01/2004

New Chief Justice for Northern Ireland

Brian Kerr, '99 Northern Ireland, has been appointed Lord Chief Justice. Kerr has served on the High Court since 1993. Noting that the justice system is in a period of considerable change, Kerr said, “I am confident that the judiciary will rise to the challenge these changes present.” News story

Ramos named Philadelphia solicitor

Pedro A. Ramos, ’00 USA, has been named solicitor for the City of Philadelphia, a position he will assume March 1. Ramos, the former Philadelphia school board president, currently serves as vice president for the University of Pennsylvania and chief of staff for its president. During his fellowship, Ramos traveled to France to observe early childhood education methods there.

As city solicitor, Ramos will be a member of the mayor's cabinet and will be responsible for the overall management of the city's legal activities, including supervision of all attorneys, outside counsel and the city's tax collection program. Ramos also will represent the mayor, the administration, City Council and more than 30 city departments, commissions and agencies in civil matters. News story.

Dunlop Awarded CBE

The Very Reverend Dr. John Dunlop, ‘89 Northern Ireland, has been awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the New Year's Honours List "for services to the community in Northern Ireland". Dunlop, who is minister of Rosemary Presbyterian Church in Belfast, was also the 2002 recipient of the E. H. Johnson award, an honour given each year by the Presbyterian Church in Canada to individuals whose work is at "the cutting edge of mission".

New China Re Launched

Feng Hongjuan, ‘97 China, is the founder, CEO, and vice chairman of the new China Life Reinsurance Company, which is based on her former Life operation and team. The new China Re was launched on December 22, 2003, with a special opening ceremony in the State Guest House.

Jespersen on Integration of Immigrant Groups

Karen Jespersen ’87, twice member of the Danish cabinet and now an MP, recently published Til støtte for Fatima - indvandrernes omstilling til Danmark. In her book Jespersen describes the changes in Europe brought about by immigration and lays out an agenda for immigrants’ integration into Danish society. A recent news opinion poll named her a runner-up for “Politician of the Year.”

Riemer Launches Campaign

Wisconsin State Budget Director David Riemer ‘99 resigned his position in October ’03 to launch a full-time campaign for Milwaukee County executive against the incumbent in the spring 2004 election. Riemer, who also served as city administrator previously, traveled to Hungary on his fellowship. News story

Belt to Social Security Advisory Board

Bradley D. Belt ’97, of Washington was appointed to the Social Security Advisory Board. An independent, bipartisan Board created by Congress and appointed by the President and the Congress to advise the President, the Congress, and the Commissioner of Social Security on matters related to the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs. Belt is a former senior advisor for the Center for Strategic and International Studies and traveled to Argentina on his fellowship.