Dear ICEC Family,

I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything you have done not only for the conference and the gala, but also throughout the years. Your dedication has been the cornerstone of our institution, without which we wouldn’t have been here. The ICEC owes its success to every one of you who have dedicated your time and energy to this institution year after year.
The ICEC 25th anniversary was only a means to celebrate young Iranian-Americans’ achievements. The main goal of the event was to create a forum for our alumni and other young Iranian-Americans to network and through their personal and professional stories inspire younger students and alumni. We were all there because of this young generation that has experienced the value of belonging to more than one culture and one language and is a role model and mentor for the younger generation. All panelists, without exception, through their unique and moving stories, delivered a powerful message about ways in which their bilingual education has helped them personally and professionally. Their stories, sometime blended with tears of gratitude, were proof that your efforts as parents and ours as educators have not been in vain. This profound commitment to preserving cultural heritage as an invaluable asset is the underlying value that brought us together on Saturday. Without this strong commitment, our center, that began 25 years ago with a modest number of students and classes, wouldn’t have become a community, as we know it today. We have become a community thanks to the unwavering support of all of you; our dedicated staff who have gone above and beyond to create the best possible learning environment for our children despite all the challenges; our alumni and students who have been our source of energy and excitement; and our parents who have supported us in any possible way. I am grateful to every one of you for your tireless work, steadfast support and dedication.

Warm wishes,

Iran Arbabi