Webster Geneva Staff and Faculty Attend US Embassy Independence Day Celebration

At Webster Geneva’s Independence Day Celebration, from left to right: Mariana Alba, Heidi Amores, Mark Hatton, Julianna Sandholm-Bark, Laura Guffey, Héloïse Sauty de Chalon Baldini, and Joanna Witwicka.

On July 6, Webster Geneva faculty and staff attended the U.S. Embassy's Independence Day event at the U.S. Permanent Mission in Geneva, hosted by Ambassadors Bathsheba Crocker, Maria Pagán, Michèle Taylor, and Bruce Turner. Webster representatives came together with diplomats, local officials, and other guests to commemorate the American holiday.  
 
The Independence Day celebration was themed, “On the Boardwalk at U.S. Mission Geneva.” Décor and event materials reflected the style of iconic American boardwalks - including food trucks, carnival games, a photobooth, and more.  
 
Festivities began with a vocal performance of the U.S. national anthem, along with a Presentation of the Colors ceremony by the Marine Security Guard Detachment of Geneva. Ambassador Crocker gave a speech about the symbolism of Independence Day. Tying in with the event theme of iconic American boardwalks, Ambassador Crocker emphasized the need to protect our oceans and coastal ecosystem resources. She went on to thank the event sponsors, including Webster University Geneva.   
 
Live music by the R’Cats Rockabilly band continued for the rest of the event. Attendees mingled while enjoying American barbecue favorites such as hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, french fries, sliced watermelon, ice cream, and brownies. The U.S. ambassadors enjoyed the fun too, meeting and exchanging dialogue with guests. The event served as a platform for fostering connections, promoting cultural exchange, and celebrating the shared values of freedom and collaboration. 
 

Héloïse Sauty de Chalon Baldini, director of external relations at the Webster Geneva campus, extended gratitude for the invitation.  
 
“Collaborations such as this event not only enhance the university's reputation but also strengthen the bonds between Webster and the wider international community. Webster University Geneva extends its sincerest appreciation to the U.S. Embassy for the invitation to this event.” 
 
The Webster community looks forward to continued engagement and collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and other partners in the region.