This issue of the AFS Janus features the fascinating story of Julian Allen and his long involvement with AFS, from the first year of the organization’s existence in World War I to the groundbreaking secondary school student exchange program created after World War II. His intriguing story of mystery and volunteerism was compiled with the incredible assistance of his children and grandchildren.
Vincenzo Morlini, another lifelong AFSer, reflects on his presidency in his final “Letter from the AFS International President.” Vincenzo’s involvement with AFS began in 1966 during his exchange year to Ohio and continued through years as a volunteer with the AFS chapter in Reggio-Emilia, Italy. He served on the National Advisory Board and Board of Directors for AFS Italy, and finally as their director between 2006 and 2011. Vincenzo retired from his five-year presidency on October 31, and AFS is pleased to welcome incoming President and CEO Daniel Obst. Daniel joins us from the Institute for International Education, a nonprofit organization that designs and implements education programs for students, including the prestigious Fulbright Program.
Later in the issue, we share AFS’s stance on the refugee crisis and highlight the important work of three AFS offices who are working to support refugees and schools in their respective communities.
Finally, we recount the story of two AFS volunteers who were members of the famed “Lost Generation” after World War I. Ronald is a collector and member of the Technical Team for The Volunteers: Americans Join World War I, 1914-1919 Exhibition, which will open at the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, North Carolina, in February 2017.