Registered Student Organization
Iranian Heritage Foundation
About Us
درباره ما
Mission
Fostering cultural exchange and unity, the Iranian Heritage Foundation is a non-political, non-religious, Registered Student Organization (RSO) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign dedicated to showcasing the rich diversity of Iranian culture through art, music, and community events. Our mission is to cultivate understanding, appreciation, and connection within the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Champaign County, while honoring American values of inclusivity, mutual respect, and freedom of expression.
We celebrate Iranian heritage in dialogue with American culture and the broader campus community, contributing to a more welcoming and culturally enriched society.
Our activities take place solely on campus as volunteer, student-run RSO.
Our History
Over time, Iranian students have traveled far and wide to fulfill their academic dreams, with many finding a home within the esteemed University of Illinois. Since the early days of the Daily Illini in 1907, which documented the presence of a determined student from Persia, the legacy of Iranian students at UIUC has been etched in history, for more than a century, Iranian students have made an indelible mark on this prestigious institution, becoming an integral part of education, research and campus life.
UIUC stands out as a beacon of excellence in the annals of Iranian student organizations. Iranian students have founded at least eight student organizations since 1961, each one a testament to the perseverance and strength of the Iranian community. The Iranian Student Association, established on November 16th, 1961, is one of the oldest Iranian student organizations in the United States.
Iranian student organizations may have had different names, but they all shared a common goal:
“TO UNITE THE IRANIAN COMMUNITY ON CAMPUS AND SHOWCASE THE RICHNESS OF IRANIAN CULTURE.”
As we look towards the future, we are reminded of the lasting legacy of the Iranian community at UIUC, a legacy that inspires and uplifts us all.
Officers:
Abbas Bataleblu, Ph.D. Student in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering
Mohmmadi Kian Golkar, PhD Student in Agricultural and Biomedical Engineering
Mehrnoosh Haghighatnejad, PhD Student in Kinesiology
Mehrdad Mohammadi, PhD Student in Statistics
Erfan Namaki, PhD Student in Music Education
Advisors:
Dr. Emad Tajkhorshid, Professor of Biochemistry
Dr. Houtan Jebelli, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering