Westporter named President of American Institute for Foreign Study
American Institute for Foreign StudyThe American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), one of the oldest and largest cultural exchange organizations in the world, has just named its new President, John A. (Jack) Burg. Currently the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of AIFS, Mr. Burg will succeed William L. Gertz as President, effective January 1, 2022.
Mr. Burg began his career at AIFS in 1998 as Assistant VP of Finance. He became CFO in 2005 and in 2013, his role was expanded to Chief Operating Officer (COO).
“AIFS has been a cornerstone of cultural exchange and international education for 57 years,” states Mr. Burg, a Westport, Connecticut resident. “We truly make a difference in the lives of young people and families around the globe. I am honored to continue our mission of bringing the world together.”
Mr. Gertz adds: “Jack has been a tremendous asset to our organization for over two decades. Despite the recent challenges of the pandemic, Jack’s efforts were critical to moving AIFS forward toward a bright and successful future.”
As Mr. Burg takes on the role of President of AIFS, Mr. Gertz, who has fulfilled the role since 2005, will continue as Chairman for an additional 5 years. Mr. Gertz became Chairman following the passing of AIFS Founder, Sir Cyril Taylor in 2018.
AIFS has been a leading organization providing cultural exchange and educational opportunities for more than 1.6 million people since 1964. These opportunities include high school exchange programs through Academic Year in America; college study abroad and internship programs through AIFS Abroad and Global Experiences; high school educational travel through American Council of International Studies; au pair placement through Au Pair in America; insurance services through Cultural Insurance Services International; and camp counselor staffing through Camp America. Headquartered in Stamford, AIFS ranks as one of the top 10 places to work in Connecticut by Workplace Dynamics and Hearst Newspapers.
For information on AIFS, contact Mike Liberty at (203) 399-5187 or by email at mliberty@aifs.com
John Stahursky, 86, Dies; Staples Class of 1953, Former Slez Garage Mechanic
ObituaryJohn E. Stahursky, age 86, a lifelong resident of Westport, died Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Fairfield County House in Stamford. He was the son of the late Bronislaw and Sophie Stahursky.
John graduated from Staples High School in 1953 and retired as a mechanic from Slez Garage in Westport. He loved gardening and farming, and volunteered for many years maintaining the lawns, and planting and maintaining the flower gardens at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fairfield. John also grew from seed, then donated, countless plants to the parish for sale at their annual picnic.
He was the recipient of the St. Augustine Medal from the Diocese of Bridgeport. John enjoyed restoring Model A Fords, which could be seen participating in the Memorial Day parades in Westport.
He will be remembered as a hard working man, always ready with a smile and happy to help others in need.
Survivors include his loving siblings, Bernard J. Stahursky of Westport, Wanda Ornousky of Norwalk and Bertha Matis of Westport, as well as many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents John was predeceased by sisters, Jean Kral, Helen Rutski and Sophie E. Stahursky, and brothers, Joe, Frank and Steve Stahursky. Friends are invited to attend the funeral on Monday at 9:15 a.m. from the FAIRFIELD FUNERAL HOME of EDMUND W. DOUGIELLO, 36 South Pine Creek Road and at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Church with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in Assumption Cemetery in Westport. Friends may call on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's memory to St. Anthony Parish, 149 South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 or Fairfield County House, 1 Den Road, Stamford, CT 06902.
Morning Weather Report
Today
A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 79. Southeast wind 8 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tonight
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 64. Southeast wind 10 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tomorrow
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, then a chance of showers. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 73. South wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tomorrow Night
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Light and variable wind.