NORAM Yearbook 2014

YEARBOOK 2014 WITH ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Norge-Amerika Foreningen The Norway-America Association Since 1919

ww.conocophillips.no

ned Gray arrows

Interaction is our strength

More than forty years ago, Norway’s first oil production began – from the Ekofisk field.

So far, around 2,000 billion Norwegian kroner’s worth of value creation has been generated from this and other fields in the Greater Ekofisk Area. Now we are investing in further development of these fields – and preparing for the next 40 years.

Looking ahead – and looking northwards. We have ambitions of growth on the Norwegian continental shelf and to remain a key player.

www.conocophillips.com

CONTENTS Honor Roll of Donors

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Our supporters and Donors

A Bright Year, With Bigger Ambitions

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The President’s thoughts on the year

Ragnhild Galtung – Building Bridges for 39 Years

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NORAM’s former Secretary General shares her wisdom

■ Student stories

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Read what our scholarship recipients say about their experience abroad

Annual Report 2013

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The Board’s report on last year’s activities and accomplishments

Financial Statement 2013

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A full overview of all the funds administered by NORAM

Auditor’s Report

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A message from NORAM’s auditor

95th Anniversary – a timeline with NORAM

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NORAM’s history through some fast facts

■ ■ ■ Scholarship Recipients

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The complete list of last year’s awards and recipients

Thanks To Scandinavia turned 50 years

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History and acknowledgements

The Norway-America Association 2013

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Mission

The Norway-America Association works to strengthen the ties between Norway and North America through higher education and culture. NORAM’s goal is to collect sufficient funds so that more Norwegians and Americans may have the opportunity to study or pursue research in North America or Norway, and to have access to an extensive Norwegian-American network.

The Norway-America Association ■ Norge-Amerika Foreningen Yearbook 2014 With Annual Report 2013 CONTRIBUTORS TO THE ANNUAL REPORT Hanne K. Aaberg Liv Elin Hjelmeland Maria Vang Ormhaug Ingrid Margrete Hillestad Ragnhild Galtung Elizabeth Calkins Jørgen Gvein Mari Strømsvåg

CONTACT US/PUBLISHER The Norway-America Association, Rådhusgaten 23 B, NO-0158 Oslo, Norway Tel: +47 23 35 71 60, info@noram.no Org.nr: NO 940 469 643 Twitter: @NorgeAmerika Facebook: www.facebook.com/ NorwayAmericaAssociation

DESIGN Gisle Lyng-Vagstein, DeTuria Design PRINT One to One AS COVER PHOTO A ”thank you” photo submitted by Pernille Rivedal Hellevik to NORAM’s members and sponsors

The Norway-America Association Honor Roll of Donors The Norway-America Association is grateful to the individuals, corporations, and foundations that have generously supported our work in the past year.

The Halvorsen Family Foundation Leif Høegh Stiftelse Awilhelmsen Conoco Phillips DNV GL Ferd Jotun OBOS Pareto The Per and Astrid Heidenreich Family Foundation

Aker Philadelphia Shipyard BDO Cappelen Holding DNB Eiendomsspar Exxon Mobil FSN HATHON Eiendom HCA Melbye Q-Free Selvaag Strømstangen TGS-NOPEC

Thank you for your support!

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© Gettyimages/Gary S Chapman

NAVIGATING COMPLEXITY DNV GL is the world’s leading classification society and a recognised advisor for the maritime industry. We provide consistent, integrated services relating to technical and marine assurance as well as advisory, risk management and offshore classification services to enable safe, reliable and enhanced performance in projects and operations. Together with our partners, we drive the industry forward by developing best practices and standards. Our people combine industry expertise, multidisciplinary skills and innovation to solve challenges for our customers – allowing them to navigate in a complex business environment.

DNV GL global services: Classification • Verification • Technology and innovation • Operational performance • Environmental performance • Safety and risk control

SAFER, SMARTER, GREENER

www.dnvgl.com

PHOTO SØLVE SUNDBØ, DET KONGELIGE HOFF

Patron of the Norway-America Association His Majesty King Harald V 6

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A Bright Year, With Bigger Ambitions AS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, WITH NO PUBLIC FUNDING, NORAM’s sponsors and members are very important to us, and every contribution makes a big impact. The board’s main focus in 2013 was to strengthen NORAM’s economy, and together with the administration, we managed to sign on new long term sponsors and ensure continued funding from previous sponsors and supporters. A complete overview of who they are can be found in this yearbook. Without their generous support, 63 students and professionals would not have received funding and support in order to continue their academic and professional careers.

2013 WAS ALSO A YEAR WHEN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS going to the US continued to increase and the quality of students applying for scholarship was high. This is a development that we are very happy about, and we will further contribute to this trend by providing quality guidance and awarding more scholarships. It feels very meaningful to help fund these remarkable scholars who are academically excellent and have a great future ahead of them.

NORAM IS A WELL-ESTABLISHED ORGANIZATION and as we are celebrating our 95th anniversary this year, we have undergone some structural changes to increase our efficiency and to modernize. One of our big initiatives last year was to merge the 11 individual scholarship foundations into one large foundation. The board and the administration are thankful to all contributors in this process. A special thanks goes to The Gaming and Foundation Authority (Lotteri- og Stiftelsestilsynet) who gave us invaluable advice and support in the initial phase of the merger process, the involved sponsors and the founders of the scholarships that contributed to a more cost-effective, student friendly and modern NORAM by helping us in this merging process.

For the Norway-America Association

Liv Elin Hjelmeland President

AFTER ALMOST FIVE YEARS AS DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS, Tove Lain Knudsen left NORAM in October 2013 for a new position in the public sector. We thank her for her dedication to NORAM and the students. Mari Strømsvåg took over the position in November.

She has studied in the US at a NORAM partner school, and she earned a master degree in France and China. Throughout her time as a student, she was involved with Association of Norwegian Students Abroad (ANSA), which is an important partner for NORAM. Mari is devoted to continue the positive development in NORAM, and has already made her mark on the organization.

TO ALL STUDENTS, GOOD LUCK THIS YEAR. May you have the best time possible and make the most out of the time that you have abroad.

Gain experience, learn things you wouldn’t have learnt at home and form friendships that last a lifetime. For those of you who have completed your stay in Norway or in the US, we hope that your education and experience abroad will open doors for you and give you interesting job opportunities.

Finally, I encourage all of you to be good ambassadors of studying abroad.

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Ragnhild Galtung was Secretary General of The Norway-America Association 1958-1996. For nearly four decades she worked persistently to enable Norwegian students to study in the United States, as well as offer American students scholarship opportunities in Norway. In 1988, she was awarded The St. Olav Medal for her dedicated work for Norwegian-American relations. In the same year, she was elected an Honorary Member of The Norway-America Association.

BUILDING BRIDGES FOR 39 YEARS text maria vang ormhaug

membership meetings and events. America was exotic, and people didn’t have much information on hand. She wrote an informal booklet about studying and travelling in the US, with a lot of practical information.

Ragnhild Galtung has received several awards from universities in the Midwest including Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where the Summer Institute for STILL RELEVANT Scandinavian Teachers was started in 1963. She Ragnhild Galtung emphasizes the advantages of recruited a total of 548 teachers from different parts of studying in the United States. ”Norway is a small Norway and the course is still held annually. country and the United States is When asked to mention the highlight of her time at The ”I always had the yearbook very powerful. The education level is very good and it is a lifetime Norway-America Association and my business card in one experience to live there. There she says ”it must be that the is a wide variety of schools so I scholarship funds were increased hand and the other hand would think that everyone should from two funds valued at approx ready to greet” find a school that is suitable NOK 280.000 to thirteen funds for them. There are educational valued at more than NOK 13 benefits as well as personal ones. You become more million when I retired. And I will add, the inspiration of open and worldlier by living abroad.” She looks back working with many busy, involved people who set aside and remember the students being a little anxious before their free time to support the Association.” they left for their studies. ”When they got back, they were totally won over and convinced it was the right AMERICAN CONNECTION decision.”

– What was your biggest challenge? ”It was keeping the office together, and at the same time After her retirement from The Norway-America Association, Galtung has among other projects keeping the economy rising. We had to grow, to keep edited The Army of Truth: Selected Poems by Henrik up with the expenses.” As for tips to the fundraising, Wergeland. The book is published by The University of which is a continuous work of The Norway-America Wisconsin Press and is available from Amazon.com.

Association today, she stresses the importance of good Currently Ragnhild Galtung is on the board for preparation and efficiency, ”I always had the yearbook Thanks To Scandinavia, an educational fund honoring and my business card in one hand and tried to be brief the rescue of Jews in the Scandinavian countries during and to the point. I also had very good contacts in the World War II which celebrated their 50 year anniversary United States because I spent so much time there, and last year. ■ these contacts were invaluable as introductions.”

During her time in the Association, there were also

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RAGNHILD GALTUNG ■ Born October 16, 1929 ■ Studied at London University ■ 1958-1996 – Secretary General of The Norway-America Association ■ 1988 - awarded the St. Olav Medal ■ 1998 - became Honorary Member of the Norway-America Association ■ From 1963 she has been very engaged in the work of Thanks to Scandinavia ■ She has published several informal booklets about studying in the US, as well as The Norway-America Association 75 years (1994) and The Army of Truth: Selected Poems by Henrik Wergeland (2003)

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REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

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This is Ferd Ferd is a privately owned Norwegian industrial and financial group.

We manage our active long-term ownership of Norwegian companies with international potential, and we carry out financial activities through investments in a broad range of asset classes.

BUSINESS AREAS: • • • • • •

www.ferd.no Ferd – Strandveien 50, P.O. Box 34, 1324 Lysaker Tel: +47 6710 8000 Fax: +47 6710 8002 12

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Ferd Ferd Ferd Ferd Ferd Ferd

Capital Invest Hedge Fund Special Investments Real Estate Social Entrepreneurs

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Reports from the Field Anyone who has ever lived abroad knows that there is so much more to it than what you learn from studying or working. It could be the small things or it could be the bigger lines, but everyone has one thing in common when they come back.

They all have a greater understanding of the country they have been in, and some will even have a greater understanding of the country they are from.

Perspectives, beliefs, and maybe even values have changed or been reinforced, and it is all a part of the great experience of living abroad. Every year we ask our students to reflect on their time in Norway or the US and

Morten Forland

use

Scolarship Norway Ho Foundation Level MFA

n

Field Film Productio University Loyola

ty

Marymount Universi

MY FILMMAKING CAREER started when I was 12, and ever since I’ve dreamed of directing movies.

Naturally, I was pretty excited when I was accepted to the Graduate Film Production program at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles in 2012.

I was headed to the home of the film industry in the western hemisphere to learn from the best. When I first

send us a report about their time, their studies and how they experienced a new country. We hope you will enjoy these short excerpts of some of the reports that we have received.

got to LA and LMU I must admit it was scary. After a momentarily freak-out I pulled it together and after the first few weeks of school I immediately felt that this was the place for me. Being so close to Hollywood has also enabled me to sit in on talks with some of the industry’s most prominent directors, writers and producers such as Ang Lee (Life of Pi). Norwegians are very lucky to have support for our education through the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund, and great organizations like NORAM who make it possible for us to focus on school when we are abroad and get the most out of our international adventure. For future students who are wondering if they should take parts or all of their degrees abroad I say; go for it. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience, and for me living and studying film in Los Angeles helped me grow as both a filmmaker and a person. It has definitely widened my horizon both in terms of perspective on life and in the sense that I now know people from around the world. ■

For future students who are wondering if they should take parts or all of their degrees abroad I say; Go for it!

Morten Forland

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REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Karen Hübert

Scolarship DNB ASA Fellowship Fund Level MBA

nistration Field Business Admi University Columbia University

I WAS BORN and raised just outside Oslo, and had lived there my entire life. The transition to the metropolis of New York last fall was enormous. Americans are very open, interested and talkative. They have shown

great interest in my Norwegian background. Columbia Business School’s new slogan is “At the very center of...” and they complete it with business, community, culture, people, public sector, and so on – and it’s all true. We have guest lecturers from leading institutions taking a five minute ride to come speak with us, and this makes me feel fortunate. The program and the MBA program have by far exceeded my expectations.

Right now, I’m enrolled in classes such as Marketing of an American President, Game Theory, and Education Leadership, which is tightly aligned with my interest in educational policy. My advice to people considering studying in the US: don’t be scared by the comprehensive application process, it’s really not that bad when you decide to go for it, and it’s worth every thoughtful word in any essay when you are finally here. ■

Merete Søberg

Scolarship Ragnhild

Marie Løkens Utdannelsefon d

Level MA

Field Psychology University Universi at San Antonio

ty of Texas

I ARRIVED IN San Antonio, Texas in August 2013, ready to start my Master’s degree in psychological sciences at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

I had spent the summer in Norway, so the transition to the southern Texas heat in late August was quite a challenge. They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and in my experience, this is true. But with a bigger university come more options and opportunities, and

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this was one of my criteria for picking a university for my Master’s degree. There are plenty of both academic and extra-curricular activities outside of class to partake in here, and taking advantage of these has really helped me grow. My in-class experience has also been very good, and I am very pleased with the professors at UTSA. We are always being encouraged to apply the material we learn to real-world settings, which is very important to me as a student. I find that my stay here at UTSA, which was made possible by NORAM, is preparing me for where I want to go with my life – both professionally and as a person. Thank you, NORAM! ■

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Pernille Hellevik

E. & G. Scolarship Andrew nd Norman Wigeland Fu Level MFA

Field Directing and Screenwriting University Columbia University

WHEN I LEFT for New York to study at Columbia University, I had high expectations, both for how it would be to live in the United States, and for the film school I was attending. I never had any doubts

about going here. My classes are simply amazing, and I feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity to get to know all this talent. There are people from all over the world; the US, Lebanon, Chile, China, Croatia, Germany, England, South Africa, everywhere! When studying film, this is particularly valuable. I have learned almost as much from my peers as from my professors. This year, I have taken classes in directing, screenwriting and TVwriting. I have to admit it is an overwhelming amount of work, and sometimes I feel like it is too much but I know this will be very useful later in my career. My advice for anyone who consider studying abroad is to do it! It has been a wonderful experience for me. I would not have been able to support myself financially without the generous help of NORAM. ■

I urge all who are considering studying in the US to seize on the wonderful opportunity offered by the Norway-America Association. Thank you, NORAM! Eirik Torsvoll

Eirik Torsvoll Scolarship Thanks to Scandinavia, Inc’s Cash Grant Level MA Field International Affairs University Tufts University

IF I WERE to try to summarize what I feel about my stay in the United States in a single sentence it would have to be “I am just really glad to be here”. Every day I feel a deep appreciation for having the opportunity to study at a place where I can pursue my intellectual curiosities to the fullest, constantly be challenged by my professors

and peers, develop my professional skills, mature as a person, as well as build everlasting friendships. Before I embarked on my journey to the United States a friend asked me whether I thought I would become American during my stay. I have actually experienced the opposite: I have become more Norwegian. Or, I have at least found a greater understanding of what it means to be Norwegian. Being in a very small national minority at Tufts, I am regularly called upon to provide a Norwegian perspective on issues. All in all, graduate studies in the United States have been immensely rewarding. I urge all who are considering studying in the US to seize on the wonderful opportunity offered by the Norway-America Association. Thank you, NORAM! ■

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REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Celine Kleivdal

Scolarship Undergraduate Scholarship Program Level Undergraduate Field Business

University Pacific Lutheran University

I AM TAKING my bachelor degree in Business Administration just outside Seattle at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). When it comes to making new American friends there are no obstacles. Americans

are friendly and most of them love Norwegians. When you say that you are from Norway, many say, “oh, I am Norwegian” or “I have family from Norway.” And when you ask them if they can speak Norwegian the answer is usually no. Among all the Americans there are a lot of Norwegian students at PLU. In October 2013, five other students and I initiated “Association of Norwegian Students Abroad (ANSA) Washington”. We wanted to establish a local organization within ANSA who could organize social activities for Norwegian students in Washington in order to create a closer student community. I do not regret moving to the States at all. It is probably the best decision I have made in my life so far. ■

Yes, it’s an intense time, and the workload often feels too heavy. I would lie if I told you it wasn’t challenging— there are only a handful of us in class, thus no place to hide: you have to come prepared.

And you have to speak, give your opinion, your thoughts.

But that’s what you’re there for, right?

Ellen Sofie Lauritzen

Ellen Sofie Lauritzen Scolarship Andrew E. & G. Norman Wigeland Fund Level MA Field Journalism University New York University

WHEN I ARRIVED in NYC, I was both nervous and excited. I remember driving over Manhattan Bridge to my Brooklyn apartment, seeing the colossal skyline with the tiny Statue of Liberty in the background, and suddenly feeling a tingling sensation: This is it. I’m here — in the greatest city in the world! I’m about to finish a Master’s program in journalism, specializing in cultural journalism. My reasons for applying were varied, but

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one of them—maybe the most important one—was to gain more knowledge about the American critical tradition —the American way of producing cultural and critical pieces—in order to become a better writer and critic myself. I’m thriving academically. That said, being a graduate student in America is both demanding and rewarding (not to mention expensive): there’s a lot of work to do; it never seems to end. You will find students either sleeping or crying in the library. Yes, it’s an intense time, and the workload often feels too heavy. I would lie if I told you it wasn’t challenging— there are only a handful of us in class, thus no place to hide: you have to come prepared. And you have to speak, give your opinion, your thoughts. But that’s what you’re there for, right? At the end of the day, I’m so glad I trusted my gut and went to NYC. I’ve met many incredible and weirdly magical people, and made good, solid friendships that I’m sure will last a lifetime. I will miss this crazy place. ■

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Even Jystad Scolarship Undergraduate Scholarship Program Level Undergraduate Field Business University Concordia College, Moorhead

BEFORE I LEFT for Concordia I was very excited about what I could expect. When I arrived in Moorhead, I was welcomed by Don Buegel, one of the directors of International Admission. The international orientation

Ingunn Salvesen Haldorsen

Scolarship Undergraduate Scholarship Program Level Undergraduate Field Music

University Luther College

WITH THE HELP of NORAM I was fortunate to study at Luther College for a year. During my stay in the US, I have studied music and English. Academically, Luther College has offered me high quality classes, challenging me in various aspects. The classes included challenging material both theoretically and practically. I have taken

week was very informative and many questions I had were answered. I quickly realized that Americans are very friendly and easy to talk to. Moorhead can be described as the extreme version of Norway. The winters are extremely cold and the summers are very warm.

If you like the four seasons, Concordia is definitely a college you will like! The professors are very supportive and they give you feedback on everything you do.

Additionally, the campus has a wide variety of things to do during your leisure time: a swimming pool, exercise equipment and a huge library just to mention a few things. My advice for anyone who consider studying in the US is to stay structured and be organized. ■

music theory, science and English classes. I have also been challenged practically singing in a choir, ensembles and playing at piano recitals. I am very impressed by the highly skilled professors and co-students, both stimulating me and motivating me to work hard on my music studies and extracurricular activities. In the fall of 2014 I am planning to study medicine in Bergen. I think that my year abroad has developed me as a person and I feel more prepared for further studies after having been at Luther College for a year. Digging into another culture was a great experience for me and I would love to study abroad again. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to experience a year abroad and I highly recommend it! ■

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REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Turner Jacobs

Scolarship The Norwegian Marshall Fund Level MA Field Peace and Conflict Studies University University of Oslo

WHEN I REVEALED to my friends and family that I would be moving to Norway to begin a two year Master’s course at the University of Oslo, I was met with varied reactions. Shortly after arriving in Oslo, I got the chance to meet other people from my study

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program. About half of the students were Norwegian, and the rest were from other parts of Europe: the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Sweden. There was one student from Eritrea, and I stood out as the only student from the Americas. The international aspect of the PECOS program is one of my favorite parts of the program. My decision to study in Norway has been one of the most significant decisions of my life. I have developed academically and professionally, as well as personally. I would highly recommend that anyone considering a study program in Norway take the leap of faith that I did. And, if I were to give any one piece of advice to American students coming to Norway, it would be this: make friends with Norwegians! â–

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Jade Sanstead Scolarship The Norwegian Marshall Fund Level MA Field Viking and Medieval Norse Studies University University of Oslo

14th century Norwegian manuscripts and documents.

As a Master student, I was also provided a permanent study space at the institute’s master reading hall, which is a tremendous resource. I received far greater support and enthusiasm than I ever expected and the research has led to many new and exciting discoveries. I highly recommend all students in Oslo that they go out to explore the natural wonders of the landscape, fjord, and islands within the city’s vicinity. Without my support from NORAM, it would not have been possible and I am and will always be extremely grateful. ■

I CAME TO Oslo as a part of my MA in Norse Philology divided between the University of Iceland and the University of Oslo. My aim was to study certain sound processes in Old Norwegian and test to what extent these linguistic characteristics might be used for the identification of medieval Norwegian scribes in 13th and

The experience of studying in the United States has enriched my life on a personal level and made me who I am today.

Hans-Petter Grav

Pål Arne Davidsen

or Robert Scolarship Ambassad p D. Stuart Jr. Fellowshi Field Politics

shington

University George Wa University

PHOTO Sjøwall Utenriksdepartementet/

THIS HAS BEEN an amazing period of my life. First of all, I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Stuart, and the Stuart Family Foundation for granting me the fellowship.

The fellowship presented a unique opportunity to live and work in the nation’s capital. I would like to thank the Progress Party for allowing me to leave my job as Foreign Affairs Adviser in the Parliamentary group, especially considering that this was an election year.

The first and most obvious question to begin with is:

what did I learn? Impressions, insights and knowledge gained through almost seven months in the country are difficult to summarize. I will nonetheless try to provide some of my main experiences. There are three issues I would like to mention in particular. The first is the diversity of opinions reflected in American political debates. This makes you realize how big the US is, and how small Norway is. The second point is how the diversity of opinions has led to a vibrant, independent civil society. This is very different from the Norwegian NGO-sector, where some organizations receive up to 85 percent of their funding from the public and still claim they represent civil society. The last point is the strong entrepreneurial spirit in American society, from which I think Norway has a lot to learn. I hope the fellowship will continue to offer young, Norwegian politicians the opportunity to spend time in the United States. It was definitely worth it. ■

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OBOSer medlemm r r me oppleve re! for mind

Fordeler hele livet – Som OBOS-medlem stiller du foran i køen den dagen du skal kjøpe egen bolig. Du får også en rekke fordeler alle de årene du ikke benytter deg av forkjøpsretten: • • •

Inntil 50 % rabatt på bolig- og kulturtilbud.

Svært gode betingelser på lån, sparing og forsikring.

Forkjøpsrett til ca. 80 000 nye og brukte OBOS-boliger.

BLI MEDLEM: www.obos.no eller send sms: OBOS til 2030.

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LEIF HØEGH STIFTELSE

The Per and Astrid Heidenreich Family Foundation

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ANNUAL REPORT

Ingunn Salvesen Haldorsen, an undergraduate student at Luther College, visits the Millenium Park in Chicago, where the Cloud Gate sculpture is located.

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Pareto er en uavhengig og ledende aktør i det norske markedet for finansielle tjenester. Selskapet har kontorer i Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim, Kristiansand, Bryne, Stockholm, Malmø, Helsingfors, København, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore og New York.

Pareto ble stiftet mot slutten av 1985 og har utviklet seg til å bli et konsern med et omfattende produktspekter. Konsernet har over 550 ansatte.

Pareto tilbyr tjenester innenfor verdipapirmegling, rådgivning, aktivamegling, forvaltning, skipsmegling, prosjektfinansiering og kreditt.

Les mer på www.pareto.no

ANNUAL REPORT

The Norway-America Association

Annual Report 2013 2013 WAS A GOOD YEAR for The Norway-America Association (NORAM). We fulfilled our mission through the different scholarship opportunities we offer, unbiased college counseling, and the training program (internship and traineeship visas). At the same time, we strengthened and modernized the organization, and an important, new, long-term sponsor came on board.

THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS going to the US has increased over the last few years, and NORAM wants to contribute to make this trend continue, by creating interest in the excellent study opportunities in the US. The Association of Norwegian Students Abroad (ANSA) launched a campaign, “Yes We Candy”, in the spring of 2013. The campaign aimed to change the government policy of not granting loans and scholarships from Lånekassen for students to attend the freshman year in the US. This policy had been in effect for over thirty years. The campaign was successful and the state budget for 2014 provided funding for 192 universities and colleges on certain ranking lists1. The limited number of eligible schools was disappointing, since the previous Minister of Education had initially promised to fund 400 colleges and universities. NORAM along with ANSA, the US Embassy and many others are not giving up on this issue. We hope that by fall of 2014 the use of ranking lists will be discontinued, and that there will be a free choice of education. As long as this is not resolved, NORAM plays an important role for students who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in the US, since our member schools accept Norwegian students as sophomores.

NORAM DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY PUBLIC FUNDING, and we depend on our sponsors and members to fund our activities. We run a lean administration, strengthened by a number of volunteers putting in hours to ensure high quality and keep costs

down. In 2013 a number of initiatives were taken to modernize the organization and lower the costs. These measures will simplify our day-to-day work and free up time to assist students and do fundraising. NORAM is happy to announce that the following changes have been implemented: Merging of NORAM’s 11 different scholarship foundations into one big foundation, now called “NorgeAmerika Stiftelsen”. This will reduce costs, simplify the administration of the foundations, and provide a better return on the value of these funds. The application to The Gaming and Foundation Authority (Lotteri- og Stiftelsetilsynet) was approved in February of 2014.

Implementation of a membership payment system, through DNB, Norway’s largest bank.

Modernization of accounting routines and systems.

Simplified process of the scholarship evaluation, with one committee reviewing all applicants for all scholarship foundations. The committee is lead by board member Helmer Aslaksen, thus keeping a direct connection between the board and, the scholarship committee.

NORAM COOPERATES CLOSELY with the AmericanScandinavian Foundation (ASF) and represents the ASF in Norway. We are excited about our shared mission and collaboration efforts. As ASF continues to be an important organization in the US for all Scandinavian countries, we are pleased to be a part of their fellowship and grants programs. In November 2013, ASF took over the administration of the training program (internship and traineeship), where NORAM had previously served as a collaborator for interviews, questions and outreach.

NORAM still continues to advertise the program, and ASF has implemented significant changes to their application system to streamline the process, and better serve the applicants.

1 Current ranking lists approved, top US universities/colleges; Times Higher Education, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and QS World University Rankings (Quacquarelli Symonds).

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NORAM’S FINANCIAL STATUS in 2013 improved significantly from 2012. Costs have been reduced and income from sponsors and corporate members was higher than the previous year. In December, a new sponsor came on board with a significant donation, partly as a result of NORAM’s initiatives to improve, modernize, and cut costs. The Board of Directors will continue their efforts to improve NORAM’s financial position by bringing in more long-term sponsors and broadening the sponsorship base.

MISSION The Norway-America Association’s mission is to strengthen ties between Norway and North America through educational and cultural exchange. We work to fulfill this goal through our 10 scholarship programs, cooperation with 12 undergraduate schools, in addition to our role in distributing many scholarships from other institutions in US and Norway, as well as offering unbiased college counseling and advice.

NORAM shares both office space and Executive Director with Norwegians Worldwide (NWW), a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen cultural and personal ties between Norway and Norwegians abroad. NORAM also works closely with the AmericanScandinavian Foundation (ASF), Thanks to Scandinavia, Inc, the American and Canadian Embassies in Oslo, U.S.-Norway Fulbright Foundation, ANSA, the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education (SIU), American College of Norway, American Chamber of Commerce, Research Council of Norway, and others. NORAM often visits universities, student groups and schools to inform them about study opportunities in the US, as well as our own programs.

SCHOLARSHIPS In 2013, the Norway-America Association awarded 49 scholarships amounting to NOK 3 629 500 through its scholarship programs. In addition, NORAM helped 14 Norwegians acquire visas for internships and

NORAM BY NUMBERS

Scholarships Awarded through NORAM’s Programs in 2013

Number of Scholarships and recipients/trainees:

NORWEGIANS TO USA: Undergraduate scholarship from schools 18 Awards for Graduate Studies and Research in US: 25 ■ Norway-America Association Awards 3 ■ American-Scandinavian Foundation Awards (ASF) 20 ■ Thanks to Scandinavia, Inc.’s Cash Grants 1 ■ The Nansen Fund, Inc.’s John Dana Archbold Fellowship 1 Alf and Bergljot Kolflat Award for Architects and Engineers * Ambassador Robert D. Stuart Jr. Fellowship: Award for Norwegian Politicians to the U.S. 1 Professional Development Award (ASF) * Awards for Norwegian Teachers to the U.S. ** Training Program (visa assistance, no scholarship) 14 AWARDS FOR AMERICANS TO NORWAY: Norwegian Marshall Fund/ Norwegian Thanksgiving Fund 5 American Civilization Lecturing Fund * The Nansen Fund, Inc.’s John Dana Archbold Fellowship *** Total NOK:

63

Scholarship amounts (NOK):

1 530 000 1 849 500 105 000 1 564 500 120 000 60 000 120 000 0 0 0

130 000 4 664 400

*No applicants were awarded ** Program was cancelled for 2013, due to lack of funding. The program will be evaluated in 2014 *** The award is given every other year to Norwegian and American applicants, and in 2013 it was given to a Norwegian, not American

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ANNUAL REPORT

traineeships in the US. The interest to study or pursue research in North America is on the rise, and we are currently receiving more qualified applicants than we are able to support.

Detailed financial statements, as well as lists of scholarship recipients and amounts, can be found on the following pages. The table on page 26 provides a quick overview of the scholarships awarded through our programs in 2013.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT NORAM receives no public funding. To cover the operating costs of the Association, we depend on our sponsors and members. We are very grateful to all of you for this generous support. It motivates us to know that you believe in the importance of what we are doing and what we accomplish. The amount of information and the different study opportunities in the US is increasing, and NORAM’s work is as important as ever: to serve as an unbiased and non-commercial actor.

Many students depend on NORAM’s guidance and financial support throughout their academic career, and because of your generous support, we can provide this help. As American universities are becoming increasingly more expensive and Lånekassen does not cover all the costs, students are finding it more difficult to pursue their dream of studying in the US. The scholarships that NORAM provides for graduate programs (master, PhD and research programs) , as well as the scholarships that NORAM has negotiated with our membership schools at the bachelor level, are more valuable than ever.

ACTIVITIES The Norway-America Association manages 10 different scholarship programs/funds, and cooperates with other organizations to facilitate scholarships and a trainee/internship program. NORAM plays an important role as an information center for anyone interested in studying in North America. We offer accurate, unbiased, comprehensive and timely information about educational institutions in the United States and Canada. We also give guidance to students, parents and guardians, high school advisers, and others on how best to access those opportunities.

Task Force, together with the U.S. Embassy, the U.S.Norway Fulbright Foundation, the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education (SIU), the Association of Norwegian Students Abroad (ANSA), the American Chamber of Commerce, AFS, Youth for Understanding and the American College of Norway.

Educational Fairs: NORAM was again present at student fairs in Oslo and Bergen. NORAM was invited by the U.S. Embassy to participate in their stand, “Yes to US”, together with Fulbright and American College of Norway.

NORAM also worked with College Council alongside the U.S. Embassy, Fulbright, Education USA, ANSA and Ivy Plus to organize a US college fair called College Day Scandinavia. Education in the US is a popular topic for students visiting these fairs, and the stand received a lot of visitors. NORAM was also invited to present at the Research Council of Norway’s annual Scholarship Day, this year in Bergen.

School Visits: In 2013, NORAM visited several upper secondary schools (videregående skoler) in the greater Oslo area.

Visits from US Universities: NORAM is a natural point of contact for US university representatives visiting Norway. During 2013, several representatives from members of the NORAM Undergraduate Scholarship program visited our offices, as well as representatives from universities that are not affiliated with our program.

Seminars: NORAM is a sought-after partner for seminars on study opportunities in the US, aimed at various audiences, including high school students, graduate students, school advisers, and parents. During 2013, NORAM participated in seminars in Oslo and Bergen.

Presentations covered topics such as overviews of the US education system, the best strategies for applying to graduate schools in the US, sports scholarships in the US, as well as information about our own scholarship programs.

Through seminars, school visits and fairs, NORAM reaches a wide audience in Norway. Daily, the Association receives requests by e-mail, telephone, and in person from individuals interested in studies in the US and Canada.

Member events: NORAM co-hosted along with 20th Century FOX, the U.S. Embassy and Oslo Kino a sneak premier of the Steven Spielberg movie Lincoln at Colosseum movie theater January 21, 2013, with a viewing of the inauguration of President Barack Obama before the movie. NORAM invited members, sponsors, students, friends of the association, the Friends of America caucus at the Parliament and other guests to this event. US Ambassador Barry White hosted a reception at the Ambassador’s residence Villa Otium before the event.

U.S.-Norway Task Force for Educational Exchange: The Norway-America Association continues to work with its partners to increase international exchange between Norway and North America. Throughout 2013, the Association participated actively in the U.S.-Norway

Traditional Christmas get-together: In December, NORAM invites its scholarship recipients, members of the Association, Board Members, and other friends, to our traditional “Julegløgg.” Guests enjoy traditional mulled wine (gløgg) and cookies in our office overlooking

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ANNUAL REPORT

the Oslo harbor. The event is hosted together with Norwegians Worldwide.

THE ANNUAL MEETING The Association held its Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony at Det Norske Nobelinstitutt on June 10, 2013. The event was attended by several of the scholarship recipients, and about 60 guests. Former USA correspondent for TV2 and now Director of Communications at Microsoft Norge, Christine Korme, gave a personal testimony of the benefits of studying in the US. US Ambassador Barry White talked about the time he has had in Norway, and he reminded the scholarship recipients that they should act as ambassadors of Norway while in the United States.

A University of Oslo choir ensemble, Chorus Mixtus, provided entertainment.

At the meeting, Helmer Aslaksen was elected as a new member of the Board, replacing Idar Kreutzer.

STAFF NORAM maintained a permanent staff of three (two part time and one full time, equaling 1,6 FTE) throughout the year, albeit with some changes. Hanne K. Aaberg’s position as Executive Director is split between the Norway-America Association (20%) and Norwegians Worldwide (80%). Tove Lain Knudsen left the position as Director of Scholarship Programs (100%) on October 1, and Mari Strømsvåg took over from November 15,

2013. Maria Vang Ormhaug continues her position as NORAM’s Sponsor Contact, sharing her time between NORAM (40%) and Norwegians Worldwide (60%). The Association’s accountant is Jørgen Gvein from Debet & Kredit Regnskap AS.

WORK ENVIRONMENT We enjoy a good working environment in our organization, with little sick leave. Our activities are not detrimental to the environment. There is no discrimination in our organization. NORAM offers work placement for candidates in job rehabilitation programs.

A WORD OF THANKS Our high activity level would not be possible without contributions from our faithful and valuable sponsors.

We are deeply grateful for each of these generous gifts, as well as the support from our corporate and individual members and our cooperating partners.

We would also like to thank our Scholarship Committee, consisting of top academics and specialists from a number of fields, for their invaluable contribution to The Norway-America Association. The evaluation of the applicants involves a lot of hard work, tough decisions and dedication to NORAM’s mission to promote educational exchange between Norway and the US. The input and evaluation from experts in the applicant’s field is also of great value, and we would like to thank them as well.

Oslo, April 1, 2014

Liv Elin Hjelmeland President

Berit L. Henriksen

Jarl Ulvin

Peder Chr. Løvenskiold

Vibeke Steineger

Helmer Aslaksen

Halgrim Thon

Erik W. Giercksky

Hanne K. Aaberg Executive Director

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Financial Statement 2013

THE NORWAY-AMERICA ASSOCIATION

2013

Org. nr: NO 940 469 643

INCOME

Membership NOK 73 350 Corporate members NOK 156 504 Sponsors NOK 950 000 Miscellanous income NOK 439 055 Total income NOK 1 618 909

EXPENSES

Office expenses NOK 1 536 293 Scholarship committee NOK 9 168 Total expences NOK 1 545 461 Profit NOK 73 448

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31

ASSETS Capital ( bank accounts, bonds and mutual funds) NOK 1 831 412 Total Assets NOK 1 831 412

LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL Equity Profit Total Equity and debts

NOK 1 757 964 NOK 73 448 NOK 1 831 412

THE NORWAY-AMERICA ASSOCIATION BOARD Liv Elin Hjelmeland (chairman), Bert L. Henriksen, Jarl Ulvin, Peder Chr. Løvenskiold, Vibeke Steineger, Helmer Aslaksen, Halgrim Thon, Erik W. Giercksky

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT

NORGE-AMERIKA STIFTELSEN

2013

Org. nr: NO 977 130 972

INCOME Income Expenses Scholarships Profit

NOK 1 603 845 NOK 405 523 NOK 235 000 NOK 963 321

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31 ASSETS Capital (bank accounts, bonds and mutual funds) Total Assets

NOK 24 470 006 NOK 24 470 006

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31 Equity Debt Profit Total Equity and Debts

NOK 23 306 685 NOK 200 000 NOK 963 321 NOK 24 470 006

NORGE-AMERIKA STIFTELSEN BOARD Peder Chr. Løvenskiold (chairman), Halgrim Thon, Stig S. Kvendseth, Hanne K. Aaberg

THE AMERICA-NORWAY HERITAGE FUND

2013

Org. nr: NO 979 486 375

INCOME Income Expenses Profit

NOK 61 674 NOK 12 730 NOK 48 944

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31 ASSETS Capital (bank accounts, bonds and mutual funds) Total Assets

NOK 2 429 964 NOK 2 429 964

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31 Equity Profit Total Equity and debts

NOK 2 381 021 NOK 48 944 NOK 2 429 964

THE AMERICA-NORWAY HERITAGE FUND Liv Elin Hjelmeland (chairman), Lisbeth Bø Håverstad, Peder Chr. Løvenskiold, Erik W. Giercksky, Kari Amdam

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AUDITORS REPORT

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1919

1920-1925

1936

1939

1944

The Norway-America Fund was founded by the American Scandinavian Foundation and Nordmanns-Forbundet with the purpose to “expand and make more readily available for young, resourceful Norwegians, the opportunity to pursue studies in the United States, especially in the fields of technology, trade, banking, the various branches of science, and areas dealing with societal issues, for the purpose of enriching Norwegian society.” King Haakon VII agreed to be the organization’s patron.

Five Norwegians were funded to study in the US, and five Americans were funded to study in Norway.

The Fund came to life again after the American recession and president of the Norwegian Parliament C.J. Hambro became chairman of the board.

Through successful fundraising, the Fund managed to reestablish the Industrial Fellowship and other stipends.

The fund’s activities came to a halt with the German invasion of Norway in 1940, and had to close its doors. The chairman created a “Board in Exile” in Princeton New Jersey, and with few achievements while in exile, the board always prepared to return to Norway.

Engineer Per K. Frølich donated a $1500 stipend for a Norwegian student who had experienced the Nazi oppression, in order to acquire an education in the US which could come to use when rebuilding Norway.

1926 Industrial Fellowships were created to fund ten Norwegians studying in the US and simultaneously work in their chosen fields. This lasted until 1929 when a recession in the US made it difficult to place Norwegian students in American companies, which continued throughout the Great Depression.

1979

The Norway-America Association 60 year anniversary. From left: Sonje Bundegaard-Nielsen (Secretary-General, The Denmark-America Foundation), Adele Heilborn (Secretary-General, The SwedenAmerica Foundation) and Ragnhild Galtung (Secretary-General, The Norway-America Association).

THROUGH 9 1987

The Norwegian Marshall Fund’s 10 year anniversary and annual meeting.

Ragnhild Galtung (Secretary General) greets King Olav V.

1977

1978

1987

1988

1994

The Norwegian Marshall Fund was established.

Thirty years after the Marshall Plan sent aid to a war-torn Europe.

The Norwegian Marshall Fund gives stipends to Americans interested in pursuing studies and research in Norway.

Dr. Erling Christophersen was made an honorary member of NORAM, in recognition og his active efforts in strengthening the activities of the Association and the creation of the Nansen Fund in 1973, The Norwegian Marshall Fund in 1976 and Archbold NorwegianAmerican Fund in 1979.

The Ambassador Robert D. Stuart Jr. Fellowship was added to the NorwayAmerica Association’s list of stipends. This scholarship encourages Norwegian politicians to get acquainted with the US political climate through working in Congress.

Ragnhild Galtung, who had been responsible for the operations of Norway-America Association for 30 years, received the Order of St. Olav honoring her 30 years of service.

The Norway-America Association held a 75th Jubilee Ball attended by the American and Canadian Ambassadors to Norway.

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1945

1946

1954

1963

1969

C.J. Hambro and the board returned to Norway and continued the work for the Fund, and their first action was to award three stipends from the Crown Prince Olav’s Scholarship Fund, which had been raised in 1939.

Shortly after, Engineer F. Unger Vetlesen supported five stipends of $1500 to young Norwegians who had participated in the resistance movement during the war.

The NorwayAmerica Fund and Amerikaforeningen merged and became Norge-Amerika Foreningen/The Norway-America Association.

The Norway-America Association included Canada in its portofolio, and the association has since worked with Canadian universities to increase the number of Norwegian students in Canada.

Thanks to Scandinavia was founded in New York, USA. Through this fund, American Jews can express their thanks to the Scandinavian countries for their effort to help their Jewish citizens evade German Occupation forces.

Luther College, Iowa started a six week summer course to Norwegian educators.

The first participants attended in the summer of 1964.

The Norway-America Association celebrated its 50th Anniversary.

This year they started to present their work with an annual yearbook.

1979

60 year anniversary of the Norway-America Association.

From left: Alf R. Bjercke, John A. Boyle (Counselor of the American Embassy), King Olav V, Arthur Grant Campbell (Canadian Ambassador to Norway), Gunnar Randers.

1987

Dr. Christophersen celebrated his 90th birthday at the Norway-America Association’s office. From left: Karl Lorck, Dr. Erling Christophersen, Ragnhild Galtung, US Ambassador Robert D. Stuart, Jr.

H 95 YEARS

2009

The Norway-America Association celebrated 90 year anniversary. From left: Per Ditlev-Simonsen, His Majesty King Harald V, Johan H. Andreasen, Sr.

1999

2009

2010

2011

2013

The Association moved from Drammensveien to NordmannsForbundet’s location in Rådhusgaten 23B. Nordmanns-forbundet and the Association were reunited in a sense; continuing to be separate organizations, but shared from this moment on Executive Director.

The Norway-America Association celebrated its 90th Anniversary this year. For the occasion NORAM invited its sponsors and other important contacts to a dinner hosted by NORAM President Johan H. Andresen Sr., and NORAM’s Patron H.M King Harald attended.

A visible change that the organization went through this year was that the NorwayAmerica Association changed its acronym from NAA to NORAM.

H.M. King Harald renewed his patronage to the association for another five years.

He continued the tradition of patronage for NORAM, like H.M King Haakon and H.M King Olav did before him. NORAM is proud of this seal of approval, which has become an important symbol for the organization.

The AmericanScandinavian Foundation secured $250,000 from DNB, Norway’s leading financial institution, to support students at one of the top twenty American graduate schools of business for MBA degrees.

Merging of NORAM’s 11 different scholarship foundations into one big foundation, now called Norge-Amerika Stiftelsen. This will reduce costs, simplify the administration of the foundations, and provide a better return on the value of these funds.

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2013-14 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Sara Ă˜rstavik at her favorite spot outside the philosophy building at Columbia University. Columbia is located in the middle of New York, and is known for its beautiful campus and excellent educational programs.

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2012-13

NORAM’s scholarship recipients 2013-2014 In 2013, the Norway-America Association awarded 49 scholarships amounting to NOK 3 629 500 through its scholarship programs. In addition, NORAM helped 14 Norwegians acquire visas for internships and traineeships in the US. AWARDS FOR THE GRADUATE STUDY AND RESEACH IN THE US Every year, the Norway-America Association administers up to 35 grants for graduate studies and research in the U.S. The program consists of scholarships and awards from several organizations and scholarship funds, but is administered as one unified program by NORAM in order to make the application process easier for the applicants.

25 Norwegians received funding from NORAM, The American-Scandinavian Foundation, Thanks to Scandinavia Inc., and The Nansen Fund Inc. in 2013, total of NOK 1 850 000.

THE NORWAY-AMERICA ASSOCIATION AWARDS Narges Kaynia (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: Kong Olav V Fødselsdagsfond (NORAM) and the Stolt-Nielsen Fund for Education (ASF) NOK 35,000 from Kong Olav V Fødselsdagsfond and USD 6,000 from Stolt-Nielsen Fund for Education. PhD in Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Merete Søberg (Levanger) Scholarship Fund: Ragnhild Marie Løkens Utdannelsefond NOK 30,000. MA in Psychology at University of Texas at San Antonio Raymond Stokke (Trondheim) Scholarship Fund: The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Scholarship Fund.

NOK 40,000. PhD level studies in Business Administration, Northwestern University

THE AMERICAN-SCANDINAVIAN FOUNDATION AWARDS Jade Hærem Aksnes (Bergen) Scholarship Fund: Norway House Foundation USD 5,000. MFA in Film Directing at American Film Institute Conservatory

Hedvig Arnet (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: DNB ASA Fellowship Fund USD 20,000. MBA in Business Administration at Columbia University Thomas Baade-Mathiesen (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: DNB ASA Fellowship Fund.

USD 20,000. MBA in Business Administration, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Nicolai Bodd (Stabekk) Scholarship Fund: DNB ASA Fellowship Fund USD 20,000. MBA in Business Administration at Harvard Business School Meriam Braanaas (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: Norway House Foundation USD 9,000. MFA in Literary Reportage at University of Southern California Morten Forland (Knarrevik) Scholarship Fund: Norway House Foundation USD 10,000. MFA in Film Production at Loyola Marymount University

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2012-13

Eva Susanne Brøgger Gabrielsen (Lysaker) Scholarship Fund: Andrew E. & G. Norman Wigeland Fund USD 20,000. PhD in Psychology at University of Minnesota Hans Goldstein (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: Norway House Foundation USD 15,000. MA in Music at University of Southern California Hans-Petter Grav (Saupstad) Scholarship Fund: Norway House Foundation USD 5,000. PhD in History at Washington State University Xiaohe Liu Heen (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: Andrew E. & G. Norman Wigeland Fund USD 20,000. MA Business Administration and Policy at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Pernille Rivedal Hellevik (Holmedal) Scholarship Fund: Andrew E. & G. Norman Wigeland Fund USD 10,000. MFA in Directing and Screenwriting at Columbia University Vebjørn Horsfjord (Fetsund) Scholarship Fund: Andrew E. & G. Norman Wigeland Fund USD 4,750. PhD level studies in Religious Studies at Georgetown University Karen Hübert (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: DNB ASA Fellowship Fund USD 20,000. MBA in Business Administration at Columbia University

Ada Elisabeth Nissen (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: Andrew E. & G. Norman Wigeland Fund USD 5,000. PhD level studies in History at Columbia University Tone Olsen (Trondheim) Scholarship Fund: Andrew E. & G. Norman Wigeland Fund USD 15,000. MFA in Fashion Design and Society at Parsons, The New School of Design Deferred the award until 2014-2015.

Marius Alexander K. Ring (Tvedestrand) Scholarship Fund: Mathilde Aas Memorial Scholarship USD 7,000. MA in Economics at Duke University David Godfrey Chelsom Vogt (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: Mathilde Aas Memorial Scholarship USD 10,000. PhD level studies in Philosophy, Yeshiva University Sara Lisa Ørstavik (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: Andrew E. & G. Norman Wigeland Fund USD 20,000. MPA in Public Administration, Columbia University

THANKS TO SCANDINAVIA, INC.’S CASH GRANT Eirik Torsvoll (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: Thanks to Scandinavia, Inc’s Cash Grant USD 20,000. MA in Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University

THE NANSEN FUND, INC. CASH GRANTS Karoline Kjeldsen (Trondheim) Scholarship Fund: Andrew E. & G. Norman Wigeland Fund USD 4,000. MA in Political Science at New York University

Jonas Tungodden (Bergen) Scholarship Fund: John Dana Archbold Fellowship USD 10,000. PhD in Economics at University of California, Berkeley

Ellen Sofie Lunde Lauritzen (Oslo) Scholarship Fund: Andrew E. & G. Norman Wigeland Fund USD 15,000. MA in Journalism at New York University

AMBASSADOR ROBERT D. STUART JR. FELLOWSHIP The goal of the Ambassador Robert D. Stuart Jr. Fellowship is to enable emerging Norwegian political and governmental leaders to engage in a semester of study and practical experience in Washington, DC. This opportunity enables the applicant to become acquainted first-hand with American civilization and institutions in a way which will later benefit mutual understanding and bilateral relations between the United States and Norway. One award is given each year, and candidates are chosen from each political party on a rotating basis.

Pål Arne Davidsen (Oslo) Political Party: Fremskrittspartiet (Progress Party) Scholarship fund: Ambassador Robert D. Stuart Jr. Fellowship Spring 2013 USD 20,000. Coursework at George Washington University, internship on Capitol Hill.

Photo page 39: Columbia University in New York marks the anniversary of 9/11 with flags on campus.

FOTO BY ADA ELISABETH NISSEN

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2012-13

UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM This program is for Norwegian students interested in studying at the undergraduate level in the US. Currently, 12 undergraduate colleges and universities offer scholarships to Norwegian students through this program. These scholarships are not cash grants, but are credited towards tuition, fees, and room and board – covering up to 80% of total expenses. A total of 18 students have been awarded scholarships through this program for the 2013-14 academic year, at a total of NOK 1 530 000.

MEMBER SCHOOLS 2013 California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA Clark University, Worchester, MA Concordia College, Moorhead, MN Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR Luther College, Decorah, IA Michigan Technology University, Houghton, MI North Park University, Chicago, IL Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA State University of New York (SUNY) Plattsburgh, NY St. Olaf College, Eugene, OR University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN

Charlotte K. Luisa (Hvalstad) Emelie Kristin Rivelsrød (Sem) Ane Louise Toft Rud (Aremark) Annichen W. Svalastog (Asker)

Concordia College, Moorhead, MN Anne Kanutte Fladeby (Nesøya) Hanne Schander Halvorsen (Moss) Even Clausen Jystad (Kolbotn)

Luther College, Decorah, MN Ingunn Salvesen Haldorsen (Bergen)

Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS AND ACCEPTED TO UNIVERSITIES: California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA Camelia Gharakhanloo (Slependen) Lars Vetle Handeland (Bergen) Camilla Jarnum (Oslo) Karl-Morten Kleppe (Hønefoss)

Kjersti Andreassen (Sykkylven) Celine Kleivdal (Lommedalen) Erika Lynn Solli (Bærums Værk) Elly Stormer Vadseth (Nærsnes)

State University of New York, Plattsburgh, NY Emilie Katharina Backer (Kristiansand) Malene Tveit (Nodeland)

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2012-13

Awards for Americans to Norway THE NORWEGIAN MARSHALL FUND The Norwegian Marshall Fund was established in 1977 as a gesture of appreciation of the fundamental importance of the Marshall Plan for Norway during the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. The Fund was made possible through contributions from Norwegian individuals and corporations as an expression of gratitude to the people of the United States. A total of NOK 130 ,000 was awarded in 2013.

Serge Farinas (Miami, FL) Scholarship Fund: The Norwegian Marshall Fund NOK 25,000. PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Bergen John Guittar (Ann Arbor, MI) Scholarship Fund: The Norwegian Marshall Fund NOK 25,000. PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Bergen Turner Jacobs (Aptos, CA) Scholarship Fund: The Norwegian Marshall Fund

NOK 25,000. MA in Peace and Conflict studies (History) at the University of Oslo Leila Katirayi (Washington, DC) Scholarship Fund: The Norwegian Marshall Fund NOK 25,000. PhD in Medical Sciences - HIV/AIDS Research at the University of Bergen Jade Sanstead (Fergus Falls, MN) Scholarship Fund: The Norwegian Marshall Fund NOK 30,000. MA in Viking and Medieval Norse Studies (Nordic Philology) at the University of Oslo

THE PRACTICAL TRAINING PROGRAM Through The American-Scandinavian Foundation’s (ASF) Training Program, Norwegian students and young professionals have the opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience in their field. The same opportunity is available to US citizens for training in Norway. The program is fully administrated by ASF from November 2013.

Fourteen Norwegians have received assistance from NORAM with their visas for practical training and professional development in the USA in 2013: Karoline K. Asskildt (Oslo) Internship in Cultural Project Management at Luaka Bop, New York, NY

Karoline Engemoen Kristoffersen (Jar) Internship in Advertising and Brand Communication at Hello Monday, New York, NY.

Marius Borthen (Oslo) Internship in Finance at Northmarq Real Estate Services, Bloomington, MN

Eli Karine Navestad (Oslo) Internship in Law at Kvaerner North American Construction Inc, Canonsburg, PA

Borghild Bråtveit (Stavanger) Internship in Globalization, Global Politics and Culture research at Oakland Institute, Oakland, CA

Lilly Relling (Ålesund) Internship in Law at Holland & Knight LLP, New York, NY

Kristina K. A. Næsheim Braarvig (Oslo) Traineeship in Marketing at Chestnut Hill Farms, Bounty Group Holding LLC, Coral Gables, FL Ingrid Evensmo (Oslo) Internship in International Development at Women’s Environment & Development Org., New York, NY Caroline A. B. Friis (Oslo) Internship in Law at Salehi & Associates, Los Angeles, CA Peder Jørgen Knudtzon (Oslo) Traineeship in Law at Seward & Kissel LLP, New York, NY

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Petter S. Samuelsen (Oslo) Internship in Interactive Development at Hello Monday, New York, NY Rachel Sowe (Oslo) Internship in Graphic Design, Media and Communication at The Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce, New York, NY Elisabet Størset (Oslo) Internship in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacometrics at OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Redwood City, CA Karoline Jacobsen Sørum (Billingstad) Internship in Architecture at Envelope Architecture + Design, Berkeley, CA

Thanks to Scandinavia turned 50 Years in 2013

Thanks To Scandinavia was founded by Richard Netter and Victor Borge for the purpose of providing scholarships and fellowships at American universities and medical centers to students, educators, researchers, and doctors. text ragnhild galtung

Two American friends, the late Danish entertainer Victor Borge, and the late New York attorney Richard Netter, were touched by events during the WWII when so many of their Jewish countrymen in Scandinavia were saved from extinction. Borge and Netter wanted the world to know about the honorable human act the countries performed. In 1963 they founded Thanks To Scandinavia (TTS), a non-profit educational fund, offering scholarships to Scandinavian students for studies in the United States.

In 1968, TTS received the first scholarship fund attached to a United States educational institution and today include: Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, The New School of Social Research, University of Pennsylvania, University of Oklahoma and University of Chicago Law School. The awards are made on a competitive basis among Scandinavian students, teachers, medical doctors and researchers.

Later, additional programs were added, including a scholarship program to Bulgaria in 2002. 50,000 Jews in Bulgaria were assisted when escaping the war and the scholarship program was started to thank the Bulgarians for their help.

Through Thanks To Scandinavia, American Jews express their gratitude to the Scandinavian people for the past by contributing to the future. Mr. Netter has expressed that Thanks To Scandinavia is a very important means of reminding us of things forgotten – and of man’s responsibility to hold hands. This is not only about saving Jews; it is about saving humanity.

Today this generous fund has reached nearly seven million dollars and more than 3500 Scandinavians, and TTS is still awarding scholarships to this day.

The president is Laurie Netter Sprayregen, and the organization’s Executive Director is Kelly Ramot.

The most recent recipient of the grant from Norway is Eirik Torsvoll (Oslo). He was awarded the grant in 20132014 to complete a MA in Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

The Norway-America Association very much appreciates this program and sends their deep-felt acknowledgements and congratulations to Thanks To Scandinavia on their 50th anniversary.

YEARBOOK 2014 THE NORWAY-AMERICA ASSOCIATION

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The Norway-America Association Norge-Amerika Foreningen 2013 COOPERATING ORGANIZATIONS ■ Denmark-America Foundation Danmark-Amerika Fondet ■ League of Finnish-American Societies Suomi-Amerikka Yhdistysten Liitto r.y.

■ Sweden-America Foundation Sverige-Amerika Stiftelsen ■ Icelandic-American Society Íslensk-Ameríska Félagið ■ The American-Scandinavian Foundation ■ The Canadian-Scandinavian Foundation ■ Thanks To Scandinavia, Inc. ■ The Nansen Fund, Inc.

PATRON H.M. King Harald V HONORARY MEMBERS Ragnhild Galtung Arne Wilhelmsen BOARD Liv Elin Hjelmeland, President and Chair Berit L. Henriksen Peder Chr. Løvenskiold Vibeke Steineger Halgrim Thon Jarl Ulvin Helmer Aslaksen Erik Giercksky (ex officio)

STAFF Hanne K. Aaberg, Executive Director Tove Lain Knudsen, Director of Scholarship Programs until October 2013 Mari Strømsvåg, Director of Scholarship Programs from November 2013 Maria Vang Ormhaug, Sponsor Contact

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Terje Emblem, Chair Øystein Noreng Oddbjørn Knutsen Reidun Sirevåg Sigrid Brevik Wangsness

AUDITOR Bente Wilhelmsen, Registered Public Accountant

IN MEMORIAM

ROBERT D. STUART JR. (1916 – 2014) Robert D. Stuart, Jr. former Ambassador to Norway, long time chief executive of the Quaker Oats Company, and a leader in civic and business affairs in the US for more than 60 years, died on May 8, 2014. Stuart was Ronald Reagan’s ambassador to Norway from 1984 to 1989, and he had strong ties to Norway ever since. In 1989 he founded “the Ambassador Robert D. Stuart Jr. Fellowship”. Since then, 19 young, talented Norwegian politicians have had the opportunity to engage in a semester of study and practical experience in Washington, getting first-hand experience with American civilization

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and institutions. Ambassador Stuart believed that personal relationships and contacts would benefit mutual understanding and strengthen the relations between the United States and Norway.

The Norway-America Association had the privilege to work with Ambassador Stuart since he first came to Norway in 1984, and we appreciate the good relationship and the opportunity to be part of the Stuart Fellowship all these years.

Our warmest thoughts go out to his wife Lillan Løvenskiold Stuart and his family in the US and in Norway.

YEARBOOK 2014 THE NORWAY-AMERICA ASSOCIATION

Pain

Painted by metrobranding.no – © Michel verdure/rccL

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10.10.11 17.38

The Norway-America Association Norge-Amerika Foreningen DONORS AND MEMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Your support helps the Norway-America Association achieve its mission to strengthen the ties between Norway and North America through higher education and cultural exchange. NORAM help hundreds of students every year through our scholarship programs for undergraduate, graduate, PhD and researchers and through advising students about their opportunities.

Sponsors: NOK 10,000 – 250,000

Donate Now

Become a Member/ Renew your Membership: Students: NOK 200 Members: NOK 300 To support our work, please make your contribution payable to our bank account: 7828 05 23025 Be sure to include your full name and address.

KEY FIGURES 2013 ■ 10

scholarship programs ■ 63 recipients ■ 58 Norwegians to the US 18 undergraduate awards 25 graduate and research awards 14 internship visas 1 others ■ 5 Americans to Norway Total award: NOK 3 629 500

YOUR SUPPORT IS VITAL

Norge-Amerika Foreningen The Norway-America Association Since 1919

Rådhusgaten 23 B, N-0158, Norway Telephone: +47 23 35 71 60 E-mail: info@noram.no www.noram.no