Since 2010, the Cleveland International Hall of Fame (CIHF) has inducted people who have made significant and lasting contributions to our multicultural society. Cleveland is home to people representing about 120 different ethnic groups. The CIHF exists not only to honor those special people but also to inspire a new generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps.
Over 100 worthy candidates were nominated for the 2026 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. The selection committee was advised by previously inducted members of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.
The 2026 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame induction dinner ceremony was held on Tuesday April 21, 2026 at Windows on the River. The event sold out (about 450 people) a week in advance.
2026 Class Picture
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 soprano Julie Anna Gulenko led the singing of the national anthem.
John Marshall JROTC presents the colors
Julie Anna Gulenko and John Marshall JROTC Color Guard
Julie Anna Gulenko
Russ Mitchell called up City of Cleveland Community relations Director Angela Shute Woodson for remarks from Mayor Justin Bibb and then called up Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin.
Angela Shute Woodson
Russ Mitchell called up Cleveland International Hall of Fame co-founder Dan Hanson who gave his welcoming remarks. He thanked Russ Mitchell and the sponsors and other participants and recognized over 30 previous inductees who were in attendance as well.
Cleveland International Hall of Fame co-founder Dan Hanson
Watch a video of the above events.
This was also the introduction of the inaugural Debbie Hanson Forever Young Awards. Debbie Hanson was co-founder of the CIHF and her medical issues started in her 50’s and her passing was way too early – hence she will remain Forever Young to us. The honor will be awarded each year to a man and a woman who do not seek the limelight but are always there willing and able to help in any way possible with their community.
MC Russ Mitchell introduced Global Cleveland CEO Joe Cimperman who explained the awards and called up the first two honorees of the Debbie Hanson Forever Young Award starting with Mary Anne DeGrandis Baucco.
The Joe called up the other recipient, Anjan Ghose.
See lots of photos and a video of Anjan Ghose and the Debbie Hanson Forever Young Award
After their acceptance remarks, Russ introduced Reverend Father Stephen Callos who has served the community of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland since 1982 for the invocation.
Reverend Father Stephen Callos
After dinner, the 2026 Class was inducted beginning with Lucy Torres inducted by Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin.
Lucy Torres and Blaine Griffin
See lots of photos and a video of Lucy Torres’ induction
Next was Andy Chakalis inducted by Lou Frangos.
Andy Chakalis and Lou Frangos
See lots of photos and a video of Andy Chakalis’ induction
Next was Aklilu Demessie inducted by his daughter Dr. Menna Demessie, Ph.D..
Aklilu Demessie and Dr. Menna Demessie, Ph.D.
See lots of photos and a video of Akllu Demessie’s induction
Next was Andy Fedynsky inducted by United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio President George E. Jaskiw, M.D.
Andy Fedynsky and George E. Jaskiw
See lots of photos and a video of Andy Fedynsky’s induction
Next was Catherine Jorgensen McCutcheon inducted by her daughter Karin McCutcheon.
Karin McCutcheon and Catherine Jorgensen McCutcheon
See lots of photos and a video of Catherine Jorgensen McCutcheon’s induction
Last but not least was Le Nguyen. Le was to be inducted by former Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson who had health issues and could not attend. But he wrote his remarks which were read by the Mayor’s former Chief of Staff Valarie McCall. Former Cleveland City Councilman Matt Zone also gave some remarks.
Valarie McCall, Le Nguyen and Matt Zone
See lots of photos and a video of Le Nguyen’s induction
After the inductions, Russ Mitchell gave his final remarks and before adjournment and the Class Photo, Dan Hanson led the customary toast to the 6 new inductees. The diverse crowd was 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 MDI video of the entire evening which includes room and crowd shots and interviews..