Former Surinamese President Joins First Alumni Gathering in 20 years

After a 20-year hiatus, Surinamese alumni gathered on May 16, 2013 at an event hosted by U.S. Ambassador Jay Anania. The alumni, including former President of Suriname Ronald Venetiaan, shared stories from their exchange experiences and pledged to organize future alumni events, including an alumni advisory board that Ambassador Anania would consult to discuss the U.S.-Suriname relationship.

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumna Lilian Wiebers, spoke about the impact of the program on her career and gave an impassioned speech about the importance of sharing one’s exchange experience with Surinamese society.