Welcome to the ESU
The English-Speaking Union of the United States is a network of 70 Branches throughout the country, whose members celebrate English as a shared language to foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators and members. The ESU seeks to nurture and enhance our linguistics heritage through nationally administered programs and outreach.
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News And Events
TEENAGER FROM QUEENS, NY WINS NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION
National Announcement
– April 22, 2013
Xavier Pacheco from Corona, New York won first prize at the 30th season of the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition. The Competition was held for 58 winners of ESU Branch competitions nationwide. For placing first at the national competition, Xavier will attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art's Young Actors Summer School in London, England.
The runner up of the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition, Anna Bortnick, representing the Boston Branch of the ESU, won a full scholarship including travel to the American Shakespeare Center's Theatre Camp in Staunton, Virginia. Third place winner, Henry Ayres-Brown, representing the Greenwich Branch of the ESU, won $500 from the Shakespeare Society.
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The Baroness Thatcher and the ESU
National News
The English-Speaking Union of the United States notes with sadness the death of The Baroness Thatcher. Lady Thatcher was a good friend to The English-Speaking Union because, as she said,
"I am a staunch believer in the English-Speaking Union and the ideals for which it stands. There is simply no other group that does the same good work in bringing together the English-speaking peoples."
Her connection to The English-Speaking Union of the United States began in the 1960s when, as a young back bencher she made a tour of several American ESU Branches. Her tour included the Houston Branch where she met for the first time and was introduced at the dinner by George H.W. Bush. She would remark later that that early tour helped form her impression of America and its people.
She served as Vice-President of The English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth from 1975 – 1990.

Lady Thatcher with ESU BUSS, EiA, & Shakespeare Scholars & students
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ESU Launches New Immigrant Center
National News
The English-Speaking Union of the United States announces the launch of the Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center, a program committed to improving the lives of recent immigrants. Named for Andrew Romay, program visionary and benefactor, the New Immigrant Center is committed to providing a welcoming environment, resources and information to help Center members improve their English, explore work and study opportunities, network, pursue citizenship, and acquire cultural fluency in order to participate fully in American society. Major funding is also provided by the Foundation to Promote Open Society.
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Howard University Student Awarded Luard Morse Scholarship for Semester in the UK
National News
Angel Rogers, a Biology Major at Howard University in Washington, D.C., has been awarded the English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarship. The merit-based scholarship provides full tuition for a semester abroad at an English University to deserving students attending United Negro College Fund institutions, or Hampton and Howard Universities.
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