Dear ARA Members,

Our next ARA luncheon will be held Friday, September 18th, in the Alcon Crossroads Conference Center (old cafeteria) starting at 11:30am. I am pleased to announce that our speaker will be Kippen de Alba Chu, President and CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. His topic will be “Why is Cultural Fluency Important for Local Students?” Prior to Sister Cities, Kippen was the Chief of Staff at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

Kippen’s professional career started as a staff member for the Hawaii State House of Representatives. He transitioned from there to the non-profit sector where he led Iolani Palace, a National Historic Landmark and the former official royal residence for the Hawaiian monarchy. Kippen studied at the American University of Paris, France, where he received a degree in International Business. He also studied in Urbino and Bologna, Italy.

The vision of Sister Cities International is to serve as Fort Worth’s leading advocate and resource for international relationships and ambassador for peaceful civic engagement. Their mission is to cultivate global connections to enrich our Fort Worth community. “We live our mission by creating meaningful people-to-people experiences focused on cross-cultural understanding.” For more information, see www.fwsistercities.org

Agenda

11:30 Sign in for members and guests
12:00 Buffet opens
12:50 Welcome and Introductions – Pat Cappelletti, President, ARA
1:00 Featured Speaker Presentation, Kippen de Alba Chu, President and CEO, Ft. Worth Sister Cities International, “Why is Cultural Fluency Important for Local Students?”
2:00 Announcements
2:30 Event ends

Reservations & Charges

Email us at ARA-RSVP@alcon-ara.com to make your reservation, no later than September 11.

If you are bringing a guest, include their name when you RSVP. If they aren’t riding with you, please include their name, email and phone number to facilitate their entry on campus.

The luncheon is free for members and $!0 for guests.  If you haven’t paid your $10 dues for 2026, you can pay in cash or check when you sign in or send your check to:

           Alcon Retirees Association
           P.O. Box 173416
           Arlington, TX 76003-3416

Parking

Parking spaces will be reserved with orange cones. Golf carts will be available to take those who need assistance to the Crossroads Conference Center and back to the parking lot after the program.

I look forward to seeing you September 18th.

Pat Cappelletti
President, Alcon Retirees Association