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A Historical Perspective
In early 1989, the Gainesville Indian Community was thrust into the
midst of a mini crisis. Within a short space of two weeks, three students
of Indian origin had tragically decided to end their precious lives. From
the pangs of this despair and despondency, rose the concept of ICEC. Several key members of the local Indian community,
Drs. Dinesh Shah and Rasik Nagda being prominent among them, formed the India Cultural and Education
Center, or ICEC.
ICEC Bylaws...
Mission & Purpose
- Assist students of Indian heritage for fulfilment of their cultural
and educational aspirations
- Create a support network of students, faculty and community of Indian heritage
to assist in times of emotional stress and crises
- Provide opportunities to youth of Indian heritage to congregate, co-operate
and contribute
- Provide academic guidance to students seeking careers in various fields
- Provide emergency financial assistance, scholarships and zero-interest
loans to needy students
- Promote Indo-US cultural interaction by organizing and participating in
cultural and educational programs
- Provide opportunity to its members to contribute towards the betterment
of the community-at-large
Click here to learn more...
Administrative Structure
- Governed by an elected 15-member Executive Board
- Board office bearers - President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer
- Categories of membership: Donor Member (donation of $5,000 or more); Founding
Member (donation of $1,000 - $4,999); Regular Member (payment of $100 annual dues);
Associate Member (students); and Honorary Member
- The Indian Student Association (ISA) and Indian Graduate Students
Association (IGSA) of the University of Florida nominate several ICEC student liaisons every year.
2011 ICEC Board Members...
ICEC Donor/Founding Members...
2011 ICEC Regular Members...
Facilities
Located at 1115 SW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL, the ICEC building is
within walking distance of the UF campus. The two-story, 15,000 sq. ft.
building sits on a 2.6 acre wooded lot and consists of a 10,000 sq. ft. auditorium, a stage with curtains,
projection screen, lights and sound system, a food-warming facility, and four rooms for multiple use.
Selected student groups registered with University of Florida (ISA, IGSA, ASHA, SPICMACAY and CHiTra) can rent the hall for cultural and recreational purposes. They can use upstairs rooms at no cost during
regular open hours Monday to Thursday (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM) with prior arrangement by contacting Iqbal Qaiyumi at 352-378-7112.
A Sample of Activities organized & sponsored by ICEC
Education:
- Math and English SAT review classes; Physics and Chemistry classes - these classes are conducted by UF faculty & students upon request
- Academic advisement/career guidance by UF faculty & staff
- Continuing Medical Education Seminars
- Annual Health Fair - Health Education & Screening for General Public
Cultural:
- Celebration of India’s Republic Day & Independence Day
- Youth Group celebrations for Diwali/Eid/Christmas
- Musical concert as multi-faith tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
- Live music and dance programs arranged by Indian students
- Lectures by invited cultural & religious leaders
- India Fest: Annual Indian Food and Cultural Festival
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