Chris Lundry

Lundry will travel to East Timor (Indonesia).

Alumni Reflections

What is a favorite memory from your Bonderman?

“Although the whole trip was incredible and eye-opening, my experiences of Timor-Leste stand out. Then under Indonesian occupation with no signs of the independence that would come, it was quite harrowing at times, but I was able to make contact with people who became my friends and who I still see when I go. And, of course, I made other life-long friends in Indonesia, where I stayed for the majority of my time.”

What are you doing now?

“I am a tenured professor in the Centro de Estudios de Asia y Africa at El Colegio de Mexico in Mexico City, I teach at Arizona State University, I still travel a lot (although COVID and my 3-year-old son slowed that down), and I am still a staff photographer and writer for Thrasher skateboarding magazine. The experience of Bonderman prepared me for so many amazing things that followed — working as a UN-accredited observer in the referendum in Timor-Leste, working for the Carter Center in the 2004 Indonesian presidential election, research and language training under Fulbright and Blakemore Freeman fellowships, and my professional career. My son inspires me the most, but also my wife, my family, and my students.”

What should Bonderman Fellows know?

“Bonderman fellows should know that it’s best to be yourself and let it show — my essay for the Bonderman was about how I bought a 1973 Dodge Dart for $100 and drove it around the USA to go skateboarding.”