Vision Statement

In a world where even the farthest point is within an arm's reach, it is impossible to live anywhere without experiencing diversity. In order for everyone to live peacefully, it is important for individuals to rise above differences that drive us apart or against each other. Niagara Foundation envisions a community in which people from all walks of life interact with each other and cooperate to serve their communities, thereby strengthening civil society and promoting the development of human values.

Mission Statement

Niagara Foundation serves societal peace, love, and friendship wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good by striving to bring forth the common values of humanity; values such as understanding, tolerance, respect, and compassion.

Methodology

In order to build a better society, Niagara Foundation works together with people and organizations that foster excellence in public service by acknowledging the importance of spreading these most significant common values within Global Chicago community, hoping for all to take them on as a common virtue.

Company Overview

Niagara Foundation is a subsidiary of Niagara Educational Services, Inc.(NES). NES, a non- profit organization dedicated to innovation and revitalization in education, was founded by a group of businessmen in Chicago in 1997. NES initiated tutoring sessions in mathematics, computer education, SAT, TOEFL and foreign languages. In 2000 NES opened Science Academy of Chicago (SAC), a primary school emphasizing achievement in science, mathematics and technology (see video). In its short history, SAC students have been awarded numerous medals, certificates and honors in various math and science competitions. Today the SAC community includes a committed faculty and a growing student body who continue to implement the schools mission with great success.

In response to unrest in the world community and in cooperation with the Chicago area organizations and universities, NF is dedicated to promoting the development of human values. Through its programs NF continues to bring together thousands of people from different communities and ethnic backgrounds.

Honorary President

Niagara Foundation's honorary president Mr. M. Fethullah Gulen is a world renowned Muslim scholar and leader whose message of love, tolerance, and peaceable coexistence inspires Niagara Foundation in contributing something meaningful - albeit small - to this great message.

World first heard Mr. Gulen’s name when he met Pope John Paul the II in 1998. His visit came at a time Samuel Huntington’s idea of the alleged “clash of civilizations” was gaining prominence. He saw the need to further efforts to establish dialogue to stave off conflicts. Since then, his efforts and strong supports influenced many to start interfaith dialogues in many countries which received a great deal of interest and resulted in strong bridges to be built between individuals, families and communities. People of different religions, first time, realized that they can work together regardless of their religious background for one common goal, namely global peace. Especially now, when hatred is widespread and the clash of civilization is predicted, Mr. Gulen’s efforts are of paramount importance for modern humanity.

Our Staff

Suleyman Turhan
Executive Director

M. Hilmi Cinar
Associate Director

Hakan Berberoglu
Assistant Director

Ayse Arslan
Community Projects Director

Ikbal Koseli
Community Projects Organizer

Ozgur Berberoglu
Community Projects Organizer

Banu Cetinkaya
Community Projects Organizer

Derya Soydan
Community Projects Organizer

Ummuhan Tekin
Community Projects Organizer

Kubra Koca
Community Projects Organizer

Ismail Abay
Graphics Designer & Illustrator

Ahmet Tolga Guder
Intern

Mufazil Mubarek
Interfaith Dialogue Intern, Spring 2008

Sunny Toaktaeng
Multimedia Intern, Spring 2008

Jhumur Chaudhuri
Multimedia Intern, Spring 2008

Aleksa Dutko
Intercultural Trips & Luncheon Forums Intern, Spring 2008