After a cocktail/networking hour, MC Russ Mitchell asked the crowd to stand for the presenting of the colors. John Marshall JROTC students marched in and presented the colors while William Clarence Marshall III led the singing of the national anthem.
Watch a video of the powerful national anthem.
Then Russ Mitchell gave welcoming remarks and introduced Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin. President Griffin began by asking for a moment of silence for Cleveland International Hall of Fame co-founder Debbie Hanson who sadly passed away the week before. He then have a welcome on behalf of City Council.
Angela Shute-Woodson, Director of Community Relations and Senior Advisor to the Mayor, gave welcoming remarks on behalf of Mayor Justin Bibb and the city of Cleveland.
Cleveland International Hall of Fame co-founder Dan Hanson gave his welcoming remarks. He thanked Russ Mitchell and the sponsors and other participants and recognized over 20 previous inductees who were in attendance as well as Croatian Ambassador to the US Pjer Šimunovic, Consul General of Slovenia Suzana Cesarek and honorary consuls from several nations from the Cleveland Consular Corps.
Russ Mitchell introduced Sister Rita Mary Harwood who retired after 27 years with the Catholic Diocese for some brief inspirational remarks.
Russ then introduced Imam Ramez Islambouli from CWRU for the invocation before dinner.
After dinner, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne gave his welcoming remarks.
Watch a video of the remarks from Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin, Angela Shute-Woodson, Director of Community Relations and Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Sister Rita Mary Harwood, Imam Ramez Islambouli and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.
Then Russ Mitchell began the induction ceremony.
Click on the links below to see photos, bios and video of the inductees at the Hall of Fame.
Raj Aggarwal, Phd, CFA
David Gilbert
Frank G. Jackson
Beverly Kerecman
Branka Malinar
Svetlana Stolyarova
After the inductions, Russ Mitchell gave his final remarks.
Before adjournment and the Class Photo, Dan Hanson led the customary toast to the 6 new inductees: Raj Aggarwal, David Gilbert, Mayor Frank G. Jackson, Beverly Kerecman, Branka Malinar and Svetlana Stolyarova. The attendees were asked to say a toast in the language of their heritage so Dan used the Irish “Sláinte”. Watch the short video of the toast.
See pictures of many of the attendees at the event
Watch the TV20 Video of the entire event.