Grand Rapids Sister Cities International

Our committee works hard to bring interesting and engaging programs to the citizens of Grand Rapids. On going program include:

The Angela Ryan/UNISTRA Scholarships

Founded by the Perugia Committee and the Universită per Stranieri in Perugia, two scholarships are awarded annually to Grand Rapids area college students. Students spend one month studying the Italian language and culture. The scholarships consist of a $2,000 cash award to assist with airfare and living expenses. The scholarship also includes one month of tuition at the Universită, world famous for teaching Italian language and culture. Recipients of the scholarship have described the experience as “life-changing.” It has offered them the opportunity not only to immerse themselves in Italian language, history and life-style, but also to travel in Italy and make friends with other students from around the world.

2009 Recipients: Amy Provenzola and Quinn Harris

Applicants for the scholarship must complete an application, two letters of recommendation and an essay. Each year, the call for applicants begin in January. The deadline for submission is March 1. Email grsistercities@gmail.com to request an application.

The Thornapple Elementary School and the Perugia Montessori School Pen Pal Program

Begun in 2007 with groups of third graders in each of the cities, this program has continued to grow…along with the participants who are now entering sixth grade. Letters and photographs are exchanged during the school year detailing activities and introducing the children on both sides of the Atlantic to simple words in the language of their friends. Visitors in Perugia should not be surprised to see children wearing Thornapple baseball caps and their pen pals here in Grand Rapids sporting griffin (the official symbol of Perugia) pins…concrete evidence that the world is, indeed, flat!

The Mayors of both cities have visited the schools, answering questions from the children about their respective countries and lifestyles. In 2008, thanks to a tech-savvy Italian dad and a similarly talented Thornapple staff member, the children came face-to-face and exchanged personal greetings via a web cam connection.

Perugia Sister City Market

In June, the city of Perugia invites its Sister Cities from around the world to participate in a market devoted to the promotion and sale of products from their respective areas. Our volunteers staff a booth at the market located in the historic center of Perugia. Over 50,000 visitors from Perugia and many European cities attend this International Marketplace. Products offered for sale include dried fruits and nuts from the Ferris Coffee and Nut Company and buttery caramel corn, a special favorite of our Italian customers, from Savory Foods. Sandmann’s Barbecue has established a name for itself with its barbecued pork ribs. In addition to showcasing these local products, the Market offers an exceptional opportunity to interface with people from many other countries and to promote the industries of Grand Rapids and the city as a tourist destination.

“You really experience the similarities between people around the world during trips to Perugia. There are common desires for a high quality education, job opportunities, safe environments for our children and loving families. The marketplace allows you the chance to feel this first-hand. This brings me back year after year”—Rina Sala Baker

Promoting the Italian Language and Culture

Volunteers of the Perugia Committee facilitate monthly meetings of Club Italia for the promotion of our sister city language and culture. The Club meets the second Monday each month, 7:00pm, at Schuller’s Bookstore on 28th Street, SE, Grand Rapids. For more information, email grsistercities@gmail.com.