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.

“ 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 Gerard 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.

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.

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.

Cynthia Bunton has led International Student House of Washington DC (ISH-DC) for the past three years as President of our Board of Directors.  During her tenure, the House has seen a time of significant growth and exciting change.

Cynthia, a retired United States Foreign Service Officer with over 30 years of executive leadership experience in international operations and strategic management, began her time as President by recognizing the value of building and maintaining a strong community with our Board of Directors, resident scholars, alumni, and advocates.  Under her leadership, ISH-DC has expanded relationships with foreign embassies and enhanced outreach to Members of Congress and other US government officials.   A number of foreign Ambassadors have either spoken at the House or invite our students to join them at their embassies for receptions and discussions.  Under her guidance, a number of Board members have engaged in supporting residents with career advice by participating in networking events and round tables, as well as hosting residents during holidays and other informal opportunities. As a result, we have created an even more diverse and global community of resident scholars at the House and our scholars have benefited from the many various opportunities offered while a part of the ISH-DC family.

Diversifying and strengthening our Board of Directors has also been a significant achievement of Cynthia’s tenure.  Under her leadership, our Governance Committee has engaged in a by-laws revision process, as well as engaged with and secured 15 new prominent members of our Board.  Cynthia has been a steadfast leader throughout her time in office and her accomplishments will be felt for years to come.

Cynthia, who also happens to be an alumna of the House, has left an indelible mark upon our organization.  The Board of Directors, resident scholars, and staff thank her for her leadership, vision, and drive over the past three years and look forward to her continued involvement with International Student House.