Friends of Goethe Chicago

FoG Chicago Banner © Canva/Goethe-Institut

The aim of the Friends of Goethe Chicago is the advancement of the arts, culture, heritage and science for the benefit of the public in Chicago and the Midwest.

The development of major projects depends, now more than ever, on people and institutions willing to support this kind of work. Additional resources from foundations and private sponsors help us assume responsibility to realize exceptional projects aimed at promoting international understanding.



About us

The Friends of Goethe Inc. (FOG) has supported the Goethe Institut’s cultural program in the Midwest / Chicago region since 2006. Our mission is to actively engage everyone who expresses an interest in the German culture by encouraging the intercultural dialogue and enabling cultural involvement. 

By becoming a member of the Friends of Goethe, or through your tax-deductible contribution, you directly assist the Goethe-Institut in bringing the best of Germany to the Midwest / Chicago region. Friends of Goethe – Chicago is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that sponsors several fund-raising events a year and an annual pledge drive to supplement the public dollars the Goethe-Institut receives. Through its support, FOG enhances the activities of the Goethe-Institut in the Midwest / Chicago and promotes its activities in the region.

Friends of Goethe Chicago Board Members


Consul General Michael Ahrens

Consul General of Germany in Chicago

Gerrit Ahlers
Vice President & Director, Consulting Service at GACC Chicago

Merlin Dow
Director of Sales at Gebrüder Weiss, Transport and Logistics

Leonhard Emmerling, PhD.
Director of the Goethe-Institut Chicago

Gregor Gruenthaler
Deals Director, Transaction Services at PwC

Karin Karl
Senior Director, Global Education Services, Molecular Imaging at Siemens Healthineers

Mary Kay Mc Mahon Dudley
Assistant General Counsel at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Fred Wulczyn, PhD.
Senior Research Fellow at the University of Chicago

Thank you to our supporters

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