Seventh Annual Immigrant Achievement Awards
Posted Feb 22, 2002

The Law Office of Sheela Murthy is proud to be a sponsor once again for the Annual Immigrant Achievement Awards Ceremony, organized by the Washington D.C. Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the American Law Foundation (AILF). This year marks the seventh year of this successful event. The ceremony will be held on March 8, 2002, starting at 7:30 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. The evening presenter is NBC News Anchor James Adams of WRC-TV Channel 4.

In this post-9/11 political climate, it is more important than ever to recognize the contributions of immigrants to our nation. Honorees of past years have shared their inspirational immigrant stories and life experiences, motivating and invigorating all those present. The historic context of this year's event should provide a powerful backdrop for the awards. This year, a special distinguished public service award will also be given to Richard E. Panati, Certifying Officer, Region II, Foreign Labor Certification Unit, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. (If you have an approved labor certification from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, or Washington, D.C. the multicolored approval stamp bears Mr. Panati's signature.)

The purpose of the event is to honor prominent immigrants and to collect funds for the inspiring work of AILF. By honoring prominent immigrants, we recognize their achievements and contributions to our society and showcase the fact that the U.S. is a nation of immigrants who have contributed to its success. This year's honorees are: Maureen Bunyan, award winning television news journalist, born in Aruba; Dr. Hala Maksoud, distinguished professor and civil rights advocate, born in Lebanon; Stell Patsiokas, successful business executive, born in Greece; and Dr. Gao Zhan, prominent university professor, born in China.

Proceeds gained from ticket sales and the sponsorship of law firms and corporations benefit AILF, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of immigration law and policy as well as the value of immigration to American society. When it is called for, AILF litigates on various immigration law issues. AILF provides educational programs, scholarships and a wide variety of services, all designed to advance fundamental fairness and due process for immigrants. We support this organization and its goals, both through our longstanding sponsorship of this event and by inviting our readers to sponsor and/or attend the awards ceremony.

To be part of this wonderful evening, individuals or businesses may obtain tickets at a cost of $150 per person. Tickets are available directly through AILF.