Ambassador Stephanie S. Sullivan’s
Brief Welcome and Introductory Remarks
Afro-Classical Concert with Dr. Cristina Ruotolo & Friends
November 14, 2019
Good evening! Akwaaba! My husband John and I are pleased to welcome you all this evening for a musical performance by Dr. Cristina Ruotolo and friends. Cristina is a Fulbright visiting scholar and has been teaching at the University of Ghana in the English Department since August 2018. We are pleased to welcome many of Cristina’s English Department colleagues here this evening as well.
There is an Akan proverb that states, “Knowledge is not like money to be tied up and hidden.” In this spirit, we are so fortunate that in addition to teaching postcolonial and American literature, Cristina has also ventured out to share her classical music knowledge with young musicians in Accra, offering her time and talents to develop classical repertoires among young Ghanaians. We are pleased to see how Cristina has strengthened the bond between our two countries, both in the classroom and through her music teaching and performances.
Cristina’s broad reach in Ghana embodies the essence of the Fulbright program, which sponsors U.S. and foreign participants for exchanges in all areas, including the sciences, business, academia, public service, government, and the arts. The program continues to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
As it turns out, this concert is a culmination of Cristina’s time in Ghana. I know we all wish her well as she will be departing soon to return to San Francisco State University.
John and I look forward to discovering the young Ghanaian talent here tonight. I hope you will join me in welcoming Cristina and all of the performers.
