Pookai Book Project President Julia Hynes Seper was featured in the “Get to Know Me” segment of the newspaper, a regular feature highlighting interesting people in the Rockford area. Below is the article, printed in the June 2, 2002 edition of the Register Star:
Julia Hynes Seper
Where have you heard that name? Julia is president of the Pookai Book Project, which collects money and books to help libraries and schools in Cambodia. Julia, a native of Ireland, is a lifelong educator, teaching in northern Illinois and Chicago and its suburbs since 1970. She’s lived in Rockford the past eight years. Julia’s role as president of the project includes fund raising and gathering materials to promote literacy accelerate education, speed economic development and empower Cambodians to take their places on the world stage. Her husband, Frank, and two grown sons, Chris and John, assist.
About the project: The Sepers work with Cambodian schools and libraries to determine their needs. The volunteer organization gathers money and materials from individuals, foundations and private companies. For more information, visit www.pookaibooks.org or e-mail pookaibooks@aol.com. The Web site contains information on the history of Cambodia, news on donations, a list of donors, and details about the group and its clients. The Rock River Valley has a lot of… scenic gardens, beautiful parks and great restaurants.
The Rock River Valley doesn’t have enough… loyal sports fans.
Most likely spotted… at Colonial Village or a restaurant.
Few people know...that I’m a lively, fun-loving person.
Reading: “Once in a Green Summer” by Thomas F Walsh and “Women Who Run With Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.
Watching: News, “Survivor,” “CSI.”
Four people to dinner: Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter, Barbara Bush and Rosa Parks. Menu: green tossed salad, baby back ribs, baked beans, sugar peas, mashed potatoes, beverage of choice and ice cream sundaes.
When I was younger I wanted to be…a teacher and live in America.
To trade places for one day: Joanne Woodward
Favorite saying: “Never give up.”