Madison Mayor Troy Trulock, at left, and Dana Trulock, at right, visit with Claes Nobel at the International Services Council of Alabama’s 50th-anniversary gala. Mayor Trulock received the Thomas Pickens Gates Award. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – The International Services Council of Alabama (ISC) celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Von Braun Center on March 6.

The gala’s keynote speaker was Claes Nobel, senior member of the Nobel Prize family and founder of the National Society of High School Seniors. The Army Materiel Command Band entertained guests.

“Claes Nobel emphasized the importance of citizen diplomacy in our quest for world understanding and peace,” ISC Executive Director Jacqui Shipe said. “Attendees felt honored to have a world leader of his stature in our county. He recognized the importance of ISC’s legacy and work throughout our state.”

Madison Mayor Trulock received the Thomas Pickens Gates Award. “Each year, ISC presents its highest award in memory of Gates,” Shipe said.

A Madison native, Gates led an initiative in 1965 for local residents to entertain foreign nationals in training at Redstone Arsenal and became involved with the Young Leaders Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Gates’ work led to the founding of ISC.

In addition, Dr. James Nathan, founder and executive director of the World Affairs Council of Alabama, received the Citizen Diplomat of the Year Award.

For more information, visit iscalabama.org or Facebook/ISC Alabama.