Following instructions and recommendations from local, state, and federal authorities, the Pan American Day and Scholarship Luncheon scheduled for April 15, 2020 has been canceled.
Nonetheless, consistent with its mission to develop Latinx talent, The Pan American Association of Philadelphia, plans to complete the competitive process and will make the Alejandro Reyes, Irene Rivera Diaz and Carmelita Manning Community Service Awards--each worth $5,000, and the Janice Bond Awards for Graduating Seniors--each worth $250, by April 15. These awards will be distributed by mail to successful returning students and graduating seniors once the evaluation process currently underway has been completed.
We want to express our appreciation to our previously confirmed Luncheon Sponsors for their continued support during this challenging time:
We also thank our previously announced Keynote Speaker, Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., for accepting the invitation to speak at our 80 th Annual Meeting and Clothier Award Luncheon to be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM at the Union League of Philadelphia. Thank you all for your continued support as our community and nation meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay well and we look forward to seeing you at our next event on October 21 when we celebrate our 80 th Anniversary!
The Pan American Association of Philadelphia is delighted to announce the 2020 Pan American Day and Annual Scholarship Luncheon. The event will feature a keynote address from Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., who served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs under Presidents Trump and Obama.
Since its founding in 1940, the Association has been dedicated to promoting cultural, educational and economic activities to increase understanding and cooperation among the peoples of the Americas. The Association also is committed to providing financial support to area college students pursuing Latin American studies. This year, the Association is again conducting a competitive process to award three major scholarships to returning students and will recognize graduating students in Latin American Studies. We welcome your support for these efforts.
The Pan American Association is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to advancing the concept of “Panamericanismo” among the residents of the Greater Philadelphia region. Today, the Philadelphia region is home to more than 500,000 residents who trace their roots to Latin America and the need for greater cultural understanding expressed by our founders has become increasingly important. We eagerly await your attendance at our April luncheon!
Keynote Speaker
Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon Jr.
Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. brings more than three decades of government service and diplomatic experience to his practice at Arnold & Porter, providing strategic counsel to clients across a range of legislative, foreign policy, and national security issues.
Most recently, Ambassador Shannon served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, the third highest ranking position at the State Department. Holding the personal rank of Career Ambassador, he was the highest-ranking member of the United States Foreign Service, the country's professional diplomatic corps. During his tenure as Under Secretary, Ambassador Shannon was in charge of bilateral and multilateral foreign policymaking and implementation, and oversaw diplomatic activity globally and in our missions to international organizations. He managed the State Department during the presidential transition, led bilateral and strategic stability talks with the Russian Federation, worked with our allies to oversee Iranian compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and expanded US engagement in Central Asia, among other things.
Prior to that appointment, he served as Counselor of the Department, where he acted as a troubleshooter and roving envoy for Secretary of State John Kerry. In that capacity, he focused on Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and led US support for the UN-sponsored peace processes in Yemen and South Sudan. Ambassador Shannon spent nearly 35 years in the Foreign Service, and has served six US presidents and 11 secretaries of state.
Prior to his 2016 appointment by President Obama as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Ambassador Shannon was the United States Ambassador to Brazil. Prior to this appointment, Ambassador Shannon served as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs from 2005-2009. He served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council (2003-2005), Deputy Assistant Secretary of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the Department of State (2002-2003), and Director of Andean Affairs (2001-2002). From 2000-2001, he was US Deputy Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, with the rank of Ambassador. During his career, Ambassador Shannon served in the US Foreign Service at embassies in Guatemala, Brazil, South Africa, and Venezuela.
Ambassador Shannon has received numerous professional and diplomatic recognitions, including the J. Raymond "Jit" Trainor Award for Excellence in the Conduct of Diplomacy from Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (2019); Orden al Mérito, en el grado de Gran Cruz, granted by Chile (2019); Order of Isabel La Católica, Commander by Number, granted by Spain (2019); Presidential Distinguished Service Award (2018); Secretary's Distinguished Service Award, US Department of State (2018, 2016, 2009); Order of Rio Branco, granted by Brazil (2018), Brazil's highest order for foreigners; and the Order of San Carlos, granted by Colombia (2018 and 2009) and Ministry of National Defense "Military Medal," granted by Colombia (2018).
Ambassador Shannon received a DPhil, Politics, and MPhil, Politics, from Oxford University and a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa, and BA, with high honors, from The College of William & Mary. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and speaks Spanish and Portuguese.
Scholarships
The Scholarships of the Pan American Association of Philadelphia are intended to encourage and reward area college students for their academic achievement, community service, and engagement with Latin America.
Over the years, the Association has increased its support for the program and now awards nearly $20,000 in scholarships annually.
Scholarships are awarded to students of Latin American or related studies with superior academic performance, as well as demonstrated experience related to Latin America.
Learn more about our Scholarships
Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Bronze
Sponsorship
Gold Sponsor
$6,000
Reserved luncheon table (10 seats) and prominent mention in all advertising of the event, including the Luncheon Program. Poster with logo to be displayed at the podium. Logo to be included in the invitation to the event if received before deadline. Logo to be posted on Pan American website advertising the event. Opportunity to make remarks and to distribute appropriate materials.
Silver Sponsor
$3,500
Reserved luncheon table (10 seats) and mention in all advertising of the event including the Luncheon Program. Logo to be included in the invitation to the event if received before the deadline. Logo to be posted on Pan American website advertising the event.
Bronze Sponsor
$1,750
Reserved luncheon table (10 seats) and mention in all advertising of the event including the Luncheon Program. Logo to be posted on Pan American website advertising the event.
Table Sponsor
$ 800
Reserved luncheon table for ten - Sponsors are requested to consider seating a student honoree and a faculty mentor at their tables.
Sponsors will be mentioned in all advertising of the event including the Luncheon Program.
For more sponsorship opportunities please contact contact Denise Kuczweski at denise.kuczewski@exeloncorp.com or 215-841-6844