The fourth Annual International Conference of the Croatian Alumni Club of The Fund for American Studies took place from November 12-15, 2009 in Zadar, Croatia.

The conference, “NATO and the New Kids on the Block: Finding Common Cause in the Age of Global Security” was attended by 40 alumni, representing nearly 20 countries from Europe and the Middle East.

Young professionals from various sectors used the opportunity to discuss pressing regional issues in Central Europe and the Middle East, while they also discussed the future development of the TFAS alumni community.

International Programs Director Michelle Le (J 95, A 96) welcomed attendees at the start of the conference and gave an update on the recent activities of the alumni in the U.S. while emphasizing the alumni developments in the regions of Central Europe and the Middle East.

“This was an outstanding opportunity for alumni from different countries and years to meet new friends, or re-new friendships and strengthen the bonds started at TFAS,” said Le. “In addition, it also served as a unique opportunity for alumni to take a few days from their busy academic and professional lives and “re-live” the TFAS experience with other bright young leaders and discuss and debate pressing issues of the day.”

Head of the NATO Countries Section Antonella Cerasino, director of Civil Military Operations at the Louis Berger Group, Inc. William A. Steubner and TFAS alumnus
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Marashi (I 01), who serves as the associate dean of International Relations at IE University in Spain were just a few who lectured and served as panelists throughout the weekend.
In addition to the educational and professional development, participants had the opportunity to hear traditional local music at a Klapa concert, explore the national park of Krka on a walking tour and take part in a sommelier club workshop and wine tasting.

Those that made this annual conference possible include the following sponsors: NATO, the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, the U.S. Embassy in Croatia and the German Marshall Fund.