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 pickleball and pumpkin carving to shared classrooms and new friendships, the exchange reflects the heart of Tulsa Global Alliance’s mission to build understanding through connection.

Celebrating 20 years of partnership, the Tulsa-Amiens Sister City connection has brought together students, educators, and civic leaders through language, culture, and shared experience. From classroom exchanges and French film nights to mayoral visits and global education events, this relationship continues to thrive. Meet new chair Philippe Bled and discover how this transatlantic friendship is shaping Tulsa’s global future.

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.

Some Sister City partnerships grow slowly. Others take root and flourish year after year. Tulsa’s bond with Utsunomiya belongs firmly in the second category. Built on exchange, community, and shared purpose, it has created three decades of meaningful, people-to-people connection.

As our summer fundraiser continues, we are proud to highlight the Tulsa–Utsunomiya partnership, where student exchanges and community events create lasting friendships and life-changing experiences.

TGA volunteer and ORU student, Jael Rollocks, recently visited Tulsa’s Sister City of Utsunomiya, Japan with Tulsa Community College’s Study Abroad class and wrote a travel journal full of videos and photos detailing her incredible, life-changing experience.