Praise of Unconventional Teaching: Frank McCourt
September 12, 2006. Some 300 people, many of them teachers, gathered at the Kulturkirche in Cologne on September 12 to see and hear author Frank McCourt read from his acclaimed third book “Teacher Man.” McCourt, an American citizen with Irish roots, not only read from his memoir but also spoke animatedly about the challenges and rewards of his thirty-year teaching career in New York schools. The audience came away from the event inspired by the memories of a devoted teacher whose involvement with and responsibility to his students were truly moving. (more)

Amerika Haus Participates in Day of Consulates/Cultural Institutes in Cologne
September 10, 2006.  The U.S. Consulate/Amerika Haus took part in the first “Day of Foreign Cultural Institutes and Consulates“ in Cologne on September 10. Turkey, Italy, Japan, France and Poland were the other countries represented at this event held at the premises of the Museum of East Asian Art and the Japanese and Italian institutes. (more)

Commemorating the Victims of 9/11 at St. Maria im Kapitol in Cologne
September 11, 2006. To mark the 5th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, the City of Cologne invited the public to attend an interdenominational moment of silence at the St. Maria im Kapitol church in Cologne. Amerika Haus Director Constance Colding Jones joined Mayor Fritz Schramma, Rabbi Netanel Teitelbaum, Ayyub Köhler of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, and representatives from the Catholic and Protestant church, in commemorating the victims of 9/11. (more)

Intensifying cooperation between Pennsylvania and North Rhine-Westphalia
September 6, 2006. In conjunction with the September 3-6 visit to North-Rhine Westphalia of the Pennsylvania Direct Investment Team and the Pittsburgh Symphony, Consul General Matt Boyse hosted a reception for representatives of German firms that have invested in Pennsylvania or that have or seek commercial ties with the state.  Economic Ministry State Secretary Dr. Jens Baganz also attended, prior to his impending departure for Pennsylvania, where he will sign an MOU with the state government that includes cooperation in the energy field.  His trip is a follow-up to the visit by NRW Minister President Dr. Juergen Ruettgers to the U.S. earlier this year. (more)

Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and Mrs. Timken Attend World Equestrian Games in Aachen
September 3, 2006. Ambassador William R. Timken and Mrs. Timken joined Kentucky Governor Ernest Fletcher and his wife for the final events of the World Equestrian Games on September 3 in Aachen where they were pleased to see American Beezie Madden win the silver medal. At the conclusion of the games, Lexington/Kentucky was introduced as the host of the 2010 Equestrian Games. The next day, the Ambassador and Mrs. Timken were received by Lord Mayor Dr. Juergen Linden at City Hall where the Ambassador signed the Golden Book. At a subsequent tour of the Rathaus, Aachen Cathedral and the treasury, the visitors had a chance to learn about the city's rich history. (more)

Ambassador William R. Timken Jr. and Mrs. Timken visit Essen
September 5, 2006.  Concluding a three-day visit to North Rhine Westphalia, Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. was in Essen on September 5, engaging in a dialogue on energy policy with executives from the RWE power giant and discussing U.S. foreign and domestic policy with editors of the "Neue Rhein-Ruhr Zeitung." Ambassador and Mrs. Timken also visited two important cultural events featuring art and music from the United States: the "Entry 2006" design exhibit, undertaken in cooperation with New York's Cooper Hewitt and Modern Museum of Art (MOMA) at the Zeche Zollverein and a jazz concert "Colors of New Orleans" at the Philharmonic Essen, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. (more)

Engaging Chancellor Scholars in a Trilateral Dialogue in Cologne
August 31, 2006. On August 31, PAO Constance Colding Jones welcomed American and Russian recipients of the Humboldt Foundation’s Chancellor scholarships at Amerika Haus Cologne to an evening of American jazz. German-American duo Florian Weber (piano) and Jeff Denson (base) took the enthusiastic audience on a one-hour journey through the history of jazz. CG Matt Boyse used the opportunity to meet the young scholars as well as representatives of the Humboldt Foundation and the Russian Consulate. (more)

American Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Consul General Matt Boyse
August 28, 2006. The Duesseldorf AMCHAM chapter welcomed CG Matt Boyse at its monthly meeting on August 28, at which Federation of German Industries (BDI) President Juergen Thumann addressed the gathering on current economic issues. AMCHAM Germany President Fred Irwin and Duesseldorf AMCHAM Regional Committee Chairman Heinz-Martin Humme and AMCHAM Representative for NRW Werner Kanthak were also present. (more)

NFL Flag Football World Championship in Cologne Inspires Young Spectators
August 23, 2006. On August 23, U.S. Consul General Matt Boyse welcomed the U.S. team at the opening of the 2006 Flag Football World Championship in Cologne. The DAC Panthers from Queens, NY, was headed by Coach Jimmy Gavalas and, with the support of former Washington Redskins offensive lineman Ray Brown, represented the United States at the event. The team from Thailand emerged as the winner of the championship, which included teams from ten countries. The U.S. team received the Fair Play Award. (more)

International Festival in Duesseldorf Showcases Contemporary American Dance
The 2006 “internationale tanzmesse nrw” in Duesseldorf featured a cross-section of contemporary dance, including performances by dance companies from the United States. The U.S. Consulate and the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts sponsored a series of workshops at the festival on August 16 where American and European dancers and choreographers shared knowledge and experiences concerning new directions in modern dance and discussed challenges that dance companies face in launching an international career. (more)

Opening of Guggenheim Exhibition Highlights U.S. Ambassador Timken’s First Visit to Bonn
July 20, 2006. Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. was guest of honor at the opening on July 20 of “The Guggenheim Collection” at the Federal Art and Exhibition Hall in Bonn. In his welcome remarks he described the exhibition as a highlight in the cultural relations between the U.S. and Germany. During their three-day visit in Bonn, the Ambassador and his wife Sue also visited Bonn University, the Beethoven Haus, the Museum of Post-War German History, the German Academic Exchange Service and the German AIDS Foundation. At a tour of the Konrad Adenauer Haus in Rhoendorf hosted by members of the Adenauer family the Ambassador paid tribute to the achievements of the Germany’s first chancellor. (more)

Ambassador Timken at the German Aerospace Center in Cologne
July 21, 2006. Concluding a three-day visit to Bonn, Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and his wife Sue toured the German Aerospace Center in Cologne (Wahnheide) where they received an update on new projects in space exploration and U.S.-German cooperation in space. The visit on July 21 took place only a couple of days after the U.S. Shuttle “Discovery” had returned safely from a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) which included German astronaut Thomas Reiter. At a tour of the European Astronaut Center conducted by ESA astronaut Michel Tognini, the Ambassador got a hands-on presentation of the demanding preparation and training necessary to ensure successful space flights. (more)

Celebrating Independence Day 2006 in Duesseldorf
July 5, 2006. Approx. 500 guests from government, media, cultural, business and educational institutions from all of North Rhine-Westphalia attended the celebration of Independence Day at the residence of U.S. Consul General George Knowles on July 5. Welcome remarks by Consul General Knowles and Political/Economic Section Chief Eric Rueter focused on the personal dimension of U.S.-German relations and paid tribute to the support of contacts in promoting friendship. The celebration was also an occasion for both officers to bid farewell at the end of their tours in Germany. Three NRW State government ministers, the Landtag Vice-President, as well as the Mayors of major cities came by to present their good wishes. Live performances by Ragtime jazz musician Brett Youens and singer-pianist Bob Chisolm entertained the audience throughout the afternoon. (more)

A whole new worldview through first trip to the U.S.
July 10, 2006. A whole new world opened up for 10 youths from Duesseldorf who were invited to visit the United States for ten days in June. At a barbecue hosted by U.S. Consul General George Knowles on July 10, the travelers gathered with Mrs. Timken, the wife of Ambassador William R. Timken Jr. who had initiated the visit, and representatives of sponsors to tell their stories and show a lively PowerPoint presentation. Special highlights of their tour were home stays with American families in Des Moines, Iowa, and the visit to the Statue of Liberty. Two of the participants are already planning a visit to "their families" for next year. (more)

Ambassador Timken Launches “Windows on America” Initiative in Duesseldorf
June 20, 2006. At a press conference at Duesseldorf airport on June 20, Ambassador William R. Timken Jr. launched a new exchange initiative of the U.S. Mission in Germany designed to enable minority students to experience first-hand school and family life in the U.S. The first group to travel to the U.S. consisted of ten students from a secondary school (Hauptschule) in Duesseldorf who will be visiting Washington, D.C., New York and Des Moines, Iowa. Ambassador and Mrs. Timken and U.S. Consul General George Knowles encouraged the students to maximize their opportunity for a life-altering experience as they were boarding their flight. The “Windows on America” program represents a successful example of public-private partnership, made possible by the private sector in North Rhine Westphalia. (more)

Panel Discussion Examines Integration in the U.S. and Germany
June 8, 2006. “When Do You Belong? Diversity and Unity in the U.S. and Germany” was the title of the 7th Transatlantic Dialogue at Amerika Haus on June 8. The panel discussion with German and U.S. experts provided relevant insights into U.S. and German approaches to immigration and integration. Amerika Haus Director Constance Colding Jones and Reinhard Loske, Member of the Bundestag from the Green Party, welcomed an interested audience from a broad, multicultural spectrum to this event. The discussion made it clear that a close look at the U.S., a "nation of immigrants,” can be helpful for the German integration debate. The program was co-sponsored by the Cologne chapter of the Green Party, the Catholic Student Association and the Young European Federalists. (more)

Meeting Top U.S. Tennis Players at a BBQ in Duesseldorf
May 23, 2006. Top U.S. tennis players Andy Roddick, Robby Ginepry and doubles champs Mike and Bob Bryan met with thirty aspiring young German tennis players at a barbecue hosted by U.S. Consul General George Knowles at his residence on May 23. The U.S. players, who participated in the ARAG World Team Cup in Duesseldorf, talked to the young Germans about their experiences in the professional tennis world, posed for pictures and signed autographs. As a special treat, the young players were invited to attend the next day's World Team Cup matches. (more)

Denise Green Exhibit Opens at Museum Kurhaus Kleve
May 28, 2006. On May 28, U.S. Cultural Attaché for NRW, Constance Colding Jones, and Australian Ambassador Ian Kemish opened an exhibit of 80 works by Australian-American artist Denise Green that spans the period from the 1970s to the present day, arranged by Museum Kurhaus Kleve. The curator of the exhibition, Roland Mönig, introduced the artist, who has lived in New York since 1969, and explained how her art oscillates between the figurative and the abstract, reflecting a diversity of cultures. (more)

Delegation From Indianapolis Visits Sister City Cologne
May 12, 2006. At a reception at Cologne City Hall on May 12, Mayor Elfie Scho-Antwerpes and Constance Colding Jones, Director of the Amerika Haus Cologne, welcomed a delegation from Cologne’s sister city Indianapolis. The event was an occasion to pay tribute to the involvement of citizens from both cities in the partnership, which affords many people an opportunity to visit and thus to expand bilateral exchanges. The Indianapolis delegation was on the first flight of the newly established Continental Airlines connection Cologne-Newark that was inaugurated on May 11. (more)

New Carl Schurz Biography Presented at Amerika Haus Cologne
April 25, 2006. On April 25, the Amerika Haus commemorated and paid tribute to Carl Schurz, one of the most distinguished German emigrants to the United States, who died 100 years ago. Born in Liblar, near Cologne, in 1829, Schurz was an activist in the democratic revolution in Germany in 1848 and later became a leading figure in U.S. politics. From 1877-81 he was U.S. Secretary of Interior. At the event the new biography entitled “Carl Schurz: Kampf, Exil und Karriere” by Walter Keßler (Greven Verlag) was presented. In their introductory speeches, AH Director Constance Colding Jones, NRW Minister Michael Breuer and Dr. Damian van Melis from Greven Verlag paid tribute to the extraordinary life and achievement of Carl Schurz. (more)

Ambassador and Mrs. Timken Inaugurate "America @ Your Library" in Dortmund
March 22, 2006. As part of a two-day visit to the City of Dortmund, Ambassador Timken and Mrs. Timken inaugurated an "America @ your library®" partnership with the city’s public library on March 22, joined by city and library officials and students who had participated in a school exchange with U.S. partner schools. The America@your library initiative will provide financial support, a broad selection of books on American society and culture and other information material to selected libraries in order to respond to local information needs on the United States, especially the needs and interests of young people. In addition, the U.S. Consulate will work in partnership with libraries to develop workshops, readings and other cultural programs about the United States. (more)

Ambassador Timken Cheers U.S. Team at the Dortmund Friendly Match
March 22, 2006. Ambassador William R. Timken Jr. met the U.S. national soccer team in Bochum on March 21 and attended the friendly match against Germany in Dortmund the next day. At a press conference on March 21, the Ambassador explained that the U.S. was proud to be part of this 2006 World Cup in Germany and that the event was "a time to make friends." Working with city officials in Dortmund and Bochum, the U.S. Consulate also arranged for a group of fifty German students to attend a training session of the U.S. team in Bochum on March 20. (more)

Preview at Amerika Haus of TV Documentary on German Emigration to the U.S.
February 21, 2006. On February 21, the Amerika Haus hosted a preview of a new TV production on the history of German emigration across the Atlantic entitled “Germans in America.” The four-part documentary was produced for ARTE-TV and traces the history of German immigrants in America from the early beginnings in the late 17th century through the end of WWII. Filmmaker Fritz Baumann was present at the preview and explained his approach to the documentary. A reception hosted by Amerika Haus Director Constance Colding Jones provided an additional opportunity to discuss the series.  (more)

U.S. Consul General George Knowles Speaks at 2006 Atlantic Ball in Duesseldorf
February 10, 2006. On February 10, Consul General George Knowles delivered remarks to an audience of 400 guests at the annual Atlantic Ball of the Steuben-Schurz Association in Duesseldorf. Echoing the words of U.S. Ambassador Timken, Mr. Knowles highlighted the new, positive direction of US- German relations and encouraged business leaders and other guests to play an active role in strengthening bilateral relations. For Consul General Knowles the Atlantic Ball was also welcome opportunity to recognize the role of Steuben-Schurz Association in fostering student exchanges through scholarships. (more)

U.S. Ambassador William R. Timken Jr. Finds Broad Support for Bilateral Relations in North Rhine-Westphalia
February 7 & 8, 2006. During his first official visit to North Rhine-Westphalia on Feb. 7 and 8, Ambassador William Timken discussed German-American relations with different audiences in Duesseldorf and Duisburg. Addressing political and business leaders at Ernst&Young Consulting, he underlined the significance of transatlantic economic and trade relations and encouraged the business community to take an active role in strengthening bilateral relations. The Ambassador’s program also included a visit to steel producer ThyssenKrupp in Duisburg, QVC, and a meeting with NRW Minister-President Ruettgers. (more)

Herbert Gold's Half-Century of American Literature
January 25, 2006. American writer Herbert Gold (b. 1924), novelist, journalist, short story writer, autobiographer and man of letters, visited Dortmund University on January 25, 2006 and impressed his audience of American Studies students and faculty hosted by Professor Walter Grünzweig with readings from "Fathers" and "Bohemia" and personal insights into and encounters with American literature and culture of more than five decades. (more)

Transatlantic Dialogue in Dortmund
January 18, 2006. At the invitation of the Dortmund chapter of the Association of Defense and Security Policy, U.S. Consul Eric Rueter spoke to business people and military officers on current challenges in the transatlantic relationship on January 18. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion which focused on the Middle East and the Balkans as well as on antiterrorism and international development aid. Consul Rueter stressed that it was in the interest of both countries to work together to promote democracy and economic growth beyond Europe’s borders. (more)