The Annual Dialog and Friendship Dinner was held Tuesday, November 15 at the Overton Hotel.  John Kirby, General Manager for KTXT-TV, was the Master of Ceremonies. The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Tom Martin, mayor of the city of Lubbock.  His theme was “Why we all Get Along in West Texas.”  He described how changes in transportation technology over the years have changed how we think of who our neighbors are.  He noted that, like Turkey, West Texas is a crossroads where many cultures meet.  Because they are similar in this way, he said, they both are places known for their tolerance and welcoming attitude.

The evening’s event began with welcoming remarks by Atilla Hafizoglu, Lubbock Representative of the Institute of Interfaith Dialog.  He expressed his gratitude for everyone’s presence, and expressed a sincere hope that we could improve mutual understanding, and live in peace together.

The Institute of Interfaith dialog presented four awards: The Outstanding Contribution to Education Award was presented to Karen Garza, Superintendent of the Lubbock Independent School District, Kent Hance, and Chancellor of the Texas Tech University system was presented with the Community Service Award.  The Leadership Award was presented to Lubbock Mayor Tom Martin, and the Legislator of the Year Award was presented to Senator Robert Duncan.

After the awards ceremony, Dr. Cindy Ford, Professor of Nursing and Director of the Partnership Program at Lubbock Christian University, shared her reflections on her experiences on an interfaith trip to Turkey.  She described her experiences visiting schools and meeting the generous and hospitable people of Turkey.  She described the thought of Fethullah Gulen, whose life and writings inspire the work of many teachers and others in Turkey and around the world.

The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Tom Martin, mayor of the city of Lubbock.  His theme was “Why we all Get Along in West Texas.”  He described how changes in transportation technology over the years have changed how we think of who our neighbors are.  He noted that, like Turkey, West Texas is a crossroads where many cultures meet.  Because they are similar in this way, he said, they both are places known for their tolerance and welcoming attitude. The program was ended with the surprise of birthday cake for Chancellor Kent Hance along with Turkish coffee.

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