November 22, 2002 - Project Harmony, Kaliningrad City Administration and over 30 USG exchange program alumni gathered to celebrate the opening of the 75th IATP center in the Russian Federation at Kaliningrad’s Central City Library named in honor of Chekhov. During the opening, Tatiana Morozova, Vice-Mayor/Social Services Chairperson and David Koenig, IATP Director cut a red ribbon celebrating the 50th city connected to the IATP network.

Thirty-one USG alumni logged onto the Internet moments after the ribbon cutting ceremony ended and twenty-two alumni signed up for web-design and Internet marketing classes that will begin on November 28, 2002. Alumni represented six USG exchange programs: Excellence in Teaching (2), International Visitors (1), Junior Faculty Development Program (1), FSA Secondary School Exchange Program (FLEX and/or “Bradley”) (3), Citizens Exchange (4), Open World (20).

Three television stations documented the opening and broadcasted highlights during nightly news reports and numerous promotions appeared in newspapers and on the radio. Kaliningrad’s excitement for the IATP center opening was well documented and will propel the center forward in its outreach efforts to USG alumni and other citizens.

Kaliningrad boasts an intriguing history city spanning cultures, languages and architecture. The region became part of Russian after World War II and today is markedly different from other regions. Separated from Russia by two other countries, Byelorussia and Lithuania, Kaliningrad often feels like an island isolated from the mainland. The opening of the IATP center will give local citizens a chance to overcome this isolation by providing ready access to information, numerous training opportunities and a forum to promote the regions character tics to other nations.

The Library and City administration made excellent renovation provided high quality computer furniture and air conditioner. Project Harmony provided up-to-date computers with LCD monitors, LCD digital projector and other peripherals. Now alumni have a very modern Internet center to work in.

Library staff proofed us that they are team, can find alumni and willing to work with them in IATP, that is the key point to successful results.