Anjan Ghose
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.
In addition, the first annual Debbie Hanson Forever Young Honors have been announced. Debbie's 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. Anjan Ghose is an innaugural honoree.
Anjan Ghose - A jack of all trades!
Anjan is retired from Cuyahoga Community College where he was the Director of Network Services. Anjan was affiliated with TriC for over 40 years prior to retirement in December of 2013. During his time at TriC he has held various roles throughout the years. He started as an Audio Visual Technician in 1972 and slowly moved up the ladder. At one point he worked for SCT that became part of TriC. Anjan oversaw the college expand from 4 sites to 10! As a Sound Engineer he implemented inter active video and slide programs for the college. He set up point to microwave for distance for the college. During his time at SCT he implemented in house repair facilities for personal computers like Dell, IBM and HP to save the college money. Nine years later he returned to TriC where he implemented college wide data, video and voice infrastructure cabling that is still in use. He was the architect of creating network security today known as safe and secure computing.
He implemented many ideas and projects for the college such as a lease program for PCs and servers, software and hardware standards. Network upgrades, voice over IP and he wrote the standard infrastructure cabling for the college. He was part of a committee to implement Light up Ohio known today as Third Frontier Network which is Internationally recognized. As Director of Network Services he managed the 4th largest higher education network in the USA.
Anjan is a past President of FICA - Federation of Indian Community Associations of Northeast Ohio as well as other committee roles for approximately 35 years. During his time at FICA he was instrumental in arranging the visit of Rajmahon Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi in honor of the Gandhi statue at the Indian Cultural Garden. The three day event took place September 5th, 6th, and 7th of 2008. Mr. Gandhi had a presentation at The City Club of Cleveland on Friday evening, Saturday, a presentation at TriC and Sunday an address at the Olivet International Baptist Church then a book signing and dinner at the Double Tree Hotel. In 2009 FICA presented Anjan with an Exemplary Service Achievement award. Then in 2025 he was recognized as a FICA past president alongside other previous presidents.
Anjan is a past member of the Solon Commission, a group responsible for the review of site plans that are in compliance with safety standards, zone changes and planning recommendations to the city master plan.
In 2008 Anjan was selected to join The FBI Citizens Academy of Cleveland and is currently a Lifetime Member. He is an active participant in the annual Flags for Honor Program that honors American heroes like law enforcement, fire fighters, active and reserve military, veterans, healthcare workers, social service workers and many other heroic individuals.
Anjan will be married to Kathy for 52 years this July and together they have two adult daughters, Julie-Anne and Monica. After Kathy retired 3 years ago they have been busy exploring The Cleveland Art Museum, Blossom, the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra and traveling. Road trips, cruise to Alaska, Greece and a few Greek Islands, India most recently Kerala and the famous backwaters. Looking forward to an upcoming Mediterranean cruise to include parts of Italy, France and Barcelona!
Anjan, as some of you know, takes photographs of various events for ClevelandPeople.Com so he almost always documents the events as well as his personal travels. A picture is worth a thousand words and for Anjan that's a lot of beautiful memories made.
By Kathy Ghose
Anjan was introduced by Global Cleveland CEO Joe Cimperman.
Here is a video of Anjan receiving the Debbie Hanson Forever Young Award followed by some photos.
with Debbie Hanson Forever Young Award
Congratulations Anjan Ghose!
”ReadLe Nguyen - Class of 2026
For decades, when Cleveland's Asian communities needed help navigating a new country, resolving conflict, or putting on a program, Le Nguyen was the person they turned to. As a connector and trusted presence, he spent more than 40 years building bridges between cultures, neighborhoods, and City Hall in the city he came to call his home.
Le was born in Can Tho, Vietnam, one of eight siblings. As a teenager, he witnessed the spread of war throughout the country. He joined the South Vietnamese Air Force, working in security, and rose to the rank of Sergeant. On April 28, 1975, just two days before the Fall of Saigon, Le survived the bombing at Tan Son Nhut Airport, an experience that would forever shape his resilience and sense of duty.
Soon after, Le, along with his brother and nephew, boarded a plane bound for the United States. By October of that year, he resettled in Muskegon, Michigan, beginning a new life in a new country. Determined to build a future, he enrolled at Indiana Vocational Technical College, earning an associate degree in Electronics and Technology in 1980.
Later that year Le moved to Cleveland, drawn by the promise of opportunity along the shores of Lake Erie. Within a year he was hired by Earl Williams Sr. to assist Vietnamese refugees resettling in the city. His work quickly earned the trust of city leadership, and under Mayor George Voinovich, Le became a key figure in community relations. He later served as the city's Asian Liaison under Mayor Michael White and continued his work through the administrations of Mayor Jane Campbell and Mayor Frank Jackson.
For 32 years with the City of Cleveland, Le was a steady presence and trusted mediator. When challenges arose within the Asian community, he was often the one called upon to listen, bridge differences, and develop practical solutions. His work in peacekeeping extended beyond city offices into neighborhoods, churches, and temples.
Le helped more than 125 families displaced by war resettle in Cleveland. He guided those families through housing applications, access to food assistance programs, and the complex process toward lawful permanent residency and United States citizenship. Alongside a devoted network of volunteers, he also helped bring cultural celebrations such as the Moon Festival and Lunar New Year to the city, strengthening cross cultural understanding and pride.
Believing deeply in his neighborhood, Le worked with Councilman Matt Zone to help establish the Vietnamese Community of Greater Cleveland along Detroit Avenue and West 65th Street. He served as president of the organization from 1990 to 2012, anchoring a community that continues to thrive today.
In 2012, after 32 years of public service, Le retired to care for his wife, Bonnie, following her diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. He devoted himself fully to her care until her passing later that year. Then in 2025, Le faced another personal battle when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Doctors now say he has won that fight, a testament to the same perseverance that carried him through war, displacement, and decades of service.
Le Nguyen's story is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others. Through his work, thousands found stability, culture found a home, and Cleveland became a more welcoming city. His legacy lives on not only in the community he helped build, but the lives he changed and the city he served with quiet strength and enduring purpose.
Le will be inducted by former Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson
”ReadLe Nguyen - Class of 2026
For decades, when Cleveland's Asian communities needed help navigating a new country, resolving conflict, or putting on a program, Le Nguyen was the person they turned to. As a connector and trusted presence, he spent more than 40 years building bridges between cultures, neighborhoods, and City Hall in the city he came to call his home.
Le was born in Can Tho, Vietnam, one of eight siblings. As a teenager, he witnessed the spread of war throughout the country. He joined the South Vietnamese Air Force, working in security, and rose to the rank of Sergeant. On April 28, 1975, just two days before the Fall of Saigon, Le survived the bombing at Tan Son Nhut Airport, an experience that would forever shape his resilience and sense of duty.
Soon after, Le, along with his brother and nephew, boarded a plane bound for the United States. By October of that year, he resettled in Muskegon, Michigan, beginning a new life in a new country. Determined to build a future, he enrolled at Indiana Vocational Technical College, earning an associate degree in Electronics and Technology in 1980.
Later that year Le moved to Cleveland, drawn by the promise of opportunity along the shores of Lake Erie. Within a year he was hired by Earl Williams Sr. to assist Vietnamese refugees resettling in the city. His work quickly earned the trust of city leadership, and under Mayor George Voinovich, Le became a key figure in community relations. He later served as the city's Asian Liaison under Mayor Michael White and continued his work through the administrations of Mayor Jane Campbell and Mayor Frank Jackson.
For 32 years with the City of Cleveland, Le was a steady presence and trusted mediator. When challenges arose within the Asian community, he was often the one called upon to listen, bridge differences, and develop practical solutions. His work in peacekeeping extended beyond city offices into neighborhoods, churches, and temples.
Le helped more than 125 families displaced by war resettle in Cleveland. He guided those families through housing applications, access to food assistance programs, and the complex process toward lawful permanent residency and United States citizenship. Alongside a devoted network of volunteers, he also helped bring cultural celebrations such as the Moon Festival and Lunar New Year to the city, strengthening cross cultural understanding and pride.
Believing deeply in his neighborhood, Le worked with Councilman Matt Zone to help establish the Vietnamese Community of Greater Cleveland along Detroit Avenue and West 65th Street. He served as president of the organization from 1990 to 2012, anchoring a community that continues to thrive today.
In 2012, after 32 years of public service, Le retired to care for his wife, Bonnie, following her diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. He devoted himself fully to her care until her passing later that year. Then in 2025, Le faced another personal battle when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Doctors now say he has won that fight, a testament to the same perseverance that carried him through war, displacement, and decades of service.
Le Nguyen's story is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others. Through his work, thousands found stability, culture found a home, and Cleveland became a more welcoming city. His legacy lives on not only in the community he helped build, but the lives he changed and the city he served with quiet strength and enduring purpose.
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.
Here is a video of Le Nguen's induction followed by some photos.
Valarie McCall, Le Nguyen and Matt Zone
Congratulations Le Nguyen!
See more photos and videos of the 2026 Cleveland International Hall of Fame inductions
”ReadSvetlana Stolyarova
Svetlana Stolyarova, born in the USSR in 1962, is a visionary leader dedicated to cultural heritage, community development, and international collaboration. Her lifelong passion for music, philosophy, and civic engagement has shaped her remarkable journey-from championing democratic reforms during Perestroika to becoming a key figure in Cleveland's multicultural landscape.
After immigrating to the United States in 1999, Svetlana quickly became a dynamic force within the Russian-speaking and greater Cleveland communities. As a real estate broker, investment, and business consultant, she used her expertise to forge meaningful connections, strengthening cross-cultural ties throughout Northeast Ohio.
In 2011, Svetlana co-founded the Russian Cultural Garden, working alongside Dr. Boris Vinogradsky and Sergio Lebid to establish a permanent tribute to Russian heritage within the historic Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Under her leadership, the Russian Garden was designed, built, and dedicated in 2018, marking a significant milestone in Cleveland's celebration of international cultures. She was also instrumental in bringing the bust of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, to the garden in 2019-honoring one of Russia's greatest contributions to human history.
Beyond her service as the first President and a Board Member (Emeritus) of the Russian Cultural Gardens nonprofit, Svetlana has served as a delegate to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF), where she was twice elected as Vice President. Through these roles, she has secured funding, fostered international partnerships, and helped expand the presence of Eastern European culture in Cleveland's global community.
She is also the driving force behind some of Cleveland's most cherished cultural events. She founded the Maslenitsa Pancake Festival, a vibrant Slavic carnival that has grown into a major celebration, drawing thousands of attendees each year. In addition, she is a co-founder and Executive Director of The Stars of Summer International Piano, Vocal, and Dance Competition & Festival, that showcases emerging talents and reinforces Cleveland's reputation as a hub for world-class musical and artistic excellence.
Through her vision, leadership, and dedication, Svetlana Stolyarova has played a transformative role in Cleveland's cultural landscape. By bridging generations, celebrating heritage, and strengthening global ties, she has ensured that Russian culture remains a vibrant and integral part of the city's international identity.
Svetlana Stolyarova was inducted by Dr. Anton Komar
Watch the video of the speeches.
Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Mayor Frank Jackson, Gia Hoa Ryan, Svetlana Stolyarova
(Raj Aggarwal not in picture)
Congratulations Svetlana
Back to the 2025 Cleveland International Hall of Fame Induction Page
”ReadBeverly Kerecman
Beverly Haru Hashiguchi was born in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Cleveland Heights High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Kent State University. Beverly continued her formal education to earn a Master of Science in Reading and Literacy and an Educational Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership at Walden University.
Beverly's grandparents immigrated to the United States in the early 1900's with dreams of a good life in a new land. Her father, Mitsuo Hashiguchi's family lived in Los Angeles and had a small restaurant. Her mother, Eva Yoshida's family had a farm in Clarksburg, California. Both families were incarcerated in the Internment camps in the deserts of the United States during World War II. The families' California homes and businesses were taken away, so with other displaced Japanese Americans they settled in the Cleveland area. Beverly's parents met while in the Cleveland Nisei Tennis Club. Growing up in the Midwest as a Japanese American after World War II provided some unique challenges. Due to the social climate, the Japanese Americans formed their own social, sport, philanthropic, and religious organizations. Being good Americans was always prioritized in the family. The family only spoke English and strived to excel in all areas while becoming exemplary citizens.
Beverly joined the ShoJoJi Japanese Dancers during her youth. About a decade earlier, the dance group was formed by Dolly Semonco when asked to perform at the Cleveland Public Library. Linda Omura and Yoshiko Baker soon joined Dolly. These three talented women from Japan remained as the core Japanese dance instructors. The dance group is sponsored by the Japanese American Citizens League - Cleveland Chapter. Over the decades many people have volunteered in a variety of ways to have the ShoJoJi Japanese Dancers continue their mission to preserve the art of Japanese dance. During Bev's college years, she and Nanci Taketa assumed leading the ShoJoJi Japanese Dancers.
Since 1945, the Cleveland Buddhist Church held Obon services which included folk dancing. The annual Obon event honors our families and our ancestors. Last year, Beverly coordinated the Obon Festival of Cleveland by assembling the ShoJoJi Japanese Dancers, the Cleveland Japanese American Citizens League and the Cleveland Japanese American Foundation as sponsors.
Beverly served as an officer for the Cleveland Japanese American Citizens League, JACL, and the Junior Japanese American Citizens League. Experiences with these organizations include organizing workshops and speakers about the World War II Internment Camps, working for civil and human rights, organizing social events for the youth, and creating programs for the Japanese American community. She was a contributing writer for the JACL Newsletter. She has volunteered for the Cleveland Internation Film Festival. She is currently the President of the Cleveland Asian Retired Persons and serves on the Scholarship Committee of the JACL.
Beverly's profession is an intervention specialist. She has retired from teaching students from preschool to high school in the Mayfield City Schools and the Shaker Heights School System. Beverly has been an adjunct at Notre Dame College for 10 years, instructing the next generation of teachers. She has consulted and trained teachers in Phonics in Motion, a reading curriculum created by Dr. Terry Kindervater. Professional awards and accomplishments include National Board-Certified Teacher, officer of the Ohio Chapter of the Council of Exceptional Children, presenting at the National Martha Holding Jennings Scholar, Mayfield Education Association Honor, and Ohio Council of Economic Education Award. She continues to work with teachers, paraprofessionals, and students.
Beverly and her husband, Mark, are proud parents of David, Michael, and Kathleen Kerecman and are blessed to love five grandchildren.
Beverly was fortunate to work with teams of wonderful people. She learned from outstanding individuals who modeled community work. She stands on the works of others.
Beverly was inducted by OCAGC President Lisa Wong
Watch a video of the speeches.
at Cleveland International Hall of Fame
(Ray Aggarwal not in photo)
