About Serendipity Russia.

Dr. Ronald R. Pope, President
Serendipity-Russia
1403 Kingsridge Drive
Normal, IL 61761-2860
Email

ABOUT US

"Never doubt that a small
group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing
that ever has."
Margaret Mead

Ron and Susan Pope operate Serendipity in Normal, Illinois (one of Vladimir's American Sister Cities). In Vladimir, we have more than a dozen dedicated Russian staff, led by Alexei and Galya Altonen, and eight full time American teachers in our English program. We are also extremely fortunate to have a number of volunteers assisting us in both Russia and the States.

Without the tremendous support we've received over the years, beginning with the American volunteers who built the American Home from largely donated materials, we could never have accomplished so much.

Articles
Dr. Pope's Resume
Statements of Support

Alexei & Galya Altonen
Alexei is Director of Special Projects
Galya is Executive Director of the
American Home and
Director of our English & Culture
Program in Vladimir, Russia

Ron & Susan Pope
Ron is Founder & President
Susan is Vice President & Webmaster
Serendipity-Russia
Normal, IL

Visitors to the American Home who are familiar with other foreign projects in Russia regularly comment on how remarkable it is that we have managed to stay in operation since 1992 and have found ways to get so much done. One visitor noted that we had accomplished more with our limited resources than many well funded projects.

SOME COMMENTS

"We were new to the concept of the American Home. Its reputation and accomplishments were amazing to us. We know that if our recommendations [regarding tourism development] become reality, it will be due not only to the desire of the city officials to make changes, but to the hard work of the American Home staff and the AH's fine reputation and what it means to the people of Vladimir. That relationship has to be one of the most successful that any American organization has developed in Russia, and we marvel at the commitment of the people who have worked so hard and remain committed to its success." Karen Hasara, former mayor of Springfield, Illinois and a member of the "Tourism Development Team"

"The American Home in Vladimir is an exciting, vibrant bridge to Russian citizens...." Marilyn Kennedy, fall 2005 tour group member

Our success rests on the shoulders of the excellent AH staff, the teachers in our English program, and the American specialists--in tourism, music, recreation, and other areas--who have volunteered their time and expertise to specific projects.

Statements of Support:

Letter from Gus Wilhelmy, retired businessman and founder of a large Chicago-based nonprofit.
Letter from M. Holt Ruffin, former Executive Director of the Center for Civil Society International
Essay by Norm Manzer, an active participant in efforts to aid orphans in the Vladimir region