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.

2017 Class 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, director of ContempOpera Cleveland singing 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.

Board members of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame - Debbie Hanson, Steve Owendoff, John Lewis and Bill Carney

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

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Cleveland International Hall of Fame Class of 2017Cleveland Marriott Hotel Ballroom April 18, 2017

Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Class of 2017
Cleveland Marriott Hotel Ballroom
April 18, 2017