TGA board member, Tina Peña, shares a travel journal from Celle, Germany, capturing moments of hospitality, celebration, and connection during the 25th anniversary of the Tulsa–Celle Sister City partnership.

Students from Tulsa’s Sister City of Celle, Germany spent the week in Tulsa with Riverfield Country Day School host families, celebrating 25 years of friendship between the two cities. Earlier this year, Riverfield students visited Celle, exploring sites like Heidelberg Castle, the Kölner Dom, and the historic Ratsherrensaal in Celle City Hall.

From classrooms to council chambers, from firehouses to family homes, the Tulsa-Celle partnership has grown through moments of welcome and exchange. Guided by chair Sandy Dizdar and supported by a strong and active group of volunteers, this connection is a living bridge. It is built on shared history, sustained by friendship, and carried forward by curiosity and care.

TGA’s annual Coffee with the Councilors brought together city leaders, board members, and Sister City representatives to celebrate Tulsa’s global connections. Over a spread of international dishes, attendees shared updates on cultural exchanges, global education, and the economic impact of international relationships.

Over 500 Eisenhower elementary students explored 14 different cultures from across the globe at the 2025 Eisenhower International School Parade and Fair!

Elementary students from Tulsa's Riverfield Country Day School and our Sister City of Celle, Germany exchanged ornaments for the holidays!

The Celle and Utsunomiya Sister City Partnerships hosted a joint reception at Circle Cinema on February 25 before the screening of the Oscar-nominated Japanese film Perfect Days.

On November 27, 2023, City leaders, family, and friends gathered outside City Hall to dedicate Sister Cities sign #5 in memory of Cathy Izzo, TGA’s longtime Sister Cities Program Coordinator.

TGA hosted its annual International Breakfast and Coffee with the Councilors on October 25, 2023, featuring Sister City–themed foods and remarks from Tulsa leaders about recent global engagement efforts.

Tulsa’s Celle Sister City partnership brought “Coffee and Cake” to Bixby High School, giving freshmen in a new enrichment class the chance to experience German culture through food.

Nearly 1,000 children and families explored 20 countries at World in a Box Day 2023, enjoying hands-on cultural activities, performances, and interactive experiences throughout the Central Library.

Family, friends, City officials, and TGA representatives gathered on June 1, 2023, at McCullough Park to dedicate a Sister Cities sign in memory of Arnulfo Murillo Muñoz.

Tulsa Global Alliance supported the Eisenhower International Festival in March 2023 by hosting culture booths highlighting Tulsa’s Sister Cities and global connections.

From Advent music to Christmas-market lights, the German American Society of Tulsa welcomed the community to a month of holiday traditions. Members of the Celle Sister City Partnership joined in the celebrations.

Thousands gathered near downtown Tulsa as Oktoberfest opened with its lively parade, marking the start of five days filled with German food, music, and culture.

On October 20, 2022, TGA dedicated the third Sister Cities directional sign at 68th and Riverside, with remarks from city leaders and cultural blessings shared by the Muscogee Nation.

TGA representatives and friends gathered at Fassler Hall on October 3 to celebrate German Unity Day, joining Tulsa’s German community for an evening of connection and culture.

GAST’s annual Germanfest filled the weekend with food, music, and community spirit. The Tulsa-Celle Sister City Partnership joined the celebration alongside volunteers and friends from across TGA.

Tulsa’s second Sister Cities directional sign was installed in December 2021 at GRC Park at 88th and South Yale Avenue, sponsored by CCK Strategies.

Barbara Conrad received the Cross of the Order of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany for her decades of leadership with GAST and her longstanding support of the Tulsa–Celle Sister City Partnership.