We are thrilled to remind you about the upcoming fundraising gala scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd at the Palmer House, Chicago. As the excitement builds, we wanted to share a sneak peek into what promises to be an unforgettable experience, starting with our incredible keynote speaker!

 

Gerdine Michel Ulysse, Ph.D.

 

Gerdine Ulysse is an Assistant Instructional Professor in French and Haitian Creole (kreyòl) at the University of Chicago. She received a master's degree in French with a specialization in Teaching French as a Foreign Language at the University of Arizona and a PhD in Second Language Acquisition at Carnegie Mellon University. Her research addresses questions about factors affecting language use and proficiency in French and in Kreyòl, the two official languages of Haiti. Her research also focuses on language variation and its relationships with language ideologies, language attitudes, and language identities in Haitian communities. She has presented her work at conferences where she raised discussion centered around literacy development in Haiti, and her research has been published in leading journals in the Second Language Acquisition field.

 

At the University of Chicago, Gerdine has developed a Kreyòl curriculum from beginner to advanced language courses. She has also developed culture and sociolinguistic courses pertaining to creolophone societies. She often coordinates diverse cultural events on campus and leads cultural exploration trips in the city of Chicago to enrich students' learning experiences and knowledge of Haitian culture. Gerdine has participated in academic panel for Institute of Politics Student Program, Leaders of Color (LOC), was nominated for an Element Award by the Organization of Black Students (OBS) in Spring 2023 and won the Faculty Award for the African and Caribbean Student Association (ACSA) in Spring 2022 for her initiatives at the University of Chicago.

 

Gerdine loves camping and enjoys spending time with her family, especially her children: Bryce, Amélie, and Élise.

 

Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to be part of this years Gala and to witness Dr. Gerdine Michel Ulysse in action. Secure your spot now and join us for an event that promises to elevate your understanding of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable's legacy. Feel free to share this exciting news with your colleagues and friends.