Cleveland International Hall of Fame Inductions
Class of 2026
April 21, 2026 Windows on the River
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.
MC Russ Mitchell
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
Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin
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.
Russ Mitchell calls up Dan Hanson
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.
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.
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.
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.
