Over 150 people attended Iran Cultural and Educational Center’s (ICEC) 25th Anniversary Conference on October 12, 2013 at the Marriott’s Inn and Conference Center, University of Maryland University College, College Park, Maryland.

The main aim for this event, celebrating the achievements of young Iranian-Americans, was achieved successfully. The ICEC alumni and other Young Iranian-American Speakers showed us, through their emotional presentations, their attendance, and thoughtful questions that they are strong and confident; able to thrive in our multi-cultural society without compromise to their cultural identity and heritage.

The Iran Cultural and Educational Center expresses its deep gratitude to everyone who supported the event. We would especially like to thank our Speakers, Moderators, Moderator’s Assistants, Teachers, Alumni, Students, Parents and Volunteers for their time and participation in this event.

To see the pictures of the event click here. (Thanks to ICEC parent volunteer, Ruhi Afnan)

To see information about each session click here.

Saturday, October 12, 2013, was a night of celebration and appreciation in commemoration of ICEC’s 25^th Anniversary. The ICEC community celebrated and showed its appreciation of its students, alumni, families, teachers and founders at Marriott’s Inn and Conference Center at University of Maryland, University College.

Over 350 guests enjoyed the festivities. The celebration included a photography exhibit of ICEC’s students over the years. Exclusively Events’ musicians Kimia and Kamyar Arsani of the Mehr Aeen Group performed classical Persian folk music during the cocktail reception.

The evening’s proceedings continued with special appearances by Montgomery County Executive, the Honorable Isiah “Ike” Leggett and journalist and producer Saman Arbabi. Iman Huschmand was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, with entertainment provided by Exclusively Entertainment.

ICEC would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and participants for their support in making this Gala an amazing night. ICEC is gratified in knowing that this event demonstrates the fact that we are a community, proud of our culture and achievements, and well positioned for an exciting future.

Montgomery County Executive, the Honorable Isiah Leggett presents Mrs. Iran Arbabi with a proclamation recognizing ICEC’s creation of an environment that fosters appreciation of cultural diversity.

Proclamation from Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler recognizing ICEC’s 25 years of providing educational opportunities and learning experiences to develop a strong appreciation of Iranian history, culture and language.

Proclamation from Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot recognizing ICEC 25 years of work promoting a sense of connection, pride and appreciation of Iranian culture, heritage and history.

To see pictures of the event, please click on Gala Pictures (Thanks to ICEC Alumna Sima Jafari)

Slide show for 25^th Anniversary Event: As Iran Cultural & Educational Center celebrates it’s 25th anniversary, we would like to celebrate the people and memories that have brought us to this moment. Slideshow (Thanks to ICEC Alumna Tatiana Motevalli-Oliner). Dinner time slide show (Thanks to Behnam Movahed)

Message from an Alumna, Kamran Partovi, Student at university of Maryland, College Park, Maryland:

Here we are at the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Iran Cultural & Educational Center… Wow. Today I have truly realized what a difference ICEC has made in my life. None of us enjoyed spending Friday nights doing homework and going to class on Saturday mornings, but where would any of us be today if we didn’t have the gift of being able to speak Persian? Without ICEC, the bridge in my life that connects me to my homeland would not exist –nor would this beautiful community of family, friends, and mentors who have all made my life meaningful since I moved to the DC area in 1999. Now it is clear that ICEC was the foundation for my involvement in both IAAB and ISF, organizations that have also had a huge impact on my life. Fourteen years of memories… I remember every Yalda performance, writing name tags at Imagination Bethesda, being part of “rooznameh negari”, Young Iranian Musicians and Young Iranian Performers (the latter which I later directed), the memorable Nowruz shows, talent shows, hanging out at Fallsgrove after class ended… But nothing more important than all the amazing and special people who today are my closest and dearest friends… actually family.

Here’s to another 25 years of success for ICEC!