Farewell, Friend!

An early supporter of the celebration of ethnic diversity in Indiana has died.

Cecelia (Cele) Schnelker was laid to rest today during services at St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church in Indianapolis.

A volunteer for the International Center of Indianapolis in the 1970s, she originated the Parade of Nations -- the cavalcade of Indy residents in ethnic national costumes -- during an annual fundraiser, the Crystal Ball.

The parade continues to this day as part of the International Festival.

Attracting Talent to Indiana

"Working with the World: Attracting Talent to Indiana" is the topic for a conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 6 June in the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel, 31 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis.

Indiana Supreme Court Justice Theodore Boehm is the keynote speaker at the conference geared toward business professionals. It's sponsored by the International Center of Indianapolis, 317:955-5150.

Two Worlds, One Language Through Art

Watch for announcements concerning a major collaboration of the arts in Indy. In addition to an exhibition of more than sixty paintings by the faculty at the Shandong College of Arts in Jinan, China, an entire calendar filled with activities is planned.

It's being held 28 June through 23 August at the Indianapolis Art Center, in collaboration with the Confucius Institute of Indianapolis, Lilly Chinese Culture Network, Asian American Alliance, Indianapolis Chinese Community Center, Indiana Association of Chinese Americans, Indianapolis Chinese Performing Arts and the International Center of Indianapolis.

International Interfaith Symposium

An innovative series of programs kicks off tomorrow evening with “Stories and Photos from the Middle East, 1978-2003”, a presentation by Bill Foley, photojournalist, at 7 p.m. in Marian College's Allison Mansion.

The event, titled “International Interfaith Symposium”, kicks into high gear on Wednesday (19 March), with all events in the Campus Center at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

The first speaker (2 p.m.) is Klaus Martin Finzel, founder of the International Interfaith Initiative, followed by Giles Hoyt (discussing German philanthropist Mas Kade), Robert J. Helfenbein (on faith and civil society), Bill Foley and others discussing the Middle East, Shaw Towfighi (Persian New Year), Henry Cole (citizen diplomacy), Ref. Felipe Martinez and John Clark (Hispanic America).

Thursday’s (20 March) packed schedule, also in the Campus Center of IUPUI, begins with a youth dialogue (10 a.m.) and continues through the day with Dr. Chalmer Thompson, Ayumi Suzuki, Terry Morris-Downs, Sally Brown, Michael Greven, Charlie Wiles, Dr. Kevin Logan and more.

A film festival and book discussions will take place on Friday and Saturday (21-22 March). Exhibits will be open on the fourth floor of IUPUI’s Campus Center between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. All events are free and open to the public.

The complete schedule is here. For more information, see website or call Charlie McDonald, 317:283-2730.

International Interfaith Initiative is a collaborative effort between Indiana University School of Education’s Center for Urban and Multicultural Education, Peace Learning Center, Max Kade German American Center, Sagamore Institute for Policy Research, and members of the Indianapolis community - all working toward the realization of the vision to create a network that facilitates and initiates interfaith cooperation to strengthen civil society.

International Center Gets Lilly Grant

The International Center of Indianapolis recently received a $300,000 grant from Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment to be used for current and future services provided by the non-profit organization, reports Inside INdiana Business. Part of the award is based upon the endowment matching gifts from other donors up to a total of $100,000. Earlier this month, ICI reported that it received a $25,000 grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. The funds will be used to enhance the Center’s ability to provide educational materials and "cultural" training about U.S. citizenship and immigrant naturalization for Indianapolis area school children.