Celebrating 30 Years of International Education in Indiana

The 2024-2025 school year marks the 30th Anniversary of the International School of Indiana! Since our founding on West 42nd Street, ISI has grown from a visionary idea into a vibrant, diverse community that champions academic excellence, intercultural understanding, and holistic development. Our commitment to the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and our diverse environment has empowered hundreds of students from all over the world to achieve their fullest potential, both academically and personally.

From March 21 through 23, members of the ISI community came together for our 30th Anniversary Celebration, a special weekend marking three decades of international education in Indiana. The weekend was filled with opportunities to reconnect, reflect on our institution’s journey, and celebrate our collective achievements. We sincerely thank every member of the ISI community who joined us for this milestone celebration! 

Whether with us in person or connected from afar, you can relive the weekend with recaps, videos, and photos below.

Weekend Events and Activities recap

FRIDAY, MARCH 21

In-School Celebration for Students | 9:00 AM
The 30th Anniversary celebration began Friday morning with an In-School Assembly, attended by faculty, staff, students from grades 1 to 12 and distinguished guests Sidney and Maria Taurel.  The event kicked off with the school song, and featured a panel discussion with former and current Heads of School Alain Weber, David Garner, Craig Anderson, and Elizabeth Head. Student moderators Mateo Rodriguez (Grade 4), Tru Long (grade 8), and Andres Rodriguez (Grade 10) led the conversation, asking student-submitted questions about the school’s history and how many ISI traditions came to be. Click to watch the full panel!

Campus Tours and Alumni Happy Hour Event | 3:00 - 5:30 PM
Alumni students and families returned to campus on Friday afternoon for student-led tours and a special alumni gathering in the Taurel Cafeteria. For many, this was the first time they had returned to campus since the opening of the Chen Family Lower School. The Parent Association and the Willis Family hosted the Alumni Happy Hour, allowing former students, their parents, and children, to connect with their former teachers and one another! Click to view a photo album of alum events!

Timmy Game | 6:00 PM
On Friday evening, the Timmy Club held their annual Teachers & Alumni vs. Students Basketball Fundraiser, a 20-year tradition that many alumni return for annually. The Daneri Family Gym was standing room only as the basketball game went into overtime–the Teachers & Alumni took the win this year! More information about the Timmy Club, including final fundraising numbers, will be shared in the coming weeks! 

Founders Dinner | 7:00 PM
On Friday evening, 90 current and former board members, civic leaders, and lead donors gathered at the Woodstock Club for the Founders Dinner. Guests enjoyed reconnecting with many old friends for a night of reminiscing on the early years of ISI, the collaborations that brought the school to life, and the many successes made possible in our first 30 years. All the school’s former Board Presidents and Heads of School were in attendance. A highlight of the evening was Board President Alonzo Weems awarding the Order of the Gryphon, an award reserved for those who exemplify the very essence of service and selflessness, to School Founder Sidney Taurel.

SATURDAY MARCH 22

Tours, Time Capsules, and Class Photos | 10:00 AM - Noon
On Saturday morning, ISI alumni returned to campus once again, where they enjoyed opening their time capsules. The capsules, which each senior class creates, have been stored by ISI, since graduation.  The fun continued into Saturday afternoon as alumni groups gathered in various spots around Indianapolis to celebrate and be together! Click to view a photo album of alum events!  

International Gala | 6:30 PM - Midnight
On Saturday evening, more than 350 energetic guests gathered to celebrate our 30th Anniversary at the International Gala, the school’s signature fundraising event and an annual tradition. The event was held at the beautiful Indiana State Museum Great Hall. The space was filled with hues of blue and orange, and accented with pearls and historical photos. The evening began with an inspiring message about the past and future of ISI from the Mother and Daughter Gala co-chairs, alumni and current parent Monica Thomas Morrissey (‘04) and founding board member Susan Thomas. Throughout the evening, Head of School Elizabeth Head, Board President Alonzo Weems, and ISI Parent and Auctioneer Chris Waters provided entertainment and shared heartfelt remarks about the founding of the International School of Indiana and the bright future ahead. A record-breaking fundraising total of $340,000 was achieved, all thanks to the generosity of our entire school community. If you attended the Gala, we’d appreciate it if you completed our short event survey, which will help us continue to improve the event in the coming years! Click to view the Gala photo album.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

Family Brunch | 11:00 AM
The weekend came to a close on Sunday, with the Family Brunch held at the Blackwell Building. Alumni families, current families, past and current employees, and friends gathered for the final event of the weekend, where they enjoyed a catered brunch and said their goodbyes after a weekend of nostalgia and celebration.