About UIndy's Christel DeHaan Center for Global Engagement

The naming of the Christel DeHaan Center for Global Engagement (CDCGE) was established in 2023 thanks to the generosity of the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation and is dedicated to all those who share Christel’s passion for international exploration.

Christel DeHaan was born during World War II in Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1962.

Christel DeHaan served on the University Board of Trustees from 1990 to 2008. During her tenure, she also served as Board Chair and earned an honorary doctorate degree from UIndy in 1993. Christel’s service spanned three separate presidencies and her presence was a constant during a period of growth for the University. Her impact is on display almost everywhere on campus – from the beautification of Smith Mall, to the creation of programs and scholarship opportunities inside our School of Education, the Center for Aging and Community, scholarships for students from Christel House Academy to attend the University, and of course the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center.

Through all of these campus programs, experiences, and physical enhancements, Christel had—and continues to have— a positive impact on the life chances of so many of our students, faculty, and staff. Christel DeHaan was a constant reminder of the importance of engaging with others and reminding all of us that we have to use our abilities to serve.

Christel DeHaan Family Foundation

The Christel DeHaan Family Foundation supports arts and culture and at-risk youth in Indiana.

Christel DeHaan died in 2020, and the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation ceased operations in 2023 after distributing $55 million.

Established in 1993, the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation is a private family foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was originally called the RCI Foundation until it was reorganized in 1997. Christel DeHaan was a German-born businesswoman and philanthropist who once owned Resort Condominiums International as a timeshare pioneer and founded Christel House International. The foundation sought to "make [its] community a richer and more vibrant place." It funded local efforts for arts and culture.

The Christel DeHaan Center for Global Engagement is the University’s premier path to creating globally conscious leaders who will tackle the challenges facing our world.

At the University of Indianapolis, we believe an immersive cultural experience contributes to the formation of a solid foundation and is critical for the development of life skills that strengthen all academic degree programs.

The CDCGE is headquarters to International Admission and Enrollment Services, International Student Services, Study Abroad, and Global Partnership Development. Among many other things, the CDCGE:

Provides orientation programs, workshops, immigration services, and other guidance to ensure the success of international students and scholars who have chosen the University of Indianapolis to be their temporary home away from home.
Advises on international travel risk management, comprehensive study abroad for students, faculty-led international travel experiences, and the development and nurturing of international partnerships.
Organizes one of UIndy’s longest-standing annual traditions, the Celebration of Flags, in honor of students, faculty, and staff from all over the world that enrich the UIndy experience in crucially valuable ways.
Guides international students through every step of the inquiry, application, admission, and enrollment processes.

The Christel DeHaan Center for Global Engagement currently serves 305 Greyhound students from around the world representing 73 countries. In addition, the University offers an average of 13 faculty-led international travel experiences across all disciplines ranging from credit-bearing courses to service learning with local community partners, unique research experience, and conferences per year. Students consistently report their experience with these faculty-led international travel programs as some of the most transformative, memorable, and impactful in their college careers.