Programs and Events  

Educational Information Fair for Students in Wuppertal
July 10, 2008.
On July 10, EducationUSA Germany participated in the 5th annual "Go Out" educational information fair at Bergische Universität Wuppertal. About 200 students attended this event in the courtyard of the main university building, where educational information specialist Petra Spitz from the Consulate General Düsseldorf gave a presentation on study opportunities in the United States and answered detailed questions at the USA booth. On the occasion, the International Office of the University also received new sets of information booklets "If you want to study in the United States" for their reference collection. (more..)

University of New Mexico Opens Summer School in NRW
July 8, 2008.
The University of New Mexico's International Studies Institute opened its "Europe, Germany and the Americans Summer 2008" program at the magnificent water castle Schloss Dyck near Neuss on July 8, with the first 12 American participants. County Commissioner Dieter Patt welcomed the students and faculty from Albuquerque to the program, which he conceived and has spearheaded in cooperation with the University of Bonn's International Office and local partner institutions. Consul General Matt Boyse also gave the group a warm welcome, stressing that the course offers outstanding opportunities to become familiar with contemporary Germany and its role in the EU, and observing how the program mirrors many others that see student exchange programs as an effective means to further understanding between Germans and Americans. (more..)

Independence Day Celebration In Duesseldorf Highlights New Chancery Opening In Berlin
June 30, 2008.
More than 500 guests from North Rhine-Westphalia attended post’s Independence Day celebrations at the Grafenberg Golf Club in Duesseldorf on June 30. In his welcome remarks, Consul General Matt Boyse stressed the special activities surrounding the opening of the new chancery in Berlin and introduced the new Executive Director of the Amerika Haus legacy institution, Eveline Metzen. The Consul General thanked partners and friends of the Consulate for their commitment and cooperation in the past year, and announced a new season of transatlantic activities. Duesseldorf Mayor Dirk Elbers recounted Thomas Jefferson’s ties to Duesseldorf, and a color guard from the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and New Orleans Jazz performed by "Henry’s Jazzmen" made this a memorable first Fourth of July after the consolidation of Amerika Haus Cologne into the Consulate. (more..) >> Photo gallery

American Football 27th Junior Bowl Held In NRW
June 28. 2008.
Consul General Matt Boyse opened the championship game of the 2008 season between the Stuttgart Scorpions and the Duesseldorf Panthers on June 28 in Moenchengladbach, before a crowd of fans from many parts of Germany. The Panthers won the game 49:30. The American Football Verband Deutschland e.V. appreciated the Consulate’s support for the sport, which has grown considerably in popularity over the years, with nine teams in NRW alone. (more..)

Talking About The United States In Bocholt
June 23, 2008.
At the invitation of NRW Junge Union Chairman Sven Vollmering, Consul General Matt Boyse visited the Bocholt region near the Dutch border on June 23. At the Mariengymnasium he discussed current issues with students and teachers before attending a reception of major political parties hosted by the mayor. Consul General Boyse also visited a chemical firm with an important investment in Texas and gave interviews to local and regional media. (more..)

Conference Examines U.S. Foreign Policy In the 2008 Election Year
June 20, 2008.
On June 20, Consul General Matt Boyse spoke at the start of a conference entitled "The State of the Leading Western Power: The USA before the Presidential Elections" at the Theodor Heuss Academy (THA) in Gummersbach. In his address, he urged the participants to challenge commonly held views about the Administration’s foreign and economic policies, to delve deeper into the details of policy, and to consider larger strategic factors as they form their views. At the event, which was co-sponsored by the German Atlantic Society, Naumann-Foundation National Deputy Chair Axel Hoffmann underscored the value of Consulate support in bringing U.S. perspectives to the Academy's transatlantic dialogue. (more..)

Reducing Cultural Stereotyping Via School Exchanges
June 19,2008.
In remarks at a celebration in Solingen of 20 years of partnership between the Naperville (Illinois) Central High School and the Humboldt Gymnasium, School Director Marko Voigt and Deputy Mayor Heinz-Eugen Bertenburg stressed the importance of travel and personal contact between Germans and Americans in expanding and correcting knowledge about each others’ societies. Among the 100 guests were present and former students from both schools, who described how their views had changed during their stays in the other country. In his speech congratulating the leaders of the program for their many years of engagement, Consul General  Matt Boyse echoed these observations and expanded on the many benefits to Germany of close relations with the United States. (more..)

Supporting German-American Activities In Siegen
June 19, 2008.
At an "American Day" on June 19 organized by the University of Siegen to inform students about transatlantic exchange opportunities exchanges advisor Petra Spitz from the Consulate gave a presentation on "Studying in the U.S." In the evening, the German-American Society Siegerland-Wittgenstein hosted a ceremony in honor of the successful participants in an essay contest on America where Spitz congratulated the author of the winning essay entitled "The Summer of Love - How 1967 Changed the World" and three other winners and presented them with gift books on the United States. (more..)

2008 Presidential Campaign Continues To Resonate In NRW
June 16, 2008.
With support from the Consulate, the Amerika Haus e.V. North Rhine Westphalia sponsored another in its series of lecture/discussions on the race for the White House on June 16, this time with John Hulsman, the Alfred von Oppenheim Scholar at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) in Berlin. To an audience of 150 at the Industrie-Club in Duesseldorf, Hulsman expanded on the state of play for both parties and their candidates after end of the primary season. (more..)

Honoring Franz Boas In Minden, On The 150th Anniversary Of His Birthday
June 14, 2008.
At a ceremony on June 14, Mayor Michael Buhre paid tribute to the founder of cultural anthropology Franz Boas who was born in Minden in 1858. Buhre praised Boas as an influential scholar and great humanist who after emigrating to America in 1888 was professor of anthropology at Columbia University for 35 years and also a curator at the Museum of Natural History in New York. The ceremony was highlighted by the presentation of a bonze plaque which will be affixed to Boas’ birthplace in Minden. For the Consulate, cultural officer Bernd Herbert noted the significance of Franz Boas as a mediator between Germany and America and thanked the City for honoring the distinguished German-American scholar. (more..)

Panel Discussion on Iraq Sees "Light at the End of the Tunnel"
May 28, 2008.
Consul General Matt Boyse took part in a discussion on "Iraq: Five Years after the Overthrow of Saddam Hussein" hosted by the Middle East Society (MES) at Bonn University on May 28. Sharing the podium a representative of the Iraqi Embassy Berlin, the editor of Deutsche Welle’s Arabic Service, the chairman of the university’s Political Science Department and Karin Mlodoch from the Haukari organization in Berlin, Consul General Boyse described the major gains recently in the security, political, legislative, and economic area and urged the audience of students, professors and other attendees to support U.S., allied and Iraqi efforts to emerge from the Saddam era and to build a moderate, democratic society. (more..)

Sympbolic Tree Planting at Biodiversisty Conference in Bonn
May 27, 2008.
Consul General Matt Boyse represented the Ambassador at a tree planting ceremony at the UN Conference on Biodiversity in Bonn on May 27. Joining the Mayor of Montreal, and a representative from Mexico as well as Bonn Mayor Baerbel Dieckmann, the CG helped plant a Chilean Andes fir tree for the Americas, one of five trees planted symbolizing the five continents. The tree planting ceremony, which was hosted by the German Forestry and Timber Industry, also launched the public program of the biodiversity conference and served to draw attention to the importance and value of trees for a healthy environment. (more..)

U.S. Writer Michael Chabon at Cologne Literaturhaus
May 26, 2008.
Michael Chabon, American novelist and Pulitzer Prize winner, read excerpts from his new book "The Jiddish Policemen’s Union" to an audience of 120 literature buffs at Cologne’s Literaturhaus on May 26. In this "what-if" novel Chabon imagines that part of Alaska was turned into a temporary Yiddish-speaking settlement for Jewish refugees after World War II, combining alternate history and detective fiction with his own distinctive literary style. He also discussed Jewish identity and the tradition of Jewish American literature in America as well as his approach to writing and the research that goes into it. "The Yiddish Policemen's Union" won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2007. (more..)

Seminar in Gummersbach examines "Hollywood and Politics"
May 13 - 16, 2008.
"Hollywood and Politics" was the title of a seminar hosted by the Theodor-Heuss-Akademie in Gummersbach (May 13-16) as part of the academy’s program series on the Presidential Elections 2008. At the opening session, Consul General Matt Boyse offered observations concerning the dynamics of the current election campaign pointing out the pitfalls of conventional wisdom and giving numerous examples of how popular expectations had turned out to be misleading. A special session of the conference was dedicated to American actor James Stewart ("Mr. Smith goes to Washington"), who would have turned 100 this year. (more..)

America Evening in Duesseldorf
May 6, 2008.
More than 400 members of the influential "Duesseldorfer Jonges" civic group and members of the Consular Corps turned out for an event devoted to the United States at the Kolpinghaus on May 6. With the Consulate as patron and Consul General Matt Boyse as master of ceremonies, the evening featured the themes "America – Old and New Immigration Destination" and the role of US investors in NRW. Drawing on this year’s 325th anniversary of the first organized group emigration from Germany (from Krefeld in the Rhineland to Philadelphia) in 1683, the Consul General presented film clips and speakers on aspects of this historical event as well as the continuing importance of migration for the U.S. and Germany. Also featured was the role German settlers played in building major U.S. firms whose German operations are now located in NRW. (more..)

"Meet US" Program Event Provides "Career Advice" to Students
May 6, 2008.
On May 6, U.S. Consul Desiree Humphreys welcomed 25 students from the Duesseldorf Matare high school for a discussion at the consulate. Responding to a request from the teacher, Humphreys offered a glimpse into the world of the U.S. Foreign Service providing interesting professional insights and personal experiences of her work as a diplomat representing her country abroad. She also explained to the students the role, mandate and main activities of the U.S. consulate in Duesseldorf. (more..)

Paying Tribute to the Nacel Open Door Exchange Organization
April 26, 2008.
At 25th anniversary celebrations in Cologne on April 26, Consul General Matt Boyse paid tribute to the significant contributions this student exchange organization has made to expanding opportunities for young Germans and Americans to learn about and gain practical experience in each others’ countries. Praising Nacel Open Door as another example of a successful private-public partnership, he noted in particular their excellent support for participants in the Congress-Bundestag (CBYX) exchange program. (more..)

Another Visit to Westphalia
February 27, 2008.
The German-American Society of Muenster hosted Consul General Matt Boyse at an evening lecture event on February 27 on "Current Aspects of German-American Relations." Speaking before an audience of about 80, the CG reviewed the consolidation of the Consulate General in Duesseldorf and Amerika Haus Cologne and the emergence of the successor organization Amerika Haus e.V. Nordrhein Westfalen, previewed the opening of the new U.S. Embassy at Pariser Platz later this year, and discussed a number of topics relevant to the bilateral relationship. Questions from the audience concerned, inter alia, the Administration’s position on climate change, the role of public diplomacy, the 2008 presidential elections, and U.S. relations with Russia. It was the CG’s fourth visit to Muenster in the last eight months. (more..)

Ambassador Timken Pursues Full Public Affairs Program in NRW
February 14 & 15, 2008.
On February 14 and 15, Ambassador and Sue Timken engaged important audiences on security, economic and social issues at program events in NRW, in Geilenkirchen, Bonn, Cologne and Duesseldorf. The Ambassador began his visit at the NATO AWACS Base at Geilenkirchen, addressing American military officers and spouses. At Bonn City Hall, he discussed current security issues at the invitation of Lord Mayor Baerbel Dieckmann and the Mid-Atlantic Club. The next day the Ambassador toured the main Ford assembly plant in Germany and met with senior company executives, led by Ford Europe CEO Bernhard Matthes. Subsequently, at the Cologne Chamber of Commerce, he delivered remarks on German-American economic relations and later met with Minister President Juergen Ruettgers, who shared his views on his recent visit to the U.S. and discussed economic and other issues. Concluding the visit, the Ambassador and Mrs. Timken were guests of honor at the annual Atlantic Ball hosted by the Steuben-Schurz Association attended by some 300 guests. (more..)

Ambassador Timken on German-American Relations on NRW.TV
February 14, 2008.
In an interview broadcast by NRW.TV on February 14 and again on February 15, Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. discussed the current economic and financial situation in the U.S., the need for greater NATO involvement in Afghanistan, and the state of the bilateral relationship. Speaking with Roger Horné, host of "Horne Live," the Ambassador stressed that the German-American partnership has become a "true working global partnership." The Ambassador also used the occasion to draw attention to the special events planned in connection with the July 4 opening of the new Embassy Chancery located at Pariser Platz next to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.  (more..)

Exchange Opportunities Promoted at Cologne Youth Fair
February 12, 2008.
At an all-day youth fair at Cologne University on February 12, approx. 800 students took advantage of the opportunity to gather information about studying and interning in the U.S. Exchanges specialist Petra Spitz from the consulate fielded questions about application procedures and visa regulations, with consulate intern Tom Talley, a senior from the University of Wyoming, providing hands-on information about what it is like to study at an American college. The youth fair was sponsored by several educational institutions from the region. (more..)

Strengthening German-American Relations in the City of Siegen
February 7, 2008.
On February 7, Consul General Matt Boyse spent the day in Siegen where he participated in a series of events including a public discussion with political scientist Hans Vorländer on "What Does it Mean to be an American?" attended by an audience of 200. The visit also featured a discussion on the U.S. role in the world at Gymnasium Wilnsdorf, a meeting with Siegen Mayor Steffen Mues and County Commissioner Paul Breuer as well as an exchange on the American studies curriculum at Siegen University. At a get-together with the German-American Society Mr. Boyse thanked the members for their active role in strengthening the bilateral partnership. (more..)

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Performs in NRW
January 30 & 31, 2008
As part of a goodwill tour undertaken in connection with the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the city, the Pittsburgh Symphony performed before packed houses in Cologne on January 30 and Wuppertal on January 31. Both concerts were under the baton of Guest Conductor Marek Janowski, with the brilliant young German violinist Julia Fischer as soloist. In his welcoming remarks in the magnificently restored historic Stadthalle in Wuppertal, CG Matt Boyse stressed the progress the NRW-Pennsylvania partnership has shown since its beginnings two years ago, the interest in Pennsylvania in expanding cooperation on many levels with business and other institutions in NRW, and reported on the visit of Minister-President Juergen Ruettgers to Pennsylvania this week. The orchestra was accompanied by a large delegation from the southwestern Pennsylvania business community, under the auspices of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.  (more..)

Ambassador and Mrs. Timken Support Charitable Activity in Cologne
January 26, 2008.
During a January 26 visit to Cologne, Ambassador and Mrs. Timken promoted a charitable activity spearheaded by the American Women’s Club of Cologne (AWCC). Speaking with Lord Mayor Fritz Schramma at a gala dinner for 160 sponsored by the AWCC on January 26, the Ambassador lauded AWCC President My-Linh Kunst and the ladies’ unusual engagement in support of the Ronald McDonald Children’s House in Cologne (which raised 10,000 Euros that evening), as well as their initiative to teach English to members of a major Muslim Women’s Center in the city via the club’s recently-launched "Language Outreach: Volunteer in English" (LOVE) program. (more..)

"How Far Can the State Go Against Terrorism?"