Happy New Year from our Family to Yours!
OUR TSCI Board Members: Kip Tyner, Greg Madrid, Andrew Maxey, Lisa Keyes, Matthew Feller, Yukiko Gilbert, Bernd Greimel, Chad K. Jackson, LaMonica Little, Cynthia E. Moore, Leigh Pate, Edel Revord, Christy Hayes Wilson, and Megan Legerski
A Hello from the New Executive Director
Dear TSCI Stakeholders,
I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International. My name is Shelley Dorrill, and I am both excited and humbled to take on the responsibility of following in the footsteps of the incredible Lisa Keyes.
A little about me: I bring more than 20 years of diverse experience as an international exchange student, university campus pastor, K-12 educator, and wife and mother of 2 daughters and a brand-new son-in-law. Throughout my life and career, I have always believed in the transformative power of personal connections to foster growth—academically, emotionally, and mentally. I have known Lisa for over 20 years and had the privilege of serving as a teacher chaperone on two separate TCS student exchange trips to Schorndorf. I bring that experience with me to this role. As a proud Tuscaloosa native, I’ve built strong, collaborative relationships within our city, the University of Alabama, and the Tuscaloosa City School system. I am eager to work with the TSCI Board, our community partners, and volunteers to continue the important work of this organization, while also expanding and enhancing our programs in new and exciting ways.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the TSCI mission. Together, we will continue to build meaningful connections that bridge cultures and enrich our community.
Warm regards,
Shelley Dorrill
Introducing the TSCI / TCS Alumni Connection
Did you or someone you know ever travel to Narashino, Schorndorf, or Ghana as a member of the Tuscaloosa City Schools / Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International Exchange? If so, we are trying to connect! For over 30 years, TSCI and TCS have partnered to give high school students a chance to experience another country and culture. If you were one of the lucky students, we'd love to stay in touch. Please follow this link or scan the QR Code to give us your current information. If you know of someone who is a TSCI student alumni, please share this with them!
The 12th Annual Tuscaloosa Africana Film Festival
The 39th Annual Sakura Festival is March 22nd!
WAMA FEST is just around the Corner!
Meet Ralf Beck
Ralf Beck, a long-time resident of Schorndorf, Germany, has dedicated much of his life to fostering international connections and strengthening cultural exchanges. Born and raised in the Schorndorf area, Ralf has always been deeply involved in his local community, particularly through his work with the Schorndorf Partnerschaftverein (PVS), the Schorndorf's sister city program. He and his wife, Regina, have been active and committed members of PVS, where they have hosted international visitors and contributed to numerous cross-cultural initiatives.
Ralf's educational journey began at the Max Planck Gymnasium in Schorndorf, from which he graduated in 1978. After completing his mandatory military service in 1979, Ralf enrolled at the University of Stuttgart with plans to become a science teacher. However, during his studies, he discovered a passion for computer programming, which would ultimately steer his career in a different direction. By 1982, Ralf had founded his own software development business, expanding his client base to include international companies.
It was through his business ventures that Ralf met Regina, and the couple has now shared nearly 40 years together. As Ralf's career progressed, his work in the tech industry introduced him to the world of international relations. A pivotal moment came when he was required to spend one week each month in Michigan for business. Although Ralf had studied French as his foreign language in school, he had to develop his English skills to meet the demands of his new role. After nearly 13 years of monthly trips to America, Ralf is truly fluent in English, an asset that helped him build strong international connections.
Ralf's interest in international diplomacy deepened when the sister city relationship between Schorndorf and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was officially established in 1996. Over the years, Ralf and Regina became instrumental members of the PVS, hosting visitors from Tuscaloosa and assisting with various cultural exchange activities. In 2006, Ralf served as an official community delegate to Tuscaloosa. By 2009, he was appointed the PVS representative for Tuscaloosa, a role in which he continues to excel. As the PVS representative, Ralf plans, facilitates, and leads the trips of visiting Tuscaloosa delegates during their time in Schorndorf. Ralf’s contributions to PVS are not limited to his administrative roles; he also serves as the Vice President of the organization.
Among his many memorable Alabama experiences, he fondly recalls attending a Commodores concert at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, visiting the Civil Rights Museum in Birmingham, and witnessing the remarkable craftsmanship of the quilters in Gee's Bend, Alabama.
Through his work, dedication, and passion for international diplomacy, Ralf Beck has made a lasting impact on the Schorndorf-Tuscaloosa relationship, helping to bridge cultures and foster lasting connections across the globe.
Narashino, Sister City since 1986
Narashino, Japan, is a vibrant city located just outside of Tokyo, blending rich cultural heritage with modern conveniences. Known for its beautiful parks, such as the lush Narashino Park, the city offers a peaceful retreat while remaining well-connected to the bustling capital. Narashino is home to a thriving community, with a strong emphasis on education, innovation, and sustainable development. Its proximity to Tokyo provides residents and visitors alike with endless opportunities to explore Japanese traditions, from serene temples to lively festivals. The city’s warm and welcoming spirit makes it a perfect partner in the Tuscaloosa Sister City program, fostering a unique and almost 40-year bond between two distinct but similarly community-oriented cities.
