13th Transatlantic Dialogue on Media Issues in Duesseldorf
December 3, 2007. The 13th Transatlantic Dialogue, arranged by the Media Authority of North-Rhine Westphalia in Duesseldorf on December 3, examined the topic “Games: To know what is being played.” The focus of the discussion among experts from Germany and the United States was on “casual games,” particularly on successful business models of this fast growing segment and relevant regulatory frameworks on both sides of the Atlantic. The director of the Media Authority, Professor Norbert Schneider, and Consul General Matt Boyse opened the conference and emphasized the value of regular transatlantic dialogues on current media issues. (more)

Consul General Matt Boyse delivers lecture at Dortmund University
November 29, 2007. "America: Myths, Realities, Complexities” was the title of a lecture by CG Matt Boyse, hosted on November 29 by the Rector of University Dortmund, Prof. Eberhard Becker, and the Director of the American Studies, Prof. Walter Grünzweig. Addressing an audience of students and faculty members, Matt Boyse took five issues (climate change, military force, Iraq, human rights and religion) -- about which many students often have firmly critical views of the United States -- to contrast "common knowledge" with much more nuanced reality. (more)

NRW Minister President Visits German Headquarters of U.S. Company in Neuss
November 29, 2007. NRW Minister President Jürgen Rüttgers visited the Neuss-based Germany headquarters of the U.S. firm 3M on November 29, joined by CG Matt Boyse. 3M Germany President Kurt-Henning Wiethoff hosted the group and provided an overview of the company’s products and R&D. The St. Paul, Minnesota-based manufacturer of more than 50,000 diverse products in the automotive, aviation, communication, household, medical security transportation, advertising and design fields was recently voted the “Best Employer in NRW.” In Germany, the firm employs more than 4500 persons and generated revenues of more than 1.6 billion euros. (more)

Highlighting the U.S. Market for German Investors
November 27, 2007. At a November 27 conference in Duisburg organized by the American Chamber of Commerce, the NRW Ministry of Economics, the Council of American States and several private sector partners on "New and Renewable Energy," Consul General Matt Boyse highlighted the potential of the U.S. market for German investors. He stressed the interest in the United States in cooperation with firms active in these areas, ending with a quote by German environmentalist Ernst Ulrich von Weizsaecker predicting that the U.S. could be the next "green superpower." (more)

DCM John Koenig is Keynote Speaker at the "Initiativkreis Moenchengladbach"
November 24, 2007. Following a series of meetings in Bochum and Essen, DCM John Koenig addressed a special meeting of the "Initiativkreis Moenchengladbach" on November 24 on German-American relations, focusing on President Bush's meeting with Chancellor Merkel in Crawford, TX as well as on the results of the first Transatlantic Economic Council meeting in Washington on November 9. As part of his visit Mr. Koenig also gave an interview on the Middle East conference in Annapolis to “Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung” which appeared on November 26. (more)

DCM John Koenig Visits School in Gladbeck
November 23, 2007. On November 23, Deputy Chief of Mission John M. Koenig engaged nearly 100 students at the Heisenberg High School in Gladbeck in a lively discussion of German-American relations and U.S. foreign policy. The high school seniors, many of them with diverse backgrounds, welcomed the opportunity to meet a high-ranking American diplomat and had many questions relating to the Middle East, Turkey, the Kosovo and also the prospects for peace in Iraq. School principal Heidrun Schuette-Staendeke and teacher Banu Arslan, who recently participated in a U.S. information tour on "Integration of Ethnic Minority Students," hosted the visit and appreciated the opportunity for a high-level transatlantic dialogue. (more)

U.S. Secretary of Education Participates in Conference in Bonn, Visits Cologne
November 20-22, 2007. U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings participated in the “Third Ministerial Meeting on Education of the Broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) countries and the Group of Eight (G8)” in Bonn, November 21-22. Prior to the conference, Ms. Spellings visited Cologne where she enjoyed a guided tour of Cologne Cathedral, a World Heritage Monument and one the best-known architectural buildings in Germany. The tour was conducted by the Director of the Cathedral Archives, Dr. Klaus Hardering. Secretary Spellings expressed her appreciation for the tour as a welcome cultural entrée at the start of her visit. (more) 

First Youth Fair in Essen Generates Interest in Studying in the U.S.
November 23, 2007. On November 23, EducationUSA specialist Petra Spitz took part in the first youth fair at the community youth center in Essen where 19 exchange organizations introduced international exchange programs. Approx. 500 high school and university students stopped by to inquire about study opportunities in the U.S., high school exchanges, internships or college education. Mission information materials, including the CD "About the USA" and the booklet "If you want to study in the U.S.", were much in demand at the fair. (more)

Dortmund Students Learn About Educational Opportunities in the U.S.
November 20, 2007. On November 20, EducationUSA specialist at the U.S. Consulate Duesseldorf, Petra Spitz, gave a presentation on "Ways to the U.S." at the Stadtbibliothek Dortmund. Under the "America @ Your Library" program the Dortmund library had received a book collection about the United States , which also includes study guides and books about other educational opportunities in the U.S.. Ms. Spitz talked about high school exchange, au-pair, internships and study in the United States, application process, financial aid and visa questions. About 30 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. (more)

Dialogue on Legal Aspects of the War on Terrorism
November 20, 2007. Speaking on "Legal Challenges of Terrorism: U.S. Experience" at a November 20 conference at Muenster University Law School, Consul General Matt Boyse explained the rationale behind U.S. government actions, the debates, and the evolution of the U.S. approach since 9/11. Sharing the podium with MdB Winfried Nachtwei (B90/Greens) and law professors, the CG pointed out that the U.S. is not unique in amending its laws to account for new terrorist threats and that the U.S. domestic debate over the proper balance between protecting civilian populations and civil liberties mirrors that in many other countries. (more) 

St Paul MN Meets Neuss NRW
November 19, 2007. A delegation from sister city St Paul, led by Mayor Chris Coleman, attended a "Business Breakfast" for representatives from business, media, and city government at the Germany HQ of the U.S. pharmaceutical firm Janssen-Cilag on November 19. CG Matt Boyse reviewed the vibrant economic ties between the Neuss area and North Rhine-Westphalia more generally and the United States. He also presented an update on the early results of the US-EU Transatlantic Economic Council. (more) 

Charge d’Affaires John Koenig on NRW.TV
November 13, 2007. On November 13, Charge d’Affaires John Koenig appeared on "Horné Live," a live talk show on the regional cable network NRW.TV. During the 25-minute conversation, the Charge commented on the recent visit of Chancellor Merkel to the U.S. and answered questions on the current economic situation in the U.S. as well as on current transatlantic foreign and security policy issues posed by host Roger Horné. (more)

Briefing U.S. College Seniors on the Transatlantic Economy
November 8, 2007. On November 8, Consul General Matt Boyse discussed prospects for bilateral trade and economic relations with a group of college graduates and seniors from the Universities of Oregon and Washington. The students are participants in the International Business Program designed to give them in-depth exposure to transatlantic economic and political issues. Responding to questions from the students, the Consul General discussed the enormous scope of the transatlantic economy and also the value of acquiring international knowledge and intercultural skills for a future career in the global economy. (more)

Congratulations Germany!
November 7, 2007. The German national ice hockey team skated to victory over a visiting American team in Cologne on November 7. The U.S. team, consisting of Americans playing for various teams in Europe this season, played well but were unable to recover after the hosts took an early 2-0 lead. The Koelnarena was packed with German fans, flags and enthusiasm, but a small number of American fans also made their presence known. The German team played better and deserved to win. Final score: 4-2. (more)

Columbus Day Lecture at Bonn University on “The Future of U.S. Public Diplomacy”
October 30, 2007. Dr. Helena Kane Finn, Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin delivered the traditional Columbus Day lecture at Bonn University on October 30 which was hosted by the director of the North American Studies Program, Professor Sabine Sielke. Drawing on her extensive career as a diplomat (with postings for example in Turkey, Pakistan, Israel and Germany) Dr. Finn discussed the purpose and the tools of U.S. public diplomacy worldwide, emphasizing the value of thoughtful dialogue and exchange. Dr. Finn used her visit also to have meetings at the German Academic Exchange Service and the American Institute for Foreign Study in Bonn where she was pleased to learn about the continuing great interest in transatlantic exchange programs. (more) 

Promoting Trade with and Investment in the United States
October 30, 2007. At a October 30 seminar on “Doing Business in the USA” sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Dortmund, Consul General Matt Boyse gave an overview of trends in trade and investment ties between the United States and NRW, stressing that the U.S. remains as open to commercial ties with foreign firms as ever. The CG also emphasized the importance of the “Invest in America” initiative launched in spring 2007 by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Some 25 representatives of small and medium sized businesses eager to grow their business with the U.S. participated in the seminar and discussion. The program was rounded out by presentations by Barbara Zollman, Deputy Director, German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest in Chicago, a Dortmund-based attorney with extensive experience in the United States, and a case study by a German small/medium sized businessman of his experiences exporting to the United States. (more)

Ambassador Visits World’s Leading Plastics Trade Show in Duesseldorf
October 25, 2007. On October 25, Ambassador William R. Timken Jr. paid a visit to the 17th International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber (K 2007) at the Duesseldorf Messe, the world’s leading trade event for the global plastics industry. At the U.S. pavilions, he met with a large number of the more than 140 U.S. exhibitors and discussed export and market trends during a lunch with industry association leaders and senior chemical company executives. During this visit to North Rhine Westphalia, the Ambassador also received a briefing at the United Parcel Service (UPS) European Air Hub at the Cologne/Bonn airport, the firm's largest operation outside the United States and saw the logistics facility in full action. (more) 

Cologne-Indianapolis City Partnership Leads to Economic Cooperation
October 26, 2007. On October 26, the Cologne Office of Economic Development hosted a reception for a delegation of officials and business representatives from Cologne’s partner city Indianapolis. Consul General Matt Boyse attended the reception which was an opportunity to discuss economic cooperation and also to further the bilateral city partnership. The next day, the U.S. delegation visited the International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber (K 2007) in Duesseldorf where several companies from Indiana were among the exhibitors. (more)

Ambassador’s Young Scholar Award Presented at Ceremony at Bonn University
October 18, 2007. At the opening of the academic year of Bonn University on October 18, the U.S. Ambassador’s Award was presented to Katharina Ricke for her M.A. thesis in North American Studies by Rector Professor Matthias Winiger. Consul General Matt Boyse participated in the ceremony and congratulated the young scholar on her academic accomplishment. In addition to the award signed by Ambassador Timken, Ms. Ricke received a grant that had enabled her to do research at the Library of Congress in Washington. The tradition of awarding the best thesis at Bonn University goes back to 1992 when the U.S. Embassy was still in Bonn. (more) 

American Youth Author Encourages Young Readers to "Make a Difference"
October 17, 2007. On October 17, award-winning American youth book author T.A. Barron charmed young students during a tour through North Rhine Westphalia, including readings at a Cologne high school and at the public libraries in Cologne and Dortmund. Based on the ancient legends of the wizard Merlin, Barron’s books describe his hero’s courage to remedy social and environmental ills, stressing the importance of character, moral values and responsibility. The reading tour was sponsored by the "SK Stiftung Kultur” in Cologne, German publisher dtv and the U.S. Consulate. T.A. Barron encouraged his young audience to pursue their dreams and told them that “every individual can make a lasting difference in the world.” (more) 

Celebrating Germany’s contributions to the United States
October 14, 2007. The German-American Friends of the Niederrhein celebrated German-American Day on October 14 at the Lehmbruck Museum in Duisburg, the 21st time the group has marked this event since late President Reagan established it in 1987. A USAREUR Quintet played jazz, swing and pop and German students who recently studied in the U.S. on scholarships provided by the Federation of German-American Clubs gave presentations of their experiences at American universities. In his address, CG Matt Boyse lauded the group’s outstanding contributions to citizen diplomacy – spreading goodwill and knowledge about both countries among youth and in the universities at a time when a sophisticated understanding of our respective societies and policies is as important as ever. (more) 

Chargé d’Affaires Visits ANUGA Trade Fair in Cologne
October 12 & 13, 2007. Chargé d’Affaires John M. Koenig participated in the opening of the world’s largest international food fair ANUGA in Cologne on October 12 and 13 where he signed the golden guest book of Koelnmesse and visited the exhibits of dozens of U.S. food producers and agricultural exporters (here speaking with representatives from the Intertribal Agriculture Council which markets foods produced by Native Americans). The Chargé also used his visit in Cologne also to discuss U.S. foreign policy with senior editors at WDR-TV, the largest component of Germany's ARD public television network. (more)

Consul General Attends Iftar in Cologne
October 10, 2007. On October 10, Consul General Matt Boyse and Pol/Econ officer Desiree Humphreys attended an Iftar dinner hosted by the Association of Islamic Cultural Centers (VIKZ) in Cologne. The VIKZ is one of the four groups that make up the national umbrella organization, Coordination Council of Muslims in Germany (KRM). Addressing an audience of more than 100, included leaders of the most influential Islamic religious groups in Germany and regional interfaith leaders from NRW, as well as Minister of Transportation Oliver Wittke and Integration Commissioner Thomas Kufen representing the NRW government, the Consul General stressed USG interest in more substantive dialogue with Muslim communities and read the remarks that President Bush delivered at an Iftar Dinner, he hosted in the White House on October 5, as he has done every Ramadan in the seven years of his Presidency. (more)

Consul General Attends Iftar in Moenchengladbach
October 04, 2007. The Moenchengladbach Integration Council, together with Diyanet, the Turkish-Islamic Cultural Association, the Islamic Center, the Arrahman Mosque Association, and the Association for Afghan Cultural Development, hosted an Iftar dinner on October 4, attended by some 500 persons from politics, business, religion, and numerous ethnic communities from the city and surrounding area. The moving force behind the event was Guelistan Yueksel, who chairs the Moenchengladbach Integration Council. Consul General Matt Boyse, who was spontaneously asked to give a "Grusswort" following Lord Mayor Norbert Bude (SPD), spoke about President Bush’s tradition of hosting Iftar dinners at the White House, the Ambassador’s hosting of Iftar evenings at his residence in Berlin and around Germany, including September 25 in Cologne. (more) 

U.S. Consul General on NRW.TV
September 28, 2007. On September 28 Consul General Matt Boyse appeared for the second time as a guest on the program “Roger Horné – Live” in NRW TV. During the 25 minute live interview (in German), they discussed the sub prime mortgage and banking situation, the dollar’s effects on exports, the September 27-28 Major Economies Meeting in Washington on climate change, recent developments in trade and investment relations between the United States and North Rhine Westphalia, and trends in educational exchange between the two countries. (more)

Goodbye and New Beginning for Amerika Haus
September 26, 2007. “Goodbye and New Beginning” was the headline in Koelnische Rundschau referring to a ceremony at Amerika Haus on September 26 where Consul General Matt Boyse handed over the keys of the building to Lord Mayor Schramma, who in turn passed them on to Jeane von Oppenheim, the chairperson of the Amerika Haus legacy institution. Attended by city contacts, members of the Amerika Haus NRW e.V. and U.S. Consulate staff, this was the final occasion to express the U.S. Embassy’s appreciation to the City for the extraordinary hospitality and support over 52 years and to signal that the legacy institution will continue the transatlantic dialogue on the same premises. (more) 

Ambassador Hosts Iftar in Cologne
September 25, 2007. Ambassador Timken and Mrs. Sue Timken hosted a traditional Iftar dinner in Cologne attended by leading members of Muslim, Kurdish and Alevite communities in Germany, as well as senior government officials, local political and community leaders involved in integration and interfaith dialogue issues. The Ambassador stressed that tolerance and the acceptance of different ethnic and religious groups are bedrock elements of American society. He also reiterated his respect for Islam as a world religion, adding that the United States has for many years defended Muslims in conflict areas (e.g. Bosnia, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq). He drew a sharp distinction between the overwhelming majority of Muslims who practice their religion peacefully and the tiny minority who use it for political purposes or to justify violence. Ayyub Axel Koehler, chairman of the KRM, and Angela Freimuth, Vice-President of the North Rhine Westphalia Parliament in Duesseldorf echoed these and other themes in speeches. (more)

Ambassador Timken Signs "Golden Book" in Bonn
September 25, 2007. Ambassador Timken, accompanied by Consul General Matt Boyse, called on the Lord Mayor Baerbel Dieckmann on September 25 at the Bonn Rathaus and signed the Golden Book. The Ambassador thanked the Mayor for her outstanding support for the Embassy’s move to Berlin, and more broadly for her cooperation and that of her predecessors during the Bonn Republic. They also discussed the challenges of integration in Germany and the United States. The Ambassador briefed the Lord Mayor on the Mission’s engagement with the Muslim communities in Germany, including the “Windows on America” program for youth and the “Streets of Wedding” musical, as well as the many Iftar dinners he and the Consuls General have hosted during Ramadan in recent years. (more)

Native American Game Lacrosse Becomes Popular in NRW
September 22, 2007. With the growth of interest in Germany in lacrosse in the last 15 years, Consul General Matt Boyse on September 22 visited the Duesseldorf Antlers for a friendly game against the team from neighboring Maastricht, Netherlands. The sport, the earliest mention of which dates to the 16th century, was originated by Native Americans and has in the last 100 years developed an enthusiastic international following. Lacrosse has become particularly popular in North Rhine Westphalia following the return of German students from academic and other exchange programs in the United States. (more) 

Discussing 9/11 with Audience of German High School Seniors
September 12, 2007. On September 12, Consul General Matt Boyse spoke to a select group of about 75 high school students at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s National Education Center at Schloss Eichholz, located between Bonn and Cologne. His remarks, on “The Importance and Implications of 9/11 for U.S. Politics”, recalled the significance of the attacks for the people of the U.S. and the Bush Administration and discussed the many consequences it has had. (more)

"America @ your library" Collection Inaugurated at Duisburg Public Library
September 11, 2007 At a reception on September 11, Consul General Matthew Boyse and Lord Mayor Adolf Sauerland inaugurated an "America @ your library®" partnership at Duisburg public library. This library partnership provides financial support and a broad selection of books on American society and culture as well as other information materials. In this way, the collection responds to local information needs on the United States, especially the needs and interests of young people. In his remarks introducing the program, the CG remembered the victims of the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington with a moment of silence, and emphasized that the threat of terrorism will not prevent the United States from continuing important cultural exchange programs like this one. The U.S. Consulate will also cooperate with the Duisburg library in organizing workshops, readings and other cultural programs about the United States. (more)

Ambassador's Visit to Duisburg Mosque Generates Significant Media Attention
September 5, 2007. An impressive contingent of 30 German and Turkish journalists attended Ambassador Timken’s visit of the nearly-completed mosque in Duisburg-Marxloh on September 5. Accompanied by Duisburg Mayor Adolf Sauerland and CG Matt Boyse, Ditib officials took the Timkens on a tour of mosque which will be opened in early 2008 and also serves as a community and cultural center for all Duisburgers. The visit ended with an on-site press conference during which the Ambassador noted that “the cooperation in Duisburg of so many people with different backgrounds is a very good example of openness and tolerance.” A large number of German and Turkish newspaper reported the event. (more)

Welcoming New U.S. Teaching Assistants in Altenberg
September 4, 2007. At an orientation seminar in Altenberg on September 4, Consul General Matthew Boyse welcomed 140 newly-arrived Fulbright teaching assistants who will be teaching at secondary schools all over Germany. Boyse outlined the role of Mission Germany in fostering the German-American dialogue and invited the young Fulbrighters to play an active role as junior ambassadors in the "MeetUS" school outreach program. The participants also received American studies resource materials for their classes. (more)

Students in Siegen Learn about Exchange Opportunities
August 28, 2007 The German-American Association Siegerland-Wittgenstein e.V. invited to an information event about high school exchange and other ways to go to the United States. About 45 interested students and parents followed the invitation and saw a presentation by EducationUSA specialist Petra Spitz from Amerika Haus in Cologne on “Ways to the U.S. – High School Year-Au Pair-Internship-Study”. The presentation was followed by reports by two exchange students, who spent a high school year in New Jersey and in South Dakota and a young lady, who stayed a few weeks on a homestay program in Arizona, which was offered by the G-A Association Siegerland-Wittgenstein e.V in cooperation with the Federation of German-American Clubs. All three students were enthusiastic about their stays and described this experience as very impressive and decisive for their personal future plans. (more)

Public Affairs Section to Move from the Amerika Haus to the U.S. Consulate General in Duesseldorf
August 27, 2007. The U.S. public affairs section, which has been operating out of the Amerika Haus in Cologne since 1955, will move to the U.S. Consulate General in Düsseldorf at the end of September 2007. In Düsseldorf, the section will continue to promote German-American relations and conduct a wide range of public diplomacy activities throughout North Rhine Westphalia. The Amerika Haus building will continue to serve as a location for a transatlantic dialogue, as of October 1, 2007 under the auspices of a recently established legacy institution, the “Amerika Haus e.V.” More detailed information on how to reach the public affairs section in Düsseldorf as well as how to cooperate with the new Amerika Haus public-private partnership and its future programs and activities will be forthcoming. (more)

Robert Indiana Exhibit Opens in Kleve, Supported by U.S. Embassy
August 26, 2007. On August 26, the Museum Kurhaus Kleve opened a major exhibition dedicated to American painter Robert Indiana. Speaking at the opening, U.S. Consul Desiree Humphreys conveyed best wishes from Ambassador William R. Timken Jr. who serves as patron of the exhibition and congratulated the Museum for presenting the classic works of this influential figure in American arts. The curator of the exhibition, Dr. Roland Moenig, introduced the artist noting that “Robert Indiana’s art is art of the highest intellectual complexity together with the greatest possible simplification of the outward form.” The exhibition will be shown until January 6, 2008. An exhibition catalogue is available at the Museum Kurhaus Kleve. (more)

Take Me Out to the Ballgame - Baseball in Solingen
August 23, 2007. The 2006 German national champion Solingen Alligators again made it into the finals ("World Series") of the German Baseball League this year. Their hopes of a repeat performance ended on August 23, however, as the Mainz Athletics defeated the Alligators 3 games to 1. As with all German baseball teams, foreign players, including from the United States, are permitted to play for the Alligators. Consul General Matt Boyse (left in the picture) threw out the first ball on a magnificant day, with a genuine baseball atmosphere, which included the customary "seventh inning stretch," with spectators singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," in English. (more)

Launching a New School Partnership in Krefeld
August 17, 2007. In a ceremony at the Ricarda Huch High School in Krefeld on August 17, Consul General Matthew Boyse and Mayor Gregor Kathstede welcomed a group of American exchange students and teachers from Haslett High School, Michigan. The ceremony launched this new partnership; the German students will visit Michigan in September. A native of Michigan, Boyse emphasized the significance of school exchanges and thanked the Mayor for lending his support to the transatlantic school partnership. (more)

U.S. Investor’s Contributions to NRW Economy
August 17, 2007. With 580 employees and its largest site investment in Germany, Cargill’s Krefeld maize processing factory plays an important role in NRW’s Lower Rhine (Niederrhein) economy. Plant Manager Jake Jacobson gave CG Matt Boyse an overview of the Minneapolis, Minnesota-based agro-business firm’s activities, including its production of starch and sweeteners, glucose, dextrose and other products for the food and packaging industries. Cargill’s Krefeld factory serves as headquarters of its Germany operations, which includes 12 locations and over 1500 employees. (more)

Krefeld’s Ties with the U.S.
August 17, 2007. On August 17, CG Matt Boyse visited Krefeld, from which the first organized groups of German emigrants to the United States originated in 1683. He discussed economic and business ties with Krefeld Lord Mayor Gregor Kathstede and leading area businessmen and visited the Ricarda-Huch-Gymnasium in connection with the launch of the school’s exchange program with Haslett High School, near East Lansing, Michigan. In September, students and teachers from Krefeld will visit Haslett High, which will coincide with the traditional football weekend “Homecoming.” In his remarks, the Consul General stressed to the visiting American students and teachers the continuing importance of Germany in world affairs and German as a language, and emphasized to the German members of the audience the value to their country of a strong, close and positive relationship with the United States. The Consul General also underscored the importance of learning other languages and cultures in personal growth and for the future. (more)

U.S. Participants in Congress-Bundestag Exchange Ready for their Year in Germany
August 15, 2007. On August 15, a group of 28 U.S. participants in this year’s Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program visited the Amerika Haus to learn about the function of the U.S. consulate and to discuss their role in the German-American dialogue. Created in 1983, this program is designed to strengthen the bilateral friendship and understanding. For the students the exchange offers an opportunity to learn about their host country, broaden their horizons and build manifold skills. U.S. Consul General Matt Boyse welcomed the group, suggested that the participants get in touch with their respective consulates and to take advantage of the opportunities that a year abroad in a foreign culture offers. (more) 

German American Studies at Schloss Dyck
August 8, 2007. A delegation representing the faculties of law, business, physics, economics, public health, history and international studies at the University of New Mexico (UNM), Albuquerque agreed on August 8 on a series of exchanges with the Fachhochschule fuer Oekonomie und Management (Neuss), the Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, the North American Studies Program at the University of Bonn, and the Economics Faculity of the University of Cologne. Cooperation will begin with a physics seminar in spring 2008, followed by a summer program in 2008 for UNM students at the magnificent Schloss Dyck that will include legal issues such as intellectual property rights and patents and German/European studies. Students from German partner institutions will attend classes at the UNM Summer School. Consul General Matt Boyse spoke at the opening of the conference on August 6 on the subject of “Why the German-American Relationship?”, summarizing the many benefits that accrue to Germany and the United States of a strong partnership. (more) 

Ambassador and Mrs. Timken Visit Muenster, Guetersloh and Bielefeld
July 19 & 20, 2007. Ambassador and Mrs. Sue Timken visited Westphalia July 19 and 20. As part of their visit, the Ambassador was greeted by Münster Lord Mayor Berthold Tillmann in the historic "Hall of Peace" as a "friend among friends." In addition, the Timkens participated in programs at the German Police University in Münster and Bertelsmann AG in Gütersloh, which included meetings with Bertelsmann Foundation heads and lunch with current CEO Gunter Thielen and his successor Harmut Ostrowski (as of Jan 1, 2008). Ambassador Timken also participated in an interview with the regional daily "Neue Westfälische" in Bielefeld and he and Mrs. Timken enjoyed a tour of the "Sculpure Projects Münster 07" exhibit given by co-curator and co-founder Kasper Koenig. I Interview published in Neue Westfaelische Zeitung, July 21, 2007 (more)

Students from Duisburg/Essen Prepare Study Tour of the United States
July 19, 2007. On July 19, the Amerika Haus Cologne hosted a pre-departure seminar for 25 geography students from Duisburg/Essen University in preparation of their two-week study excursion to the U.S. in August. The young scholars reviewed U.S. perspectives on globalization and presented papers on various aspects of regional economic growth and urban planning in the United States. Geography professor Rudolf Juchelka noted that the access to AH resources had provided useful orientation and context for the group’s upcoming study tour of the U.S. (more)

Memorable Last Independence Day Celebration at Amerika Haus Cologne
July 3, 2007. Approx. 500 guests from North Rhine-Westphalia attended the Independence Day celebrations on July 3 at the Amerika Haus. The reception this year was also an occasion to pay tribute to the 52-year history of the Amerika Haus in Cologne and to announce the establishment of a legacy institution that will be located in the same building and serve as a state-wide transatlantic forum in the future. DCM John Koenig and CG Matt Boyse welcomed the guests and expressed their appreciation to the City of Cologne for supporting the AH for over half a century. In return, Cologne Lord Mayor Fritz Schramma and NRW Minister for European Affairs Michael Breuer emphasized the importance and success of the AH as a center of dialogue which helped to secure democracy and to promote close and friendly relations. They also bid farewell to departing Amerika Haus director Constance Colding Jones, and had generous praise for the work and dedication of the AH staff. A color guard, performances by a gospel group and a jazz band, a book presentation as well as American food and drink provided by co-sponsors made this a memorable last Fourth of July at Amerika Haus Cologne. (more)

Independence Day Celebration at Rheindahlen
June 29, 2007. Poor weather did not dampen the spirits of the USAREUR Army Band or hundreds of guests at the Independence Day 2007 celebration at Joint Headquarters of the British Forces in Germany Corps HQ at Rheindahlen on June 29. Hosted by the senior US representative at Rheindahlen, NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Deputy Chief of Staff Brigadier General Michael A. Ryan, the annual celebration continued unabated. The band and the singers played on, during more than an hour of pouring rain, entertaining the multinational crowd with classic rock, rhythm and blues, and other popular American hits songs. Consul General Matt Boyse and his family represented the State Department at this event, and were impressed by the amazing spirit at this event. (more)

Consul General Visits Michigan-based TRW Corporation in Gelsenkirchen
June 26, 2007. During a June 26 visit to the Gelsenkirchen steering division of the Livonia, Michigan-based TRW Corporation, plant manager Heinz Stupp (right) gave Consul General Matt Boyse a tour of his factory and an overview of the firm’s operations in Germany. The Gelsenkirchen plant, which employs 750 people and produces components for Ford, Opel, VW, BMW, Porsche and Audi, is one of some 20 TRW facilities in Germany employing some 12,000 persons. There are two additional TRW locations in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW): Duesseldorf and Krefeld. TRW received the Total Productive Maintenance Award in 2005 and the Lean Factory Award Germany-wide in 2006. (more) 

Bochum Students Learn About U.S. Study Opportunities
June 20, 2007 On June 20th, Petra Spitz from the Amerika Haus Köln /Education USA Germany visited the University of Applied Sciences in Bochum to talk about exchange opportunities with the United States. The event was organized by the Internional office. During a lecture at the university, about 30 students received information on studying and interning in the U.S., including information on the higher education system, the application process and visa issues. (more)

A Fond Farewell to Arthur Fagan
June 20, 2007. On June 20, classical music lovers from the Ruhr area treated Arthur Fagan to a rousing farewell after five years as General Music Director of the Dortmund Symphony. The American conductor led a brilliant performance of Arnold Schönberg’s “A Survivor from Warsaw” and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Until his departure for future challenges, Arthur was one of several American musicians/artists playing leading roles in the music world in North Rhine-Westphalia. Arthur, we will miss you and your lovely wife, Paulette. We wish you all the best and look forward to your return to NRW in a guest conductor capacity! (more)