On May 21, 2008 The International Institute of New Jersey held the 11th Annual American Dream Celebration Awards to honor 4 outstanding Americans for their dignity, passion, compassion, visions, and commitment.
Evening Program
Cocktail Reception and International Buffet
5:00pm to 7:00pm
Awards Presentation
7:00pm to 8:00pm
Welcome……………Douglass R. Donovan, President IINJ Board of Directors
Acknowledgements
Introduction of Presenters……..………..Catherine Tansey, Executive Director
Awards Presentation
Rev. Eugene P. Squeo……….presented by Rev. Petero Sabune
Ivan Ruiz………………...presented by Peter Alexander
Eugenie Mukeshimana……..….presented by Douglass R. Donovan
Anisa Mehdi………….....presented by Catherine Tansey
Closing Remarks……….Catherine Tansey
Dessert, Coffee, and Conversation
8:00pm to 9:30pm
Then night featured a stunning array of international delectible treats and a well-established jazz band:
International Buffet
Mediterranean Style Fruit and Cheese Board
Assorted Hard & Soft cheeses including Feta cheese, goat cheeses, marinated olives, flat breads, figs, dates, and seedless grapes
Thai Chicken Satay
Chicken cutlets grilled in our delicious Thai peanut sauce, skewered and served with fresh ginger, scallions & red pepper
Hummus With Our Unique Baked Pita Crisps & Tandoori Pita Sticks
Beef & Eggplant with Tomato Chutney in Marcouk Bread
Meatballs with Marinara & Asiago Cheese
Samosas with Spicy Coriander Dipping Sauce
Croque Monsieur
Triangles of batter dipped sandwiches filled with virginia ham, gruyere, tomato & pesto, also available in vegetarian style
Lime & Cilantro Marinated Swordfish with Chipotle Mayonnaise
Crab & Wasabi Salad in Fluted Cucumber Cups
Red Pepper & Jicama Vegetarian Quesadillas
Entertainment
The jazz band, "Pause for A Cause", graciously provided entertainment. Jazz performed with pizzazz and purpose. This is what has been happening since James Haywood, Albert Husband, and Reinaldo Negro got together in one room two years ago to play and decided to combine their 30 years of experience, talent, and low of jazz into a lively jazz ensemble. James Haywood (keyboard/saxophone), who writes and arranges his own music, has played for Wilson Pickett, Millie Jackson, Sir Charles Hughes, and others. Albert Husband (drums) played on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and behind artists such as Ink spots, Richard Clements, Stanley Banks, The Big Band Experience, and many others. Reinaldo Negron (conga, bongo, timbales) has played with several Latin bands in Puerto Rico and across the U.S.
International Buffet
Mediterranean Style Fruit and Cheese Board
Assorted Hard & Soft cheeses including Feta cheese, goat cheeses, marinated olives, flat breads, figs, dates, and seedless grapes
Thai Chicken Satay
Chicken cutlets grilled in our delicious Thai peanut sauce, skewered and served with fresh ginger, scallions & red pepper
Hummus With Our Unique Baked Pita Crisps & Tandoori Pita Sticks
Beef & Eggplant with Tomato Chutney in Marcouk Bread
Meatballs with Marinara & Asiago Cheese
Samosas with Spicy Coriander Dipping Sauce
Croque Monsieur
Triangles of batter dipped sandwiches filled with virginia ham, gruyere, tomato & pesto, also available in vegetarian style
Lime & Cilantro Marinated Swordfish with Chipotle Mayonnaise
Crab & Wasabi Salad in Fluted Cucumber Cups
Red Pepper & Jicama Vegetarian Quesadillas
Entertainment
The jazz band, "Pause for A Cause", graciously provided entertainment. Jazz performed with pizzazz and purpose. This is what has been happening since James Haywood, Albert Husband, and Reinaldo Negro got together in one room two years ago to play and decided to combine their 30 years of experience, talent, and low of jazz into a lively jazz ensemble. James Haywood (keyboard/saxophone), who writes and arranges his own music, has played for Wilson Pickett, Millie Jackson, Sir Charles Hughes, and others. Albert Husband (drums) played on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and behind artists such as Ink spots, Richard Clements, Stanley Banks, The Big Band Experience, and many others. Reinaldo Negron (conga, bongo, timbales) has played with several Latin bands in Puerto Rico and across the U.S.
Here is an overview of what each award means as well as the names, backgrounds, and accomplishments of the 4 recipients:
American Dream Award:
This award is presented to a foreign-born permanent resident or citizen of the United States who has achieved a record of distinction in his/her professional life. This award calls attention to the talent, energy, and creativity of newcomers to American society who have, through their unique contributions, strengthened our economy and enriched our civic and cultural life.
This award is presented to a foreign-born permanent resident or citizen of the United States who has achieved a record of distinction in his/her professional life. This award calls attention to the talent, energy, and creativity of newcomers to American society who have, through their unique contributions, strengthened our economy and enriched our civic and cultural life.
Ivan Ruiz, Recipient
Mr. Ruiz is epitomizes the concept of the "self-made man". Describing himself as, "one of those horses in Central Park- always looking forward", at the same time he is not blind to what is going on around him. His eagerness to learn, to do the job right, and his steadfast refusal to be discouraged or dissuaded from pursuing his dreams have brought him, at the tender age of 42, to an enviable place. He is a successful entrepreneur, an internationally recognized sommelier and a highly sought after consultant to the food and beverage industries. In other words, Ivan Ruiz is a long way down the road to his American Dream. Sent at the age of 17 to America after living a life of luxury in Columbia to distance himself from unsavory influences and to "straighten out" Ivan for the first time in his life, was required to get a job. Although his first job, in a factory, lasted no more than 2 hours, his next job, flipping burgers and mopping floors at a White Castle, led to the life changing decision to work hard and succeed when asked if he wanted to smell like a burger the rest of his life by a high school friend. In 1983 he was hired as a busboy at the Hunt Club restaurant in the Grand Summit Hotel in Summit, NJ where in only 6 years he rose to the rank of manager. Mr. Ruiz pays special homage to his mentor and good friend Marshall Weinerman whom he looks at like a father figure. 23 years later is was Mr. Weinerman who prompted Mr. Ruiz to buy Weinerman's retail wine business in Summit, while he also pursued a degree in hospitality management from Middlesex County College. His trademark manner: never take things personally, have helped him achieve a steady progression of growth opportunities, risks, rewards, and occasional encounters with prejudice. Today Mr. Ruiz is the owner of the Wine List of Summit, a superior wine retail store, established his credentials as a sommelier of the first order, serves as a consultant to fine restaurants both here and abroad, and teaches and speaks about wine in high profile situations. Living in Basking Ridge with his wife and two children, Ivan's eyes are turned towards the media now where he hopes to teach more people about wine, taking the snobbishness out of the word and to make the experience of wine drinking more fun and enjoyable for everyone.
Mr. Ruiz is epitomizes the concept of the "self-made man". Describing himself as, "one of those horses in Central Park- always looking forward", at the same time he is not blind to what is going on around him. His eagerness to learn, to do the job right, and his steadfast refusal to be discouraged or dissuaded from pursuing his dreams have brought him, at the tender age of 42, to an enviable place. He is a successful entrepreneur, an internationally recognized sommelier and a highly sought after consultant to the food and beverage industries. In other words, Ivan Ruiz is a long way down the road to his American Dream. Sent at the age of 17 to America after living a life of luxury in Columbia to distance himself from unsavory influences and to "straighten out" Ivan for the first time in his life, was required to get a job. Although his first job, in a factory, lasted no more than 2 hours, his next job, flipping burgers and mopping floors at a White Castle, led to the life changing decision to work hard and succeed when asked if he wanted to smell like a burger the rest of his life by a high school friend. In 1983 he was hired as a busboy at the Hunt Club restaurant in the Grand Summit Hotel in Summit, NJ where in only 6 years he rose to the rank of manager. Mr. Ruiz pays special homage to his mentor and good friend Marshall Weinerman whom he looks at like a father figure. 23 years later is was Mr. Weinerman who prompted Mr. Ruiz to buy Weinerman's retail wine business in Summit, while he also pursued a degree in hospitality management from Middlesex County College. His trademark manner: never take things personally, have helped him achieve a steady progression of growth opportunities, risks, rewards, and occasional encounters with prejudice. Today Mr. Ruiz is the owner of the Wine List of Summit, a superior wine retail store, established his credentials as a sommelier of the first order, serves as a consultant to fine restaurants both here and abroad, and teaches and speaks about wine in high profile situations. Living in Basking Ridge with his wife and two children, Ivan's eyes are turned towards the media now where he hopes to teach more people about wine, taking the snobbishness out of the word and to make the experience of wine drinking more fun and enjoyable for everyone.
Eugenie Mukeshimana, Recipient
Having been in the Untied States for 6 years with still so few material symbols of the American Dream to her name even modest ones, when asked if this troubles her Ms. Mukeshimana responds, "what I have you can't put a value on." Still unable to explain why she is alive today when nearly a million other Tutsis were killed in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Eugenie was separated from her husband soon after the violence began when she was 8 months pregnant. Seeking refuge hiding in a series of safe houses, under beds and in closets, Eugenie found herself taken care of by the woman of a prominent Hutu family who was actively and aggressively taking part in the killing of Tootsies everyday. Hiding in the mother's very own bedroom, Eugenie was given input into her wardrobe every day, allowed to braid her hair, and at the same time exposed to frequent phone calls discussing the killing sport in her presence. To this day Eugenie struggles to explain her survival and the moral vacuum she witnessed in that house, and while her own mother and brothers survived the genocide, her husband and sister have never been found. It is through this experience that Eugenie named her daughter Mystica Rose, and her sole goal in the aftermath of a country weakened and flooded with refugees and tears was to provide for her. For 7 years Eugenie used her high school accounting skills and her growing knowledge of English, which she taught herself, doors slowly began to open and Eugenie found her true calling in social work. Winning a full-funded scholarship to the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York in 2001 led to Eugenie and Mystica's migration to the United States, where her sponsors and hosts, Margie and Ken Skinner, have been her anchor and friends ever since. After graduating with a degree in social work, Eugenie became a Case Manager with the Interfaith Hospitality Network for the Homeless Families of Essex County. "So much has been given to me; I have an education, a job, friends, and most importantly, hope." says Eugenie who also looks for all ways to giveback, taking her own vacation time and not accepting any payments to come speak about ignorance, intolerance, and ethnic hatred. Often sharing the podium with other genocide survivors, on April 7, 2008 Eugenie even spoke at the United Nations headquarters to mark the 14th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide in the company of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. "I belong to two nations now, and I would love to bridge the gap between the two" she says.
Rachel Davis Dubois Humanitarian Award:
This award recognizes outstanding accomplishment in the field of human relations and is named for a pioneer in the field, Rachel Davis DuBois. This award is bestowed on an individual who has advanced the cause of intergroup understanding and cooperation consistent with the vision and principles of Rachel Davis DuBois, who born of an old stock Quaker family in Woodstown, NJ in 1892, spent a lifetime promoting respect for diversity and greater understanding among all people through her work in the public school system and later as Director of the Bureau for International Education and the Workshop for Cultural Democracy in New York City.
Having been in the Untied States for 6 years with still so few material symbols of the American Dream to her name even modest ones, when asked if this troubles her Ms. Mukeshimana responds, "what I have you can't put a value on." Still unable to explain why she is alive today when nearly a million other Tutsis were killed in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Eugenie was separated from her husband soon after the violence began when she was 8 months pregnant. Seeking refuge hiding in a series of safe houses, under beds and in closets, Eugenie found herself taken care of by the woman of a prominent Hutu family who was actively and aggressively taking part in the killing of Tootsies everyday. Hiding in the mother's very own bedroom, Eugenie was given input into her wardrobe every day, allowed to braid her hair, and at the same time exposed to frequent phone calls discussing the killing sport in her presence. To this day Eugenie struggles to explain her survival and the moral vacuum she witnessed in that house, and while her own mother and brothers survived the genocide, her husband and sister have never been found. It is through this experience that Eugenie named her daughter Mystica Rose, and her sole goal in the aftermath of a country weakened and flooded with refugees and tears was to provide for her. For 7 years Eugenie used her high school accounting skills and her growing knowledge of English, which she taught herself, doors slowly began to open and Eugenie found her true calling in social work. Winning a full-funded scholarship to the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York in 2001 led to Eugenie and Mystica's migration to the United States, where her sponsors and hosts, Margie and Ken Skinner, have been her anchor and friends ever since. After graduating with a degree in social work, Eugenie became a Case Manager with the Interfaith Hospitality Network for the Homeless Families of Essex County. "So much has been given to me; I have an education, a job, friends, and most importantly, hope." says Eugenie who also looks for all ways to giveback, taking her own vacation time and not accepting any payments to come speak about ignorance, intolerance, and ethnic hatred. Often sharing the podium with other genocide survivors, on April 7, 2008 Eugenie even spoke at the United Nations headquarters to mark the 14th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide in the company of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. "I belong to two nations now, and I would love to bridge the gap between the two" she says.
Rachel Davis Dubois Humanitarian Award:
This award recognizes outstanding accomplishment in the field of human relations and is named for a pioneer in the field, Rachel Davis DuBois. This award is bestowed on an individual who has advanced the cause of intergroup understanding and cooperation consistent with the vision and principles of Rachel Davis DuBois, who born of an old stock Quaker family in Woodstown, NJ in 1892, spent a lifetime promoting respect for diversity and greater understanding among all people through her work in the public school system and later as Director of the Bureau for International Education and the Workshop for Cultural Democracy in New York City.
Rev. Eugene P. Squeo, Recipient
The son of an immigrant mother and second generation immigrant father, both Italian, Rev. Eugene Squeo was born and raised in Jersey City, educated there, and has settled and found his life's work in this historic gateway city of immigration to enhance cooperation and understanding across such barriers as race, ethnicity, gender, and economic circumstances. Ordained in 1971, for the past 37 years Rev. Squeo has been deeply involved in immigrant life, serving as parish priest at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church where he serves a broad immigrant community including Hispanic, African, and Haitian communities. In 1995 out of concern for Haitians at home as well as for their welfare and unfair media treatment in the U.S. he helped form the Haiti Solidarity Network of the North East (HSNNE). He has been instrumental in establishing critical ties between the Catholic law school in Jeremie, Haiti and Seton Hall Law School. In 2005, after months of laboring to reconcile Muslim and Coptic Christian communities in northern New Jersey, Rev. Squeo together with other members of the Association fostered the signing of a pledge subscribed to by over 60 interfaith leaders to renounce hatred and committing the community to greater interfaith harmony. "One of my greatest concerns is that so many people, whatever their document status, are living in fear and subject to exploitation," says Rev. Squeo, who is also a graduate of St. Peter's College, Immaculate Conception Seminary and Seton Hall Law School. Rev. Squeo also works as counsel at the Jersey City law firm of Connell Foley and in 2004 he was honored by L'Ecole Superieure de Droit de Jeremie on the occasion of the law school's 10th anniversary. In 2006 he received the 2006 Humanitarian Award from the Hudson County Chapter of the NCCJ-NJ, and most recently, Rev. Squeo has accepted the 2007 Pax Christi NJ Dorothy Day Peacemaker of the Year Award.
American Dream Legacy Award:
This award is given to a successful individual, family, or company whose roots go back one or more generations to an immigrant ancestor who dreamed the American Dream and whose descendants have made the most of the opportunity that America held out to their immigrant ancestor. By conferring this award, the International Institute draws attention to the fact that America's strength and long-term economic prosperity owe an incalculable debt to the immigrant whose spirit and contribution extend and unfold in richness and reward for generations.
The son of an immigrant mother and second generation immigrant father, both Italian, Rev. Eugene Squeo was born and raised in Jersey City, educated there, and has settled and found his life's work in this historic gateway city of immigration to enhance cooperation and understanding across such barriers as race, ethnicity, gender, and economic circumstances. Ordained in 1971, for the past 37 years Rev. Squeo has been deeply involved in immigrant life, serving as parish priest at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church where he serves a broad immigrant community including Hispanic, African, and Haitian communities. In 1995 out of concern for Haitians at home as well as for their welfare and unfair media treatment in the U.S. he helped form the Haiti Solidarity Network of the North East (HSNNE). He has been instrumental in establishing critical ties between the Catholic law school in Jeremie, Haiti and Seton Hall Law School. In 2005, after months of laboring to reconcile Muslim and Coptic Christian communities in northern New Jersey, Rev. Squeo together with other members of the Association fostered the signing of a pledge subscribed to by over 60 interfaith leaders to renounce hatred and committing the community to greater interfaith harmony. "One of my greatest concerns is that so many people, whatever their document status, are living in fear and subject to exploitation," says Rev. Squeo, who is also a graduate of St. Peter's College, Immaculate Conception Seminary and Seton Hall Law School. Rev. Squeo also works as counsel at the Jersey City law firm of Connell Foley and in 2004 he was honored by L'Ecole Superieure de Droit de Jeremie on the occasion of the law school's 10th anniversary. In 2006 he received the 2006 Humanitarian Award from the Hudson County Chapter of the NCCJ-NJ, and most recently, Rev. Squeo has accepted the 2007 Pax Christi NJ Dorothy Day Peacemaker of the Year Award.
American Dream Legacy Award:
This award is given to a successful individual, family, or company whose roots go back one or more generations to an immigrant ancestor who dreamed the American Dream and whose descendants have made the most of the opportunity that America held out to their immigrant ancestor. By conferring this award, the International Institute draws attention to the fact that America's strength and long-term economic prosperity owe an incalculable debt to the immigrant whose spirit and contribution extend and unfold in richness and reward for generations.
Anisa Mehdi, Recipient
This accomplished American-born daughter of an Iraqi-born father claims to be unable to emerge from his successful shadow. The daughter of Dr. Mohammed T. Mehdi, Anisa Mehdi is an Emmy-award winning journalist, a prolific writer and producer of thought-provoking TV news and documentaries and, perhaps, most importantly, a contemporary female Muslim American voice of reason and hope during a time of great discord. . Mohammed T. Mehdi (1928-1998) is often called the "father of the Arab movement in America." Few would argue that he was the first authentic Arab American and Muslim American voice to be heard in 20th century America, fearlessly calling attention to the root causes of turmoil in the Middle East and asking that inequalities and injustices be addressed. In 1949 Dr. Mehdi won a scholarship to the University of Berkeley in California where he emerged 12 years later with three degrees including a PhD in political science with a concentration in America constitutional law, after which he spent the remaining years of his life engaging in political activism, founding various committees such as the Action Committee on American Arab Relations. Carrying on the gift of such a legacy, Anisa Mehdi has for the past 20 years written, directed, and produced award-winning news reports and documentaries, many of them tackling the difficult subjects of Muslim stereotyping and mutual ignorance on all sides. Her works include National Geographic's "Inside Mecca," PBS's Frontline special "Muslims" and an ABC News Nightline series called "Muslim Voices." She is also a contributor to National Public Radio and PBS's weekly programs. "I was deeply inspired and influenced by my Dad," she says saying she specifically entered journalism to combat the one-sided reporting in American Media. Anisa lives in Maplewood, New Jersey with her husband and two daughters where she volunteers with the Livingston Symphony Orchestra and serves as a Trustee of the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. She has a BA in Spanish language and literature from Wellesley College and an MS in journalism from Columbia University.
This accomplished American-born daughter of an Iraqi-born father claims to be unable to emerge from his successful shadow. The daughter of Dr. Mohammed T. Mehdi, Anisa Mehdi is an Emmy-award winning journalist, a prolific writer and producer of thought-provoking TV news and documentaries and, perhaps, most importantly, a contemporary female Muslim American voice of reason and hope during a time of great discord. . Mohammed T. Mehdi (1928-1998) is often called the "father of the Arab movement in America." Few would argue that he was the first authentic Arab American and Muslim American voice to be heard in 20th century America, fearlessly calling attention to the root causes of turmoil in the Middle East and asking that inequalities and injustices be addressed. In 1949 Dr. Mehdi won a scholarship to the University of Berkeley in California where he emerged 12 years later with three degrees including a PhD in political science with a concentration in America constitutional law, after which he spent the remaining years of his life engaging in political activism, founding various committees such as the Action Committee on American Arab Relations. Carrying on the gift of such a legacy, Anisa Mehdi has for the past 20 years written, directed, and produced award-winning news reports and documentaries, many of them tackling the difficult subjects of Muslim stereotyping and mutual ignorance on all sides. Her works include National Geographic's "Inside Mecca," PBS's Frontline special "Muslims" and an ABC News Nightline series called "Muslim Voices." She is also a contributor to National Public Radio and PBS's weekly programs. "I was deeply inspired and influenced by my Dad," she says saying she specifically entered journalism to combat the one-sided reporting in American Media. Anisa lives in Maplewood, New Jersey with her husband and two daughters where she volunteers with the Livingston Symphony Orchestra and serves as a Trustee of the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. She has a BA in Spanish language and literature from Wellesley College and an MS in journalism from Columbia University.
All the reward recipients pictured: 
A very special thanks goes out to the American Dream 2008 Event Committee:
Catherine Tansey and Yolisse Carattini, Co-chairs
Peter Alexander * Julie Castner * Albert Nguidjol * Ed Reuter * Jacqueline Simon Robin Shitely
