The Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner 2008 was held at Student Memorial Union Ct., North Ballroom. The event was a huge success. It was hosted by Dan Marries, KOLD News 13. Prof. John Olsen was the keynote speaker and Rabbi Thomas Louchheim, Sr. Karen Berry, Basheer Shahin and Rev. Elwood McDowell made speeches about the importance of dialogue and friendship. A traditional art of Ebru/ Water marbling performance was presented with the recital of a Turkish acoustic instrument Kanun, at the end of the program. The closing remark was made by Special Agent in Charge, John Lewis.
The event titled as " Whirling World: A Mystical Performance by the Whirling Dervishes of Rumi and a Classical Sufi Music Concert" will take place in UApresents/Centennial Hall on April 7, 2007 at 7p.m.
As UNESCO designates the year of 2007 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the birth of Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi, the Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue is bringing one of the wonders of Turkey to Tucson: “The Legendary Whirling Dervishes of Rumi”. The Whirling Dervishes are performing one of the most exquisite ceremonies of spirituality. This ceremony, filled with music and dance, is a rare opportunity to experience a mesmerizing seven-century old ritual, incredible performance featuring beautiful costumes, live music with flutes, string and percussion, and the amazing sight of the Dervishes which displays an infinite spinning in perfect harmony.
This once in a lifetime experience will be coming to UApresents/Centennial Hall on Saturday, April7, 2007 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at UApresents/Centennial Hall Box Office , UA Memorial Center Bookstore Ticket Outlet ,UA Visitor Center Ticket Outlet , via phone (520) 621-3341 ,and also from the Online Box Office www.uapresents.org . You may also send e-mail to tucson@whirlingworld.org for the performance at UApresents/Centennial Hall for further information.
For more information about “The Legendary Whirling Dervishes of Rumi” go to www.whirlingworld.org
Global Cultural Connections: An Unforgetable trip to Turkey in June 2006
Some comments from participants of trip to Turkey: test
This was the trip of a lifetime! All of the persons who are involved in the movement inspired by Fethulah Gulen have more than shown a genuine love and hospitality that is without a doubt rooted in their relationship with God.
Rev. Elwood J. McDowell - Trinity Missionary Baptist Church
We enjoyed immensely the profound hospitality and magnificence of Turkey and its people. Every where we went was spectacular. The people were adorable.
Rev. Joseph Nietlong
The trip was fabulous. It couldn't have been better. Everyone did a wonderful job of showing, explaining, attending to our needs that emerged, introducing us to so many nice people, and just interacting with us with such kindness.
Rev. Ron Rude, Campus Lutheran Ministry
This trip was a trip in a "lifetime" for me and I am forever grateful to you and the Foundation for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful experience.
Shirley McDowell
Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue received the diversity award of the year in community group category at 9th Annual Tempe Human Relations Commission Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Awards Brunch... 
Since 2004, Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue (FID) has been organizing interfaith dialogue dinners to bring the members of different faiths and communities of Arizona together. We aim to increase intercultural awareness in our community. 
