2021 Pan American Day and Scholarship Virtual Event

The Pan American Association of Philadelphia is excited to announce its 2021 Pan American Day and Annual Scholarship Event, which will be held virtually on Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM. His Excellency Francisco Santos Calderón, Colombian Ambassador to the United States, will be our Keynote Speaker. During the annual luncheon, the Association also will award nearly $20,000 in college scholarships and recognitions to area university students majoring in Latin American/Latinx Studies.

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

His Excellency Francisco Santos Calderón
Ambassador of Colombia to the United States

Former Vice President of Colombia (2002-2010) under Alvaro Uribe Velez’s administration. As Vice President of Colombia, he put in place policies against corruption, extortion and kidnapping. He led Colombia’s international promotion of trade, investment and tourism.

​​He ran in the 2015 mayoral race for Bogota on the Democratic Center Party ticket. He promoted democracy and citizen participation in public affairs by the creation of Fundación Confianza Colombia​.​​

Democratic Center Party’s head of debate in 2017.

In 1990 Santos was kidnapped by narcotrafficker Pablo Escobar. After 8 months of captivity he was released and created the world’s first NGO to fight kidnapping. Fundación País Libre promoted the Anti-Kidnapping Statute, the only law tabled by public petition via signature collection in Colombia.​​​

Between 2000 and 2002 he was forced to leave the country, due to threats from the guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). He lived in Madrid, Spain, for two years where he worked at El País, the most important spanish newspaper.

In the 1980’s he held several editorial positions in the major newspaper of Colombia, El Tiempo, including night Editor-in-Chief. Santos also taught journalism and international relations at Universidad Central, Universidad Javeriana and Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano, among others.

Born October 14, 1961 in Bogota; married to Maria Victoria García. Four children: Benjamin, Gabriel, Carmen and Pedro.

​He completed his studies in the United States at the University of Kansas and at the University of Texas, earning degrees in Journalism and Latin-American Studies.

He was awarded as a Neiman Fellow at Harvard University and won the Paul Harris Medal in 1993, the highest distinction given by Rotary International.

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Broze Sponsors
  

Sponsorship Levels

For In-Person Events

Gold Sponsor $6,000
Reserved luncheon table (10 seats) and prominent mention in all event marketing, including the luncheon program. Poster with logo to be displayed at the podium. Logo to be included in the event program booklet if received before deadline. Logo to be posted on Pan-American website page for the event. Opportunity to make remarks and to distribute appropriate materials. (Inclusion in all digital event marketing materials when virtual.)

Silver Sponsor $3,500
Reserved luncheon table (10 seats) and mention in all event marketing, including the luncheon program. Logo to be included in the event program booklet if received before the deadline. Logo to be posted on Pan-American website page for the event. (Inclusion in all digital event marketing materials when virtual.)

Bronze Sponsor $1,750
Reserved luncheon table (10 seats) and mention in all event marketing, including the luncheon program. Logo to be included in the event program booklet if received before the deadline. (Inclusion in all digital event marketing materials when virtual.)

Table Sponsor $800
Reserved luncheon table (10 seats) and mention in the luncheon program. (Will be noted on website.)

Make a Donation

While our virtual program is free to attend, we ask you to consider making a donation of any amount to support the scholarship programs of The Pan American Association of Philadelphia.

Go to the Online Donation Form