The 2017 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame was inducted in front of 500 people (a sell out) in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott at Key Center on April 18, 2017.
Over 150 worthy candidates were nominated for the 2017 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 ceremony on April 18, 2017 began after a networking/cocktail hour. The Horizon Science Academy’s Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors to begin the 2017 Cleveland International Hall of Fame inductions.
Horizon Science Academy’s Junior ROTC Color Guard
Andrea Anelli, director of ContempOpera Cleveland led the crowd of 500 in the national anthem.
Andrea Anelli singing the national anthem
Watch a video of the Color Guard and National Anthem.
Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com was the MC for the 2017 Cleveland International Hall of Fame inductions.
Dan Hanson
Dan introduced the inductees, thanked the sponsors and spoke about the state of ethnics and diversity in Cleveland comparing it to the problems in the rest of the world by referencing the “Chinese curse” ‘May you live in interesting times.”
Dan Hanson
Watch a video of the welcoming remarks.
Board members of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame were introduced.
Debbie Hanson, Steve Owendoff, John Lewis and Bill Carney
(not pictured – Dan Hanson and Mike Miller)
Reverend Remus Grama from Saint Mary Romanian Orthodox Cathedral gave the blessing before dinner.
Reverend Remus Grama
Watch the video
Reverend Remus Grama
After dinner, the Marriott servers and wait staff were thanked.
Debbie Hanson
Thanks to our chefs, servers and wait staff
The Cleveland International Hall of Fame Class of 2017 consists of (in alphabetical order) the following. Click on the link to go to a page on each inductee with photos and videos of their speeches.
- Mona Alag
Inducted by Sudarshan Sathe - Jim Craciun
Inducted by Councilman Matt Zone - Wael Khoury, MD
Inducted by Dr. Nizar Zein - Seung (Sam) Kim
Inducted by Ki Kim - William (Bill) Miller
Inducted by August Pust - Basil Russo
Inducted by Gabriella and Joseph Rosalina
After the inductions, Master of Ceremonies Dan Hanson invited the attendees to raise a glass for the traditional toast to the newly inducted class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. Watch the short video.
Dan Hanson toasts the 2017 Class
Toasting the 2017 Class
Photos of some of the 500 attendees of the Induction Dinner – Page 1
Photos of some of the 500 attendees of the Induction Dinner – Page 2