Idehen to highlight Culture Week

Feb. 25, 2009

WAVERLY, Iowa- Eric Idehen will speak about cultural sensitivity in the work place at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in McCaskey Lyceum of Saemann Student Center.

Wartburg College Student Senate Diversity Council and Wartburg Diversity Programs Office sponsor the event, which is part of Wartburg’s Culture Week activities. The event is free and open to the public.

Idehen is founder and chief executive officer of Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage. He is also vice president for community development at Wells Fargo.

Idehen was born in Benin City, Nigeria. He earned a college degree in construction before being granted a visa to work in the United States. Idehen and his wife, Emily, founded Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage in his hometown in 2001.

He said his passion is “to serve or help others using my treasure, time and talents.”

The mission of Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage is “to adequately provide love and care for underprivileged children.” The orphanage houses children between 5 and 10 years old. It is currently expanding its facilities so it can care for more orphans.

For more information about Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage, visit www.thehopeorphans.org/orphanage/orphanage.html.

Idehen is a board member of Cornerstone of Hope Inc., Central Iowa American Red Cross, Iowa Links Leadership Institute, Iowa Council for Understanding and Alianza (Latino Business Chambers of Iowa).

He is also involved other organizations, including Rotary Club International, the Iowa chapter of United States Citizens for Diplomacy committee on foreign relations, and The New Iowans Policy Task Force.

Wells Fargo has honored Idehen with numerous awards, including the National Volunteer Service Excellence Award in 2007 and 2008. The American Red Cross Central Iowa Chapter honored him with a 2008 Hero of the Heartland International Impact Award.