U.S. Diplomats Donate Books to St. Monica Library

Ms. Julie Jacobson, wife of the U.S. ambassador to Canada, says her position allows her to experience Canada’s rich culture through a variety of diplomatic functions.  Ms. Jacobson arrived at St. Monica School on June 18^th to continue her diplomatic efforts as she spoke to Gr. 3-6 students about American history.  Students were mesmerized as Ms. Jacobson read a book entitled, Of Thee I Sing, which was authored by U.S. President Barack Obama and published in November of 2010.  The book pays tribute to 13 ground-breaking Americans whose traits President Obama sees in his own two children, Natasha and Malia. Students were anxious to ask Jacobson if she had ever met President Obama.  Jacobson said she did have the opportunity to meet Obama a few times during official functions and events.

Both Jacobson and the U.S. Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, Ms. Susan Crystal, presented St. Monica School with a box full of hard-cover books about black history.  Ms. Crystal joined the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa in 2010. She has held public affairs/public diplomacy positions in Australia, South Africa, Mauritius, Ecuador and Haiti. 

When given the opportunity students rushed to the tables displaying the donated books, excited as they examined the new additions to the school’s library collection. The event gave students some perspective on the importance of the relationship between Canada and the United States.  Many were also curious about public office and what it means to be a diplomat.   

Jacobson described her job as more of a “position”.  She says, “I don’t get paid, but I work very hard to support the U.S. mission in whatever way I can.  Practically every day is different; I host and attend a lot of functions in the diplomatic, political, business and cultural communities. I engage with many organizations in my community, mainly book-related, including sitting on several boards and occasionally giving speeches.”   

Jacobson was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.  She attended Washington University in St. Louis where she studied history. After graduating from college in 1983, she attended New York University School of Law where she earned a J.D. degree in 1986.

Mr. R. Paolozzi,

Principal