International Student House Washington DC

Providing an Enriching Experience for Student Residents

2018 Global Leadership Awards Highlights

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International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) is a place like few others. The House is home to 100 graduate students from 40 countries, learning from each other and sharing their lives. Our resident scholars participate in phenomenal programs at universities around Washington, or engage in professional level internships at exceptional institutions such as the World Bank, the OAS, the United States Congress, their respective embassies, and many, many more. It is here with us at ISH-DC and in Washington that they grow to become our future leaders and learn to work together. It is at International Student House where diplomacy begins.

ISH-DC Board President Cynthia Bunton, Marcelle Leahy, Senator Patrick Leahy, ISH-DC resident scholars Varsha Thebo from Pakistan and Jan Langle from Germany
Senator Susan Collins accepting the 2018 Global Leadership Award from ISH-DC resident scholar Varsha Thebo from Pakistan

On the evening of November 14, Ambassadors from 10 countries, Members of Congress, special guests, and International Student House resident scholars gathered to honor Senator Patrick Leahy and Senator Susan Collins with our 2018 Global Leadership Awards. We were pleased to recognize these senior members of the United States Senate for their distinguished service to our country and work on behalf of international understanding and education.

Jan Smith, Ambassador Sylvie Lucas of Luxembourg, Debbie Driesman
Congressman Mark Meadows, Lubka Stoytchev, Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev of Bulgaria

Following a cocktail reception in the Great Hall and Library of our Tudor-style mansion in the Dupont neighborhood, our guests descended to our Garden where ISH-DC Board President Cynthia Bunton welcomed everyone to the House. Our 2018 Global Leadership Awards Honorary co-Chair Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal also took a moment to thank guests and introduce ISH-DC resident scholar Jan Langle, who spoke about his experience as a law student from Germany and presented Senator Leahy with the Global Leadership Award. Senator Leahy spoke at length about the importance of international understanding and dialogue, and the need for institutions such as International Student House where people from different backgrounds can learn from each other.

ISH-DC resident scholar Varsha Thebo then shared about her experiences from growing up in a rural Pakistani community where education was not available to her, to now being a college graduate and current graduate student. Varsha then presented the Global Leadership Award to Senator Collins by expressing her gratitude that the Senator is a champion for education. As Senator Collins graciously accepted the honor, she addressed not only the importance of education, but specifically educating girls and young women. Didi Cutler, our Awards Dinner co-Chair, closed the evening by thanking guests for their participation and continued support.

Awards Dinner co-Chair Didi Cutler, ISH-DC Board President Cynthia Bunton, Ambassador Geir Haarde of Iceland, Inga Jona Thordardottir

Our many guests who joined us for the Global Leadership Awards had the opportunity to meet our resident scholars and learn that International Student House is a community where we embrace diversity and value the unique contributions of all residents, which we know makes us stronger and will have a lasting impact on future generations. We are grateful to our many friends and sponsors who allow us to continue the mission of ISH-DC, which began over 80 years ago.

Awards Dinner co-Chair Didi Cutler, Senator Ed Markey, Ambassador Emily Haber of Germany
Shaista Mahmood, Ambassador Rafat Mahmood, ISH London CEO Martin Chalker, ISH-DC Board Member Lisa Barry

Once again, we would like to thank our generous sponsors who support our House. The evening was invaluable in strengthening our community to provide a place for young scholars from around the world as they pursue their goals and become engaged global citizens.

Click here to view many more excellent photos from the Awards Dinner.

Eileen Shields-West, Robin West, Senator Susan Collins, Jane Cafritz, Cynthia Bunton, Lisa Barry

 

Thank you to our Sponsors

Leadership Sponsors
Robert J. Abernethy
Archer Daniels Midland Company
Embassy of the State of Qatar

Benefactors
Lisa Barry and James Gale

Patrons
Eric Melby and Pamela Tripp-Melby
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates

Partners
Annette and Elias Aburdene
Blackstone Foundation
James and Janet Blanchard
Calvin and Jane Cafritz
William H. and Jean Crocker
Michael and Elizabeth Galvin
Frank F. Islam and Debbie Driesman
Philip C. Lauinger
Rafat and Shaista Mahmood
Sherry Mueller
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Eileen Shields-West and Robin West

Friends
Larry and Deborah Dunham
Johnson Lambert
Kuwait-America Foundation
Jan Smith
Sodexo
John and Betty Ann Tanner 

Thank you for those who attended, and for those who were unable to come, we hope to see you next year.

Frank Islam at International Student House

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Frank Islam, entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader and thought leader, joined International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) the evening of October 30 to share about his experiences building his company and engaging in his many philanthropic endeavors. Graduate students from over 20 countries enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Mr. Islam’s astute advice, given his highly successful career building his business from a single employee to over 3,000 employees and revenues of approximately $300M before its sale.  He encouraged our young professionals to be entrepreneurs in whatever profession they choose, show up and be the best they can be, and always seek to be better.  Mr. Islam’s inspiring and compelling remarks were well received by the many international students who are studying at universities in Washington, preparing to embark on their own careers in the public and private sectors. Mr. Islam was introduced by resident scholar Ashish Kakar from Mumbai, who is here in DC studying at Johns Hopkins University.  ISH-DC Board members also attended the evening, and enjoyed dinner and lively discussion following Mr. Islam’s address. We are grateful to Mr. Islam for joining us at the House and engaging with our resident scholars from around the world.  We firmly believe that our young international students are our future leaders and they greatly appreciate the ability to learn from those in Washington who have successfully navigated their own career paths.  We appreciate Mr. Islam’s willingness to share about his experiences and accomplishments with the next generation.

ISH-DC Delegation Participate in Model G20 Summit at AU

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International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) resident scholars from Russia, Rwanda, the United States, Taiwan, and India, took part in a weekend long Model G20 Summit where they represented the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Model Summit took place at American University's School of International Service and was developed by the Initiatives Executive Director, Ambassador Cecilia Nahón, former Argentine Ambassador to the United States and four-time Sherpa (i.e. Head of Delegation) to the G20. The weekend was filled with formal sessions as “delegations” negotiated on behalf of their country, union, or organization, as well as informal opportunities to connect during morning coffee, lunch, and evening breaks.  ISH-DC participant Mitchell Blatt noted, “It was my first time to try such an event. I didn't really know what to expect the first day, but then I got really into it. I thought it was a long time at first, since it took up most of the weekend. But then I ended up wanting it to continue by the end. Keep negotiating.” Argentina holds the G20 2018 Presidency, and Saturday, following a long day of negotiations, the Argentine Embassy hosted a wonderful evening of food and salsa for the student delegates.  Although the evening was somewhat of a diversion from the negotiating table, it still presented an excellent opportunity to connect over policies issues with fellow participants. Thank you to the phenomenal coordinators of the Model G20 Summit at AU, and to our fantastic International Student House representatives!

An Evening at the Embassy of Liechtenstein

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International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) resident scholars and alumni from around the world had an incredible evening hosted by His Excellency Kurt Jaeger, the Ambassador of the Principality of Liechtenstein. Ambassador Jaeger, along with his wife, Laurette, graciously welcomed us to their residence in mid-June for a summer “Happy Hour” to enjoy wonderful conversation and learn about Ambassador Jaeger’s work representing his country here in Washington.  Our resident scholars also learned many new facts about the incredible country of Liechtenstein as they spent the evening conversing with Ambassador and Mrs. Jaeger, as well at representatives from the Embassy. International Student House actively promotes inter-cultural dialogue and building an international community, therefore we highly encourage our resident scholars to engage in the exciting networking opportunities that are often uniquely found in Washington.  We are immensely grateful to Ambassador Jaeger and the Embassy for such a kind welcome and giving our residents a perfect opportunity to engage in substantive conversation.  Not only were they able to hone their networking skills, but they also learned from the Ambassador’s expertise in both the public and private sectors. What a wonderful evening to remember!  

Highlights from our 2018 Spring Garden Party

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On May 22 not even torrential rain could stop nearly 250 guests from celebrating spring and ISH-DC’s mission.  Foreign Ambassadors, Members of Congress, alumni, Board members, and friends joined our resident scholars from 28 countries for our annual Garden Party.  This year, we were especially pleased to welcome leaders from International Houses across the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Romania who were here for the International Houses Worldwide Director’s Conference, which you can learn all about here.
Guests, including Laurette Jaeger, wife of His Excellency Kurt Jaeger, Ambassador of Liechtenstein; Isabel Vital, wife of His Excellency Domingos Fezas Vital, Ambassador of Portugal; and His Excellency Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, Ambassador of South Africa.
Guests were able to see firsthand the community we have built and our strong focus on cross-cultural understanding.  This was also an amazing opportunity for our alumni to share the long lasting impact that living at the House has had on their careers as well as their personal lives.
ISH-DC Resident Scholars Rose Twagirumukiza from Rwanda, Boban Markovic from Serbia (alumnus), Maria Tilander from Sweden, and Tamara Schranz from Austria.
Our residents were able to connect and have inspiring conversations with our guests that are extremely successful in their career fields. This opportunity to network with various Washingtonians and diplomats is a vital part of their experience living at the House that prepares them for the future. The Garden Party was a wonderfully successful event. It may have been dark and storming outside, but residents, alumni and guests alike lit up the house as they shared their love for International Student House of Washington, DC.
ISH-DC Executive Director Tom O'Coin, Congressman Alan Lowenthal, Deborah Malumed, ISH-DC Board President Cynthia Bunton
 

International Student House of Washington, DC | 1825 R Street, NW | Washington, DC 20009

International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization located near Dupont Circle in the heart of Washington, DC. Donations will help support our mission to provide an exceptional residential experience to a highly diverse international community of graduate students, interns and visiting scholars. The House promotes inter-cultural dialogue, encourages life-long connections, and fosters global citizenship.