Building Bridges Near and Far

Dear Members, Supporters, and Community Partners,

As the spring season comes to a close, we at the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council are reflecting on the ways that dialogue, cultural connection, and global understanding continue to shape our work—and our world.

We are excited to highlight two very special upcoming events: a groundbreaking discussion on cultural heritage and restitution, hosted in partnership with the Stanley Museum of Art and the Office of the State Archaeologist, and our Second Annual Glocal Connections Summer Gathering & Potluck, celebrating the vibrant international and local communities of Iowa City. Both gatherings remind us that fostering global citizenship begins right here at home.

Finally, thanks to your extraordinary support, we are close to reaching our annual fundraising goal. With just over $10,000 to go, every gift will help us finish strong and continue bringing thought leaders and diverse voices to our community through 2025 and beyond.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events—and to building an even more connected, compassionate world together.

In partnership,

Peter Gerlach

Executive Director

Iowa City Foreign Relations Council

Thu. 5/1 @ 6:30PM - Reclaiming Heritage: Leadership in Restitution and Repatriation in Iowa @Shambaugh

Sun. 6/15 @ 4:00PM - Glocal Connections: Summer Gathering & Potluck @ Iowa City City Park

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STANLEY MUSEUM OF ART AND THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ARCHEOLOGIST OF IOWA

Join us for a thought-provoking and timely panel discussion featuring esteemed representatives from the Stanley Museum of Art, the Pentacrest Museums, and the Office of the State Archaeologist. Together, they will explore the University of Iowa’s leadership and evolving practices in the restitution and repatriation of African and Indigenous American cultural objects. This conversation sheds light on the critical role of institutions in addressing how objects became part of institutional collections and fostering meaningful dialogue about cultural heritage and accountability. As the opening event of a three-day Mellon-funded symposium, this session invites you to engage with experts at the forefront of this transformative work, setting the stage for deeper reflection and action.

Reclaiming Heritage: Leadership in Restitution and Repatriation in Iowa

Thursday, May 1, 2025

6:30 PM - 8:00PM

UI Library, Shambaugh Auditorium

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Not Streaming Online

​PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE IOWA CITY COMMUNITY

The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC) invites you to our Second Annual Glocal Connections Summer Gathering & Potluck, a celebration of culture, community, and shared values. This family-friendly event brings together people across the Iowa City area for an afternoon event of food, conversation, and connection.

Guests will enjoy a diverse array of dishes contributed by attendees and community organizations, along with music and informal introductions that highlight the vibrant network of groups working to spread internationalism in our area. We are proud to gather alongside past partners like the African Community Network of Iowa, IC Compassion, the Center for Worker Justice, Global Ties Iowa, and others who share a vision of inclusion and mutual support.

Special guests from local government, educational institutions, and community groups have been invited to join us in celebrating and strengthening the ties that make Iowa City a welcoming place for all.

Participants are encouraged to bring a favorite dish to share, along with friends and family. If you are able, additional folding tables or a speaker for background music would be welcome to make the gathering even more lively. 

Translation assistance for promotional material is available in several languages, including but not limited to Arabic, French, Spanish, Swahili, and Lingala, to ensure a welcoming experience for all. Email James@icfrc.org for more information.

We look forward to celebrating the richness of our community with you—and to building momentum for the year ahead!

*** Note, registration is not required for this event to keep attendance open and welcoming to all who want to join.

Glocal Connections: Summer Gathering & Potluck

Sunday, June 15, 2025

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Iowa City City Park, Shelter #12

We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Wallace “Wally” Chappell, a beloved member of our extended ICFRC family.

While Wally did not serve on our board, his presence was felt deeply through the generous and spirited partnership he shared with his wife, Karen Hubenthal Chappell. Karen has been a guiding force within ICFRC—as a longtime board member, supporter, and former interim executive director—and together, she and Wally exemplified a shared commitment to the values at the heart of our mission.

Wally and Karen’s generosity of spirit and resources has uplifted not only ICFRC, but the broader cultural and civic life of Iowa City. Their legacy is one of encouragement—of supporting dialogue, elevating the arts, and fostering global understanding in ways that have enriched our entire community.

Wally believed in the power of connection—across cultures, disciplines, and generations. He reminded us that a meaningful life is one built on curiosity, kindness, and service to something greater than ourselves. Those values continue to inspire the work we do every day.



We hold Karen in our hearts with deep appreciation and sympathy. Wally’s legacy will remain a part of ICFRC’s story, reflected in the spirit of every thoughtful conversation and every bridge built between Iowa City and the wider world.

Russia's Persistent Disinformation and Propaganda War Against the West

When: November 2, 2022

Speaker: Peter Gross, PhD.

We are community-supported! Thanks to our incredible network of supporters and community partners, we’re just over $10,000 away from meeting our budget goal for the '24-'25 fiscal year.

Your contribution today will ensure we continue bringing thought leaders and experts from around the world to engage our community on the most pressing global issues through the end of 2025.

Your support makes an immediate impact—helping us provide honoraria for speakers and interns, food for luncheons, and materials for community outreach. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us reach the finish line.

Join us in making this final push—donate today!

Are there topics and speakers you would like to see brought to our community? Are you interested in being one of our speakers?