International Student House Washington DC

Providing an Enriching Experience for Student Residents

Highlights: ISH-DC 2017 Spring Garden Party

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ISH-DC Resident Scholars from China, India, Pakistan, South Sudan, Turkey, the Netherlands, the United States, Rwanda, Nigeria, Colombia, Spain, Iran, Mexico, France, Italy, Venezuela, and Japan

On Thursday, May 4, International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) welcomed over 250 guests for our annual Spring Garden Party where we enjoyed an evening of catching up with old friends and introducing the House to new ones.  ISH-DC resident scholars from 26 different countries shared their experiences here in Washington and their plans for the future with foreign Ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, and other special guests.

Ambassador and Mrs. Mahlangu of South Africa were welcomed by ISH-DC Board President Cynthia Bunton, Executive Director Tom O’Coin, and Board Member Kathryn Horlick

Our residents were delighted to meet and connect with our distinguished guests, given many are preparing for their own careers in the public and private sectors in their respective countries.  The opportunity to learn from and network with Washingtonians and diplomats who have found great success in their fields is invaluable for our residents.

 

Left: ISH-DC Board Member Sherry Migdail and Ambassador Francisco Campbell Hooker of Nicaragua
Right: Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam of Sri Lanka and ISH-DC Board Member Ambassador Philip Wilcox

This was also a wonderful opportunity for our guests to learn more about our incredible international community here at the House.  We strive to be an inclusive community, and support an environment where cross-cultural dialogue thrives and healthy debate is celebrated.  The many ISH-DC alumni who joined us for the evening can attest to the value of their time as residents at the House and its impact on their current professional endeavors, as well as their personal understanding of the interconnected world in which we live.

 

ISH-DC Resident Scholars Alex Beck and Cameron Peek from the United States, Lisette Oosterveen from the Netherlands, Mimi Price from the United States, Jonathan Eigege from Nigeria, Fatimá Gomez from Spain, Atem Malak from South Sudan, Rose Twagirumukiza from Rwanda

The evening was a great success as our resident scholars and guests enjoyed the opportunity to connect as we usher in the spring season.

 

ISH-DC Tribute Dinner Hosted by Ambassador Wittig and Mrs. von Voss-Wittig

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The solutions to the challenges of international dialogue and the difficulties of ‘foreignness’ are not learned from books.  It takes the community of many shared meals, the empathy of many shared pieces of music, the trust in sharing a home.  And then we get to true care, to understanding.  We may struggle with differences and misunderstandings, but because we share a home, we learn that ‘we are one’ is not just an idea. It is a reality.

These are the words ISH-DC resident scholar Dorothée Stieber shared with a room full of International Student House supporters and friends on February 15 at the residence of the German Ambassador to the United States.  The Tribute Dinner was a wonderful evening hosted by our 2016 Global Leadership Awards Diplomatic Chairs, His Excellency Peter Wittig and Mrs. von Voss Wittig of Germany, as a special thank you to our Sponsors and Global Leadership Award Honorees, Senator Edward Markey, Congressman Edward Royce, Congressman Eliot Engel, and Al-Monitor.

You can read Dorothée’s full remarks Here.

ISH-DC Resident Scholar Atem Malak from South Sudan, Marie Royce, Congressman Ed Royce

ISH-DC Resident Scholar Dorothée Stieber from Germany presenting a gift of thanks to Ambassador Wittig and Mrs. von Voss-Wittig

The many guests, including our corporate and individual sponsors, Members of Congress, and friends, had the opportunity to meet a number of our high caliber international scholars and learn more about the truly unique relationships that are formed during their time at ISH-DC.  Our thousands of alumni have gone on to become Ambassadors, leaders in government and the private sector, and champions of the need for international dialogue and community.  They are a testament to the caliber of our resident scholars, and are the first to share the importance of their time at International Student House and the relationships they have maintained with former residents from all over the world throughout their lives.

Mrs. von Voss-Wittig greeting ISH-DC Resident Scholars Violetta Schnobrich from Germany, Miriam Angelstorf from Germany, Patrick Krohn from Germany, and Gofar Tobing from Indonesia
Senator Ed Markey, ISH-DC Resident Scholars Atem Malek from South Sudan, Rose Twagirumukiza from Rwanda/United States, and Alex Plum from the United States

We are grateful to Ambassador Wittig and Mrs. von Voss-Wittig for hosting us for 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 global citizens.

Didi Cutler, Willee Lewis, Aniko Gaal Schott, Finlay Lewis
Congressman Ed Royce, Congressman Eliot Engel, Ambassador Peter Wittig

Thank you to our Sponsors

Benefactors

The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Patrons

Archer Daniels Midland Company
Duke Energy
Demarest Lloyd Jr. Foundation
Embassy of the State of Qatar

Partners

Annette W. and Elias F. Aburdene, Rock Creek Corporation
American-Central European Business Association
Baker & McKenzie
Lisa Barry and James Gale
Blackstone Foundation
Fletcher Burton
Cigna
William H. and Jean Crocker
Timothy H. Gillis
International Paper Company
Sachiko Kuno
Philip C. Lauinger
Lockheed Martin
McLarty Associates
Eric D.K. Melby and Pamela Tripp-Melby
Sherry Lee Mueller
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates

Friends

BB&T
Calvin and Jane Cafritz
Walter and Didi Cutler
Johnson Lambert
Aniko Gaal Schott and Nash Schott
Jan Smith
Henry Sweetbaum
Sodexo
Betty Ann and John S. Tanner

2016 Global Leadership Awards Highlights

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                didi-cutler-prince-abdullah       lewis-susan-schott

International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) is an exciting environment where the world comes together, and those who supported our annual Global Leadership Awards Dinner this September have a unique understanding of how special this international community is to the future world leaders who call this place home while here in Washington.

Ambassadors and diplomats from over 30 countries, Members of Congress, special guests, and ISH-DC’s own resident scholars from 36 countries gathered to honor those who have made great contributions to intercultural and international understanding.

This year, we honored three distinguished Members of Congress. Senator Ed Markey received our Global Champion Award for his four decades of Congressional leadership in protecting the environment and advancing telecommunications in the US and worldwide.  We presented our Global Leadership Award to co-recipients Congressman Ed Royce and Congressman Eliot Engel in recognition of their leadership of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.  Additionally, we conferred our Global Media award to Al-Monitor, a prominent electronic media site which features unique and balanced insight and analysis by prominent journalists and experts.

               ambassador-wittig-of-germany-remarks       mr-and-mrs-mexico
Ambassador Peter Wittig of Germany, 2016 Global Leadership Awards Diplomatic Chair
María Elena Vázquez, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Sada Solana of Mexico

We would like to thank our generous sponsors who support our House and our mission of providing a unique cross cultural experience to develop students and scholars into global citizens.

Click HERE to view more photos from the Awards Dinner!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Benefactors

The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Patrons

Archer Daniels Midland Company
Duke Energy
Demarest Lloyd Jr. Foundation
Embassy of the State of Qatar

Partners

Annette W. and Elias F. Aburdene, Rock Creek Corporation
American-Central European Business Association
Baker & McKenzie
Lisa Barry and James Gale
Blackstone Foundation
Cigna
William H. and Jean Crocker
Timothy H. Gillis
International Paper Company
Sachiko Kuno
Philip C. Lauinger
Lockheed Martin
McLarty Associates
Eric D.K. Melby and Pamela Tripp-Melby
Sherry Lee Mueller
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates

Friends

BB&T
Calvin and Jane Cafritz
Walter and Didi Cutler
Johnson Lambert
Aniko Gaal Schott and Nash Schott
Jan Smith
Henry Sweetbaum
Sodexo
Betty Ann and John S. Tanner

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

ambassador-and-mrs-newman-of-botswana
Ambassador and Mrs. David John Newman of Botswana
ambassador-haarde-of-iceland-jan-smith-kathryn-horlick
Ambassador Geir Haarde of Iceland, Jan Smith, ISH-DC Board Member Kathryn Horlick

In Memoriam: David Ruiz

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DavidOn Monday, August 15, 2016, David Ruiz, ISH-DC’s long-time Business Manager, passed away.  David was an institution at the House – first as a resident scholar in the 1990’s and then as our Business Manager for 19 years.

For those of you who knew David, we ask that you celebrate with us his extraordinary commitment not only to ISH-DC, but to his deep and endearing personal relationships with our residents and alumni.

David was often one of the first people new residents met when they entered through our doors.  Through his daily interactions with residents, he formed many personal and ongoing friendships.  Just the other week, a British alumnus from 2000 visited the House, hugged David, and started talking to him as if it had only been a few days since they last saw each other.  He stayed in touch with countless alumni, traveling throughout the world, visiting them.

Here at the House, David will be remembered for his love of movies and Coca-Cola.  His desk was always decorated with at least one empty Coke can.  He was commonly seen walking down R Street to 7-Eleven when he needed an afternoon caffeine boost.  David loved film and sharing his interest with others.  In fact, residents and his colleagues often asked his review of a movie before going to see it themselves.

David will also be remembered as a modest man and a gentle spirit. A few years ago, ISH-DC Executive Director, Tom O’Coin, casually asked David what he did on his day off.  He responded “I went to a reception at the White House.”  David had neglected to mention that his father was receiving the National Humanities Medal from President Obama!

These are just a few of our fond memories of David.  We hope you will also share with us your memories of him so that we can collect them for his family.  ISH-DC and the Ruiz family are planning a memorial service for David here, at the House, on Saturday, September 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  We have limited space, so we ask that you let us know if you plan to attend by emailing Katherine Russell, [email protected]

A number of alumni have already contacted us, asking how they can help keep David’s memory alive.  The Ruiz family has established the David Ruiz Memorial Fund for alumni programs.  If you would like to make a contribution in David’s memory, please go to our website Here.

You may also make a check payable to:

International Student House
1825 R Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Please indicate that the gift is for the David Ruiz Memorial Fund.

ISH-DC “is a home away from home” for our students and resident scholars.  It was also a home away from home for David.  His death is a tragic loss to our family.

Diana Davis Spencer on Why International Exchange Matters

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Diana Davis Spencer, Chairman and President of the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, carries on her family’s legacy of supporting education for students in the US and across the globe.  A warm, gracious, and down-to-earth woman, Diana has changed the lives of tens of thousands of young people.

“Being involved with international affairs and students is part of my DNA,” she laughs.  Her parents met on a train to Geneva, Switzerland when her mother worked up the courage to speak to the handsome man sitting across from her.  After a few months, he convinced her to change her plans and go with him to New York to study at Columbia University.  They both went on to complete their Masters degrees at Columbia and lived at International House in New York.  This experience began Diana and her family’s longtime involvement in International Student House (ISH) and her passion for international exchange and education.

From the start, students from ISH and foreign visitors were integrated into her family life. Diana recalls, “My family always felt that the people we met in our travels, whether it was on the street or during a planned lunch or dinner, surpassed museums.  That was what put meaning into it.  Relationships were very important.”

“Today, everyone is so pressed that maybe they don’t take enough time to understand each other and make friendships.  If they are different, they just brush that person off,” she says.  “International exchanges, travel, and going abroad for a semester, make you realize what it is to be in someone else’s country.  Then, you make more of an effort to understand someone in your country who is here from abroad.”

Thus, Diana has been a great supporter of ISH.  The House fosters and creates lasting friendships between graduate students and interns from all across the world.  “People [residents] at International Student House are leaders of the students and really will be future leaders of their countries, and can help change policy. Hopefully, this has a rippling effect towards peace.”

The Diana Davis Spencer Foundation has been a generous supporter of ISH-DC and the International House movement.  Her mother, Kathryn W. Davis, established Projects for Peace on her 100th birthday.  Projects for Peace funds student innovations, initiatives, and entrepreneurship focusing on conflict prevention, resolution or reconciliation. For the past five years, at least one ISH-DC resident scholar has a received a Project for Peace grant to carry out field work that addresses the causes of conflict.  ISH-DC students have launched innovative projects across the globe.  A few examples include establishing a database to facilitate reporting of sectarian violence in Egypt, combating violence against the LGBTIQ community in Kyrgyzstan, and reducing animosity between local Thais and Burmese refugees in Thailand.

ISH-DC thanks Diana and her family for their enduring commitment to international understanding and peace.

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.