Lithuanian Foundation Annual Members’ Meeting

The 52nd Lithuanian Foundation Annual Members’ meeting took place on May 2nd at the Lithuanian World Center in Lemont, IL. Following the singing of the Lithuanian national anthem by the Lemont (IL) Maironis Lithuanian School‘s 4th grade class, work got underway. Father Algis Baniulis, SJ read the invocation, during which there was a moment of silence to honor all of the deceased LF members. A candle was lit by Marija Remys, a member of the LF honorary committee. The welcoming speech was given by Zygimantas Pavilionis, the Lithuanian ambassador to the United States and Mexico and the Lithuanian American Community‘s President, Sigita Simkuviene.

Zygimantas Pavilionis, the Lithuanian ambassador to the United States and Mexico, giving the welcoming speech. (Photo credit: Tauras Bublys).

Sigita Simkuviene, the Lithuanian American Community‘s President, giving the welcoming speech. (Photo credit: Tauras Bublys).

Participants of the meeting. (Photo credit: Tauras Bublys).

Welcoming the assembled members, LF Chairman, Marius Kasniunas stressed that one of the main objectives of the Lithuanian Foundation is to preserve the Lithuanian culture. He noted that by simply electing 15 committee members, although a good thing, is not enough to get work done. In order for things to run smoothly, not only the board, but all LF members need to work unanimously. M. Kasniunas encouraged the assembly to invite all friends, acquaintances, people to whom the Lithuanian culture is important, to become members of the Lithuanian Foundation. He thanked the assembly for all of their trust and support, over his past three years as Chairman, and said: „Our future generations depend on us to leave, not only a strong organization, but also an enthusiasm for the Lithuanian identity.“ No wonder that the Lithuanian Foundation‘s logo is a „flame“. All reports were read by LF Committee Chairmen. During the meeting, from 6 candidates running for the LF Board, 5 new members were chosen for a 3 year term: Rimantas Griskelis, Audrone Pavlicius-Karalius, Marius Kasniunas, Ruta Kulbis, and Antanas Razma, Jr. Out of 4 candidates running for the LF Audit Committee, 3 members were chosen for a 1 year term: Rimas Kapacinskas, Dana Rugienius, and Ruta Stropus.  The LF Board meeting was held after the member’s meeting. Saulius Cyvas was elected as the new LF Chairman of the Board, and Marius Kasniunas was elected as LF President and CEO.

Lithuanian Foundation Board of Directors (from left): Dalius Vasys, Sarunas Griganavicius, Rimantas Griskelis, Vytautas Narutis, Agne Vertelkaite, Arvydas Tamulis, Audrone Karalius, Marius Kasniunas, Ruta Kulbis, Saulius Cyvas, Juozas Kapacinskas, Donatas Siliunas. Not pictured: Antanas Razma, Jr., Rita Kisielius). (LF archive photo).

Newly elected LF Chairman of the Board, Saulius Cyvas and newly elected LF President and CEO, Marius Kasniunas. (Photo credit: Tauras Bublys).

LF information