Iranian Community of Champaign-Urbana
Iranian Heritage Foundation
About Us
Mission
Fostering cultural exchange and unity, the Iranian Heritage Foundation is dedicated to promoting the diverse tapestry of Iranian culture through the mediums of art and music. Our mission is to cultivate understanding, appreciation, and connections within within the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign community and Champaign County. We strive to we empower individuals to embrace their heritage, contributing to a more inclusive and culturally enriched society.”
The organization is non-profit and registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a tax-exempt entity.
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.
Abbas Bataleblu, Ph.D. Student in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering
Somaye Babaei, Ph.D. Student in Bioengineering
Faeze Borhani, Community Member
Ali Ebrahimpour, Ph.D. Student in Computer Science
Zahra Heydari, Ph.D. Student in Civil Engineering
Mehrdad Mohammadi, Ph.D. Student in Statistics
Mahsa Rahimi, Community Member
Mehrnoosh Zohourian, Community Member
Erfan Namaki, Ph.D. Student in Music Education
Sheeva Sheikhfarshi, Ph.D. Student in Urban Planning
Hamed Razavi, Master’s Student in Information Science