12/5/2009 - AFS Announces the 2009 Galatti Award Winners
Today, in celebration of International Volunteer Day, AFS Intercultural Programs is proud to announce the winners of its 2009 Galatti Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. The Galatti Award, established in 1983 and named after AFS founder Stephen Galatti, honors AFS community volunteers whose long-term commitment and exceptional dedication have advanced the mission and goals of AFS at the grass-roots level. It is the most prestigious commendation granted by the AFS International Board of Trustees. For AFS, volunteerism is key in carrying out its mission to provide intercultural learning experiences supported by local volunteers that change people’s lives and connect them to a worldwide community.
This year, AFS is honored to announce four recipients of the Galatti Award: Maria Teresa Basualdo of Argentina, Robert Kaminker of France, Lorna Szentivanyi of New Zealand, and Carol Ann Zimmerman of the United States.
AFS President Tachi Cazal said “The Galatti Award is given to a just a few of our outstanding AFS volunteers every year. Their extraordinary achievements are characteristic of the work of the thousands of AFS volunteers throughout the world. We congratulate this year’s winners and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism that is the driving force of AFS.”
Maria Teresa Basualdo entered the AFS world in 1991 when she hosted an Australian exchange student. She has contributed greatly to the strategic planning of AFS Argentina. Maria is celebrated for the clarity of her vision and her unwavering dedication to the growth and support of AFS Argentina. Maria is a tireless promoter of the transformative power of AFS.
Robert Kaminker serves as the assistant secretary of his local chapter, AFS Perigord, after being the chair and the secretary for 25 years. In 1983, together with his wife Claude, he founded a local chapter in the Dordogne department. Robert has proven to be indispensable at both the local and national levels; from orientation leader to National Director, Robert has been a reliable leader committed to the AFS mission.
Lorna Szentivanyi has been involved in AFS for 38 years. She has hosted more than ten AFS participants and has been welcome family to many. In addition to the many amazing roles Lorna has played, she has served as chapter president, student support coordinator, host family finder, orientation coordinator and many additional leadership roles. Lorna’s contributions to her chapter are immeasurable.
Carol Ann Zimmerman has spent the last 33 years in the AFS community. She has remained dedicated to learning and sharing the AFS mission. Carol has held various positions including her chapter’s Treasury position for over 10 years. Her support for visiting students is unparalleled, and she is known to regularly go out of her way to provide visiting students with the most complete intercultural experience possible.
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