Our 50th anniversary is a time to celebrate how The Center has grown since our start in 1973 – but it’s also a time to honor those who contributed to our mission of a more global Indiana.
Check back weekly to meet feature fifty individuals, groups and organizations that have helped the Hoosier state become the global hub it is today.
Before he was a U.S. Senator or chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Richard Lugar was mayor of the newly consolidated city-county Indianapolis government – and host of the 1971 international Conference on Cities. Read more…
A native of Lebanon and CEO of Long Electric Company, Riad Shaheen was a model of international leadership and the importance of the American Dream. Read more…
Established in 1994, the International School of Indiana offers a trilingual immersion program and an IB Diploma program in the heart of the Hoosier state. Read more…
During his tenure in office, Mutz helped open Indiana to Asia, drafting sister-state relationships with China and Japan and creating economic partnerships that still benefit Hoosiers today. Read more…
Rajan came to Indiana as an expatriate and International Center client – and left his legacy as a Corteva executive and board president of The International Center. Read more…
A native of Germany, Sister Marie Pierre Buttell answered Richard Lugar’s call to form an international center in Indianapolis and remained a dedicated volunteer for several decades. Read more…
Only a few years before The International Center was created, Indiana University and Purdue University combined to create Indianapolis’ first urban university focused on the community – not just in Indianapolis, but across the entire world. Read more…
Established as a diverse private college in Indiana, Butler University was a key location of the 1971 Conference on Cities and a proud supporter of international education. Read more…
The Indiana-based non-profit lays a foundation for economic and cultural ties between Asia and the Hoosier State. Read more…
A native of Italy, Caterina is a transformational civic leader who helped guide The Center through a period of growth as Indiana became increasingly diverse. Read more…
A non-profit community organization dedicated to empowering Indy’s immigrants by connecting them to the people, places, and resources they need in order to thrive. Read more…
Visionary Governor of the 80s known for opening economic and cultural ties between Indiana and Asia and laying the groundwork for today’s Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Read more…
Non-profit leader with more than three decades of fostering connections between Indiana and Japan. Read more…
A German expatriate and business leader who made Indianapolis his home. Read more…
A naturalized citizen who became the first female judge appointed to the Marion County Municipal Court. Read more…
German immigrant and businesswoman who made local and international philanthropy her life’s work. Read more…
Hoosier politician with a mission to “take Indiana to the World and the World to Indiana.” Read more…
A globally minded citizen, Dr. Robert Nelson took on the reins as The International Center’s first president of the Board. Read more…
For 40 years, the Indy Arts Council has led the city’s arts advocacy and public art initiatives. Read more…
Influential political and community leader who served as Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme. Read more…
A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Mary Clark brings vibrance and global dining options to Indy’s Lafayette Square neighborhood. Read more…
Since 1981, Exodus has helped thousands of refugees and asylees from more than 50 countries establish new lives in Indiana. Read more…
The mission of Asian American Alliance, Inc. is to empower Central Indiana Asian Americans to serve and lead in the community and businesses. Read more…
A refugee from Burma/Myanmar, Elaisa came to the Hoosier state for a degree – but stayed to advocate for Indiana’s growing Burmese refugee population. Read more…
What began as a sub-committee of The International Center in 1976 later became its own non-profit organization, best known for its annual International Festival. Read more…
From pursuing an engineering degree to transforming the city through construction and soccer, Ersal’s remarkable journey and his vision for the future are bringing the world to Indianapolis. Read more…
A founding member and former president of The International Center, K.P. is still a tireless community advocate for the greater Indianapolis international community. Read more…
A true global citizen, Diane led The International Center through significant growth and transformation during her tenure as the organization’s first CEO. Read more…
Since 1972, Indiana Humanities has connected people, opened minds, and enriched lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read, and talk. Read more…
For decades, Lee Feinstein has made significant contributions to foreign affairs, higher education, and nonprofit service. Read more…
Visit Indy is the official host of Indianapolis. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis by optimizing visitor-related economic impact. Read more…
From hosting foreign exchange students in her home to outlining a proposal for the creation of The International Center, Marianna Preston made giant leaps in making Indiana a more international and community-driven state. Read more…
Each year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or also known as the Racing Capital of the World, hosts national and international racing events, including the Indy 500. Read more…
Before he was elected mayor, Greg Ballard navigated international countries and cultures through serving in the United States Marine Corps, ultimately finishing his military career as a lieutenant colonel. Read more..
As a 501(c)6 economic development organization, the Indy Chamber’s advocacy efforts, networking events, economic development initiatives, and membership opportunities foster collaboration and position business leaders and the collective community for success. Read more..
As a speech-language pathologist turned community servant and economic development leader, Raju Chinthala created the Indiana-India Business Council (IIBC) to strengthen relations through economic growth and cultural exchange. Read more…
The Indiana Latino Institute was originally established in 2001 as a statewide effort to help Latino-serving organizations improve their health programs. But over time, the non-profit recognized a need for more cultural services for Latino Hoosiers. Read more…
From world travel to cross-country logistics, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is a hub of global business here in Indiana. Our airport has a reputation as one of the best in the country, famous for its “Hoosier Hospitality” towards domestic and international passengers alike. But IND was not always the world-class international waypoint it is today. Read more…
Founded in 1955, the ICWA is a seasoned non-profit, non-partisan educational organization that has been an active member of the Indiana global community for over 60 years. Read more…
It’s hard to imagine an Indiana politician with a more storied career than the Honorable Lee Hamilton. Since 1960, Hamilton has been an advocate for Hoosiers on both the national and international stage, bringing new opportunities and lasting prosperity to the state. Read more…
Since its founding in 1961, Global Ties U.S. has fostered connections that break down borders, shatter stereotypes, and create a more peaceful, prosperous world. Read more…
Founder of Telamon Corporation and the Asian American Alliance
Albert Chen overcame the challenges of being a first-generation immigrant to found a global telecommunications company and several philanthropic organizations that serve the underrepresented AAPI community. Read more…
Community Ambassador Representing the Government of Mexico
The Mexican Consulate is a symbol of the century-long diplomatic relationship between Indiana and Mexico and a vital resource for Mexican and Hispanic individuals living in our state. Read more…
Public University in West Lafayette, Established in 1869
Purdue University is world renowned for providing an exceptional global education, preparing tens of thousands of local Hoosiers and international students for success in their future careers. Read more…
A founder, former Board Member and President of The International Center and, later, of the Nationalities Council of Indiana
Susan McKee promoted Indianapolis’ unique foreign heritage, encouraged cross-cultural exchange and improved inclusiveness through initiatives such as the International Festival and the Nationalities Council. Read more…
Public University in Bloomington, Established in 1820
Indiana University is a national leader in international engagement, offering a robust suite of global studies, virtual and in-person education abroad opportunities, and language programs that connect Indiana to the world. Read more…
Former Board Chair of The International Center
Douglas Brown is a skilled lawyer, a vocal advocate, and a true leader who has dedicated his life to enriching Indiana’s global presence through his service on the boards of many iconic institutions. Read more…
Multinational Agriculture Company with Global Impact
Corteva is an Indianapolis-based chemical and seed firm that makes a concerted effort to combat food insecurity and create a sustainable future for people around the world. Read more…
State Agency Focused on Fueling Indiana’s Economic Growth
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is a statewide public-private partnership that drives economic growth by supporting local companies and bringing new business opportunities to the state. Read more…
Empowering Indiana’s Global Vision
Founded in 1937, the Lilly Endowment is a philanthropic powerhouse that has significantly contributed to the global awareness and development of the state of Indiana. Read more…
Since 1973, The International Center has served Indiana as a catalyst for international growth and as a guide to the world’s cultural landscape.
