International Student House Washington DC

Providing an Enriching Experience for Student Residents

2019 Global Leadership Awards Highlights

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On the evening of October 16, the International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) honored three distinguished citizens, Congressmen Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Mark Meadows (R-NC), and the Honorable Esther Coopersmith at its annual Global Leadership Awards Dinner.  Foreign Ambassadors, diplomats, prominent government officials, local philanthropists and corporate leaders joined in congratulating the honorees.

Congressman Rick Larsen, the Honorable Esther Coopersmith, Congressman Mark Meadows

The event celebrated ISH-DC’s mission of promoting international education and encouraging lifelong connections among students from around the world.  It took place at the Historic Whittemore House, close to International Student House’s own Tudor-style home in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.


Minister Counselor Yang of the People's Republic of China, ISH-DC Board Members Lisa Barry and Kathryn Horlick, Second Secretary Yang of the People's Republic of China

ISH-DC Board Member Shaista Mahmood, Shaikha Aisha Al Khalifa

In welcoming guests, ISH-DC Board President Eric Melby spoke of our pleasure in being able to honor these prominent individuals who support our community of students and young professionals, and of our highly diverse group of residents, who are preparing to become dynamic global leaders during their time in Washington.

Presenting the Global Philanthropist Award to former UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Esther Coopersmith in recognition of her work in promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding, ISH-DC Board Member Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, MD highlighted her dedication to strengthening mutual understanding between people, which also exemplifies ISH-DC’s mission.

Catherine Reynolds, Congressman Mark Meadows, Wayne Reynolds
Congressman Rick Larsen, Esther Brimmer

ISH-DC Board President Eric Melby, Ambassador Vital of Portugal, Isabel Vital

ISH-DC Board Member Didi Cutler with Resident Scholars from Germany and the United Kingdom

ISH-DC resident Rayza Oblitas presented the Global Leadership Awards to Congressmen Larsen and Meadows, both long-time supporters who have encouraged and engaged with our resident scholars over the years.  She spoke eloquently about their interest in ISH-DC and the importance of the relationships our students develop at the House.  Rayza, a graduate student at Johns Hopkins SAIS, spoke of the significance of learning from her fellow housemates and of the lasting bonds she has formed with young scholars from places far removed her home in Peru.

Jiawei Li of China, an ISH-DC alumnus now working at the IMF, closed the event with heartfelt remarks about his affection for his fellow residents, the warmth and hospitality extended to him by Board Members with whom he spent holidays, and the friendships which he has made with young professionals from around the world.

ISH-DC Resident Scholars from Finland, Canada, and Rwanda

ISH-DC Resident Scholars from Peru, China, Russia, and Canada

The evening would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and we would like to thank them for their generosity.  The event is invaluable in enabling ISH-DC to provide a home for young scholars from diverse corners of the world as they pursue their goals and become engaged global citizens.

You can find more photos from the evening here.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Benefactors
Embassy of the State of Qatar

Patrons
Archer Daniels Midland Company
Lisa Barry and James Gale
Embassy of the UAE

Partners

Annette and Elias Aburdene
Blackstone Foundation
Janet and James Blanchard
Lawrence and Deborah Dunham
Facebook
General Motors
Kathryn Mann Horlick and Gary Horlick
Philip Lauinger

Rafat and Shaista Mahmood
Thomas and Donna McLarty
Eric Melby and Pamela Tripp-Melby
Sherry Mueller
NAFSA:  Association of International Educators
Panasonic Corporation of North America
Sachiko Kuno Foundation
UPS

Friends

Congressman Don Beyer and Megan Beyer
Katherine and David Bradley
Nancy Brinker
Jane and Calvin Cafritz
Aniko Gaal Schott and Nash Schott
Elizabeth and Michael Galvin
Linda Harper and Robert Demers
Johnson Lambert
Deborah Lehr

Finlay and Willee Lewis
Anita McBride
Bonnie McElveen-Hunter
Eileen Shields-West and Robin West
Smithfield Foods Inc.
Sodexo
John and Betty Ann Tanner
Lynda and William Webster

THANK YOU TO OUR HOST COMMITTEE

Annette and Elias Aburdene
Lisa Barry and Jim Gale
Congressman Don Beyer and Megan Beyer
Janet and James Blanchard
Alexandra de Borchgrave
Katherine and David Bradley
Esther Brimmer
Nancy Brinker
Jane and Calvin Cafritz
Didi and Walter Cutler
Jan Du Plain

Lawrence and Deborah Dunham
Elizabeth and Michael Galvin
Lloyd and Ann Hand
Linda Harper
Lorraine Riffle Hawley
Deborah Lehr
Finlay and Willee Lewis
Rafat and Shaista Mahmood
Capricia Marshall
Anita McBride
Bonnie McElveen-Hunter
Thomas and Donna McLarty
Eric Melby and Pamela Tripp-Melby

Sherry Mueller
Nina Pillsbury
Lee Satterfield
Aniko Gaal Schott and Nash Schott
Robin West and Eileen Shields-West
Mike Skahill
Ann Stock
John and Betty Ann Tanner
Annie Totah
Lynda and William Webster
Jill Welch

2019 Spring Garden Party Highlights

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On the evening of May 30, the Board of Directors of International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) welcomed guests to our annual Spring Garden Party.  Despite the rainy afternoon, the House was filled with friends who joined us to celebrate the season and our mission of providing an exceptional residential experience for a highly diverse international community of graduate students and interns while here in Washington. The Garden Party was once again a wonderful evening with our International Student House community as resident scholars from almost 40 countries had the opportunity to mingle with our many guests, including members of the diplomatic corps and prominent Washingtonians. This year the occasion coincided with a number of university graduations, giving our resident scholars who completed their studies another opportunity to celebrate their achievements. We also welcomed back a number of ISH-DC alumni, all having gone on to exciting careers, and who are active in supporting our current residents in their professional pursuits.  We are delighted to have such a strong alumni presence join us every year at our Garden Party. We remain grateful to our many advocates who help ensure our community is strong and vibrant, as well as a safe home for students from around the world to rely on for years to come.

Una Chapman Cox Foundation Launches Residential Scholarship Program at ISH-DC for Pickering and Rangel Fellows

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The Una Chapman Cox Foundation has partnered with ISH-DC to create the the Una Chapman Cox Residential Scholarship Program for Thomas Pickering and Charles Rangel Fellows. The Thomas Pickering and Charles Rangel Fellowship programs were established to encourage diversity and help young people from underrepresented groups become US Foreign Service Officers. Fellows are outstanding graduate students and the future of diplomacy for the United States. Several Pickering and Rangel Fellows have called ISH-DC home, including current resident Zinna Senbetta. Our partnership with the Cox Foundation will award residential scholarships for 7 Pickering and Rangel Fellows to live at the House next year. Fellows will benefit from living within our unique community of students and interns from dozens of countries around the world. We appreciate the Cox Foundation’s support of our mission and their commitment to US diplomacy around the world. Pickering and Rangel Fellows may apply for a Una Chapman Cox Foundation Residential Scholarship by contacting Jill Holcomb, [email protected] or (202) 232-4007 ext. 204. Application deadline is April 16, 2019.

Tribute Dinner Hosted by His Excellency Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France

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“ International Student House lays a strong foundation for international cooperation. Residents come from all over the world and gathered around one goal: fostering global citizenship. By global citizenship, I mean a core of shared values: open-mindedness, freedom, tolerance, and also the promotion of inter-cultural dialogue which is necessary for addressing global challenges.” – Julien Maire, ISH-DC Resident Scholar from France addressing guests

2018 Global Leadership Awards Dinner Chair Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, MD; ISH-DC Resident Scholar Julien Maire; His Excellency Gérard Araud, Ambassador of Franch
Guests being welcomed to the Ambassador's Residence

On the evening of February 25, our 2018 Global Leadership Awards Diplomatic Chair, Ambassador Gérard Araud of France graciously hosted an unforgettable evening at his residence.  The Ambassador and six of our students were joined by sponsors, Board members, Members of Congress, and friends to celebrate the mission of international education and the vital role the House plays in cultivating relationships among students from every corner of the globe. 

Kevin Chaffee, 2018 Global Leadership Awards Chair and ISH-DC Board Member Didi Cutler, ISH-DC Board Member Shaista Mahmood
Governor Jim Blanchard 

Ambassador Araud opened the evening by welcoming our guests and shared his long support of the House, having first joined ISH-DC when he addressed a room full of resident scholars over two years ago.  Our outstanding Dinner Chairs, Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal and Isabel “Didi” Cutler, thanked the Ambassador and our sponsors, and shared about the importance of International Student House and their firm belief that our students are without a doubt future leaders in both the public and private sectors. 

ISH-DC Board Member Annette Aburdene speaking with ISH-DC Resident Scholars
Congressman Rick Larsen and Tiia Karlen, former Congressman John Tanner

International Student House resident scholar, Julien Maire from Véronnes, France had an opportunity to share about his time in the House.  Julien spoke about the meals and traditions that are shared among residents.  He emphasized that the House lays a strong foundation for international cooperation as students learn to engage with one another, and the friendships they begin here in Washington become more significant when they become leaders in all sectors around the world.  As they succeed professionally, friends become allies, and the relationships they begin as students have a profound impact.

We encourage you to read Julien’s full remarks here.

ISH-DC Board President Eric Melby giving a toast at the end of the evening
ISH-DC Board Member Lisa Barry, Eileen Shields-West, Robin West

We are grateful to Ambassador Araud for hosting this memorable evening, and we remain grateful to our generous sponsors who support our House and our mission of providing a unique cross-cultural experience to develop students and scholars into exemplary global citizens.

You can view more photos from the evening Here.

Thank you Bob Abernethy for Investing in our Students

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ISH-DC is pleased to recognize Bob Abernethy for very generously renewing his financial support for ISH-DC’s Abernethy Scholar Program.  His contribution will provide residential scholarships for 10 graduate students living at the House and attending Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
ISH-DC resident scholar Angela Mazimba from Zambia and Bob Abernethy at the Residence of the Ambassador of France
Since 2016, Bob has made a critical difference in the lives of 37 students, giving them the opportunity to live in our unique community and study at SAIS.   Bob not only provides funding, but also actively supports and checks in on his Abernethy Scholars, meeting with them when he is in Washington.  The morning after our 2018 Global Leadership Awards Dinner where he was in attendance, he joined an excited group of this year’s Abernethy Scholars for breakfast. As one of our past Abernethy Scholars said, “it meant so much that Bob believed in me.” Thank you for believing in our students.

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.