The English-Speaking Union

News and Events

News and Events

New Years Message from the Chairman of the ESU

To the entire English-Speaking Union Community,

I write today to wish you a happy and healthy New Year and every success in 2022.

I would have liked to deliver this message in-person, at the long-anticipated Gala in the presence of Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, scheduled for January 12, 2022, at the Cosmopolitan Club. Regrettably, the resurgent Omicron variant forced our hand to postpone the event.

Her Royal Highness' willingness to reschedule her visit in order to be with us in the near future is an affirmation of the role the ESU has played for over a century in advancing international understanding and friendship through the use of the English language. It is a recognition of the ESU's contributions to society and the people who have given of themselves to make our organization strong and influential.

Despite our hopes, 2021 was neither normal nor easy. But it turned into a year of recovery and adaptation, as the challenges of the persistent pandemic inspired a series of innovations that enabled the English-Speaking Union not only to continue but expand its programs and impact.

From our online Happy Hour events and English classes to the virtual National Shakespeare Competition and Annual General Conference, the ESU's embrace of the new digital tools expanded access to our programs and allowed us to reach more members and students across the country. This is the silver lining to the Covid cloud. And as we gradually bring back in-person programs, we will continue our online offerings as they have already attracted a strong following.

2021 saw another notable change. At the end of his six-year term, H.E. Dr. Paul Beresford-Hill CBE stepped down from his position as Chairman of the English-Speaking Union. As the new Chairman of the English-Speaking Union, I would like to thank my fellow Members of the Board of Directors for entrusting me with this responsibility and I pledge to do my utmost as Chairman to warrant this trust.

I also thank Dr. Paul Beresford-Hill for his steady and wise leadership over the past six years. His legacy is a stronger ESU with a renewed focus on the fundamental strengths of our organization – our mission, our members and our programs. I'm personally indebted to Paul – his work has made my task easier.

And so to the future.

Over the next years, we will continue to build on the strengths of our organization. 

We will be laser-focused on supporting our Branches and the programs that engage and inspire our members, such as the Evelyn Wrench Speaker Series and the ESU National Shakespeare Competition. Even though we had superb online National Wrench Speakers like Sir Charles Spencer, we are working to relaunch the series in-person as soon as possible.

And, coming soon, is the ESU National Shakespeare Writing Program. Inspired by similar writing competitions in a couple of our Branches, this year-round programming will keep the excitement of the National Shakespeare Competition going. Consisting of both competitive and non-competitive events for middle and high schoolers, it will engage students who express their love of Shakespeare and the English language through writing rather than performance.

I see our immigrant programs – the 45-year-old English in Action and the comprehensive Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center (ARNIC) – as another path to the hearts and minds of our members, current and future, by engaging them in volunteerism and cultural exchange. In a small pilot program, we have brought the English in Action Across America program to additional Branches using a virtual format, with the potential of expanding it in-person to more locations nationally. Just as in the New York area, the volunteer members have found great reward and enjoyment in their weekly conversations with English learners from all over the world.

And next year, 2023, we will be marking the tenth anniversary of the Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center, a milestone to be celebrated. Throughout the year, a series of programs and events will recognize the legacy of Dr. Andrew Romay and the impact of the Center on thousands of new immigrants who have been empowered with the skills, language fluency, resources and networks to build successful lives in the U.S. and truly embrace their adoptive country.

One area on which, I believe, we should focus more is our international programs. With the retreat of the Covid pandemic, we will be expanding them to more teachers, students and members:
  • the Secondary School Exchange that sends students across the Pond to study at a reciprocal school before starting college; 
  • the Luard Morse Scholarships for students from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to spend a semester at a British university of their choice; 
  • the Teachers Learning Abroad scholarships (TLAB) for U.S. teachers to continue to grow professionally by attending courses at the University of Oxford, the University of Edinburgh, Shakespeare's Globe, and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
The loyalty and generosity of the thousands of our alumni speak to the impact of these programs. They have truly changed lives and as Chairman I pledge that they will continue to do so in the future.

What I also aspire to is more interactions with our international counterparts – the English-Speaking Unions across the globe. 

In early 2020 on the generous invitation of the ESU Loire Valley in France, we were preparing for a gala and concert in Paris to mark the ESU's Centennial. Our plans were foiled by the pandemic, but I look forward to resuming the preparation of this and other such travels, such as specialized patron travel programs. 

Difficult as this year has been, there is much to be grateful for. But most of all, I am grateful for your loyalty and enthusiasm and I finish by thanking all of you, our members, volunteers, teachers, students and your families. The English-Speaking Union has succeeded as a result of your talents, time and generosity. 

I wish you and yours a happy, healthy and fulfilling 2022!

  

     

   

Dr. E. Quinn Peeper
Chairman
The English-Speaking Union of the United States

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Announcing the 2022 ESU Gala

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the increase in COVID Cases and HRH's concern for the health of the attendees the Gala is being postponed

Program and Event Details

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Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday 14th November 2021

Karen Karpowich, Executive Director, and Duncan Karcher, National Board President of the ESU were in attendance at the Queen Elizabeth II Garden to commemorate and honor our fallen heroes. Also participating were representatives of the British Societies along with numerous UN Military Advisors and members of the Anglo-American Community in New York City.

At 11 AM on the 11th day of the 11th month when the armistice was signed in 1918 to end WW1, there were 2 minutes of silence, followed by a musical presentation by the Allied Forces Foundation led by Pipe Major Terence McGovern. Nicholas P. Howard CEO of QEII Garden welcomed the group and introduced Emma Wade-Smith, OBE HM Consul General to New York, HM Trade Commissioner for North America.

In addition to the traditional laying of the wreath readings and other tributes including a performance of The Star-Spangled Banner and God Save the Queen by Patricia Summers Edwards.

The poem In Flanders Field was read by the Consul General:


In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row


Poppies were distributed and worn by all.

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The English-Speaking Union of the United States announces Dr. Quinn Peeper as new Chairman

Mr. Darryl McCormick is announced as new Vice-Chairman, Mr. Duncan Karcher is announced as new President of the National Board of Directors, and various new members of the National Board of Directors are appointed.

The English-Speaking Union of the United States is proud to announce the election of Dr. Quinn Peeper as Chairman. Dr. Peeper was voted in on October 17th, succeeding Ambassador Dr. Paul Beresford-Hill CBE upon the completion of his 6-year tenure.

Dr. Peeper, formerly President of the National Board of Directors, has embodied and advanced the mission of the ESU, both locally and globally, for over 20 years.

Additionally, Mr. Darryl McCormick of Stamford, CT has been announced as the new Vice-Chairman of the National Board of Directors, and Mr. Duncan Karcher has been announced as the New President of the National Board of Directors. 

To see a full list of the National Board of Directors, and read more about our newly elected Chairman, read the full story.

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Celebrating the life of Andrew Romay

Today we fondly remember the enduring life and generosity of Dr. Andrew Romay, benefactor of our center for new immigrants. Born on this day, September 24, 1922, Dr. Romay survived both Communist imprisonment and Nazi concentration camps before immigrating to the United States as a refugee in 1956.

Dr. Romay's experience as a new immigrant to this country and his subsequent professional success inspired him to assist new immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the New York City area. The ESU Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center, founded in 2012 with his support and guidance, provides new immigrants with English language classes as well as opportunities for professional development.

His vision was to create a welcoming community for new immigrants and to promote cultural understanding. It is with this in mind that we remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Romay on his birthday.

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Central Florida ESU Gives Away $100,000 in Scholarships to Celebrate 100 Years of Service!

(Left to Right): Malcolm Butler (School of Teacher Education Professor and School Director), Curtis Proctor (School of Teacher Education Director of Advancement), Pamela "Sissi" Carroll (UCF Dean of the College of Community Innovation and Education), Barbara Hughes (Central Florida E-SU President), Reta Jackson (Central FL. E-SU Scholarships Committee Chair), Jan McClure (Central FL. E-SU Education Committee Chair), Brett Carrier (Central FL. E-SU Communications Chair)


Orlando, Florida - September, 2021- During this unprecedented time, when CNBC reported that one in four teachers considered quitting at the start of the school year, the Central Florida Branch of the English-Speaking Union has donated $100,000 to the UCF College of Community Innovation and Education. To honor both founding member Jessie Drey and The Centennial of the English-Speaking Union of the United States, 1920-2020, the Central Florida Branch is establishing The Central Florida English-Speaking Union Jessie Drey Memorial Scholarship program to support and encourage practicing Central Florida educators to remain in the profession as they pursue graduate studies at the University of Central Florida. 


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2021 Middle School Debate Championship

In the spirit of debate, the ESU New York Debate League welcomed schools from across the country to engage in five robust virtual debate tournaments during the 2020/2021 Middle School Debate season. The championship took place on May 8th and 9th via Zoom.

After breaking past regional competitions, the remaining challengers debated The two party system is bad for American Democracy during the semi-final round, with both The Dalton School in NYC and Blessed Sacrament School in Washington, DC advancing to the final round.

Scrupulously debating the topic The US should not develop or use lethal autonomous weapons both finalist teams from The Dalton School in NYC and Blessed Sacrament School in Washington, DC thoughtfully crafted compelling arguments.

 
Ultimately, students from The Dalton School, Aminata Diallo, Arav Mehta, and Cole Corper were led by coach Evan Streams to victory.
 
 


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2021 ARNIC Graduation

On June 17, 2021, we proudly hosted our first-ever virtual ARNIC Graduation ceremony.

This ceremony was dedicated to both the 2020 and 2021 graduates, who despite all circumstances, successfully completed the ESU ARNIC English Language Program. We congratulate each and every one of our graduates.

Join us in commemorating the achievement of over 300 graduates, by watching the recording of this joyous celebration. 

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Place your bid in the Centennial Auction!

In conjunction with the 100 Years, 100 Stories project, we are pleased to announce the Centennial Auction, which features unique and timeless objects from across Royal and ESU history.

 

Precious items, such as this framed handwritten letter from Winston Churchill are available.


  

View the Auction

 

To place a bid, simply click on any object. Once you've clicked into an object, you will see an individual page has opened with the object image and description. On this page, fill in the information fields listed to the right hand side of the image. Once your information is listed, select "Submit Bid". If you have any questions or technical issues, please reach out to us at Stories@esuus.org

 

Our centennial celebrations will culminate on June 24th at 5pm EST in Celebrating Centennial Stories: An evening of Storytelling! During this special event we'll be unveiling our new virtual time capsule website, which compiles all submitted ESU stories to the 100 Years, 100 Stories Project. 

Register Here

 

The 100 Years, 100 Stories project serves as a snapshot of the impact and achievements made by the ESU's members, volunteers, students, tutors, and anyone ever touched by ESU's programming over the past 100 years.

The event will feature an exclusive performance by the Oxford Philharmonic, and spotlight the winners of the 'Outstanding Story' Award. We will also be joined by some very special guests, who will be speaking about their enriching relationship with the ESU. We hope to see you there!

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Announcing the winners of the 38th English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition

April 26th, 2021 - New York City: Adapting to the ever changing circumstances brought on by the global pandemic, ESU hosted the 38th annual National Shakespeare Competition virtually for the second time ever. 

This year's competition utilized Zoom, YouTube, text-to-vote, among other virtual technologies to bring the competition alive. The virtual platform enabled hundreds of students, schools, and spectators alike to tune in across the world. We are proud to announce the winners of the year's competition:

 

Delilah Delgado of the ESU San Diego Branch won 1st Place with her quick witted and thorough renditions of Pheobe from As Your Like It, and Sonnet 62. 

Her teacher, Samantha Howard of the Bishop's School will receive the $1000 Teacher Recognition Award, being the second such award recipient, since the award's founding last year.

 

Anna Sheehan of the ESU Boston Branch took 2nd Place. Her teacher, Barbara Whitlock of Montrose School will receive the $500 Teacher Recognition Award. 

Samuel Christian of the ESU Los Angeles Branch won 3rd place. His teacher, Elizabeth Dennehy of Los Angeles County High School for the Arts will receive the $250 Teacher Recognition Award.  

The second annual People's Choice Award was won by Spencer Morvillo of the Monmouth County Branch, student of Smita Ganatra at Glen Ridge High School received 487 votes.

Over 6,000 people voted from around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Ghana, and China, expanding the competition's community despite the pandemic.

To read more about our winners, finalists, esteemed judges, and this year's competition, please download the full press release here.

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