International Student House Washington DC

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110th Anniversary of the Meserve-Lloyd Residence

November 29, 2022 by Daniel Bremer-Wirtig

Pictured above, the original sketch of the main entrance iron gate of the Meserve-Lloyd Residence. While no longer in use, the iron gate is still featured in The Garden.

In 1912 Henri Meserve engaged the services of Wolcott Clarke Waggaman to build a Tudor-style house at 1825 R Street, NW. The resulting edifice was one of great elegance and majesty in a neighborhood of fine townhouses and grand mansions.

Demarest Lloyd continued the legacy of the house when they purchased it in 1925. The house was the scene of some of Washington’s loveliest parties. Presidents Coolidge and Hoover were entertained here. The Great Hall was a scene of performances by famous musicians and grand balls that were remembered by all who attended.

The International Student House -the organization- was founded in 1936 by the American Friends Service Committee.  They purchased the Meserve-Lloyd Residence in 1946 to expand the capacity of the International Student House. Since then, various accommodations and renovations have occurred to ensure that the Residents that live there feel The House is their home away from home.

Make a donation today

Today, 110 years after construction, and 86 years of serving over 15,000 Residents, our community – the Board, staff, alumni, and donors – realize that The House is showing its age, and funds are needed to continue to ensure that our Residents have the best possible experience. A study has been conducted summarizing several projects that need immediate attention. We need your help in making sure that this beautiful landmark, which is critical to the success of our mission, is standing proud and polished for at least another 110 years.

With this in mind, The House is launching a campaign to commemorate the building’s 110th year with funds to address areas in dire need of attention. We are thrilled to announce that several stakeholders have pledged toward the minimum goal of $110,000 by the end of 2022. These much-needed funds are the early steps to elevate and help us pursue our mission of delivering an exceptional residential experience. This initial funding will allow The House to make progress in some of the following areas, for example:

  • Safety and security – The current surveillance, access, and security system is over 20 years old. Maintenance and repairs are limited as the system and hardware are no longer supported by the vendor.  With crime and gun violence rising in Washington, DC, including the Dupont Circle area, The House needs to invest in updated and improved safety and security measures.
  • Health and comfort – Heating or cooling a house or apartment can be expensive and not always yield optimal comfort.  Imagine trying to do that in a 110-year-old building.  The Maintenance and Housekeeping team, and contractors, work hard to keep our Residents comfortable throughout the year, however older and retrofitted systems are expensive to maintain to deliver a comfortable and healthy environment.  No one can -or should be expected to work, study, or play in a room that is too hot, or too cold.
  • Amenities – Over the years, Residents have benefited from generous donations of new or used gym equipment, ping pong, and pool tables, among other health and leisure items.  However, with approximately 100 individuals living at the House at any given time (non-pandemic years, of course!), these items show their wear and tear.  Also, numerous pieces of furniture, some of them antiques, in the common areas and Resident’s rooms, get used daily for leisure, studying, or working.   Additionally, as remote work and learning persist even as we emerge from the pandemic, a high-quality and reliable Internet connection is a must.  Important investments are needed in this regard for upgrades, repairs, and replacement.
  • Alumni engagement – With over 15,000 alumni from around the world, which expands by 300 every (non-pandemic) year, The House is in the early stages of developing a global alumni engagement program.  This program will allow alumni to remain connected with their home in Washington, DC.  Their engagement raises awareness about the mission, enriches the programming, as well as elevates the prominence and visibility of the organization.
  • Conservation and curation of historical art and artifacts – Anyone who has stepped through the doors of The House, has undoubtedly been enthralled by the richness of the history of the building, furniture, art, and artifacts that make it so special.  Residents and guests often ask about the history or stories behind artifacts, however, the answers are not always fully satisfying.  The furniture in the common areas, most of it antique, is used frequently by Residents, guests, and staff, for programs, meetings, and other activities. While it’s always used with care and respect, some items are due for much-needed repairs, and restoration.

The 110th Anniversary Campaign is an early step toward developing a master plan to update The House. It has served our Residents well for 86 years, however, there are critical areas that need to be addressed to improve the safety, security, health, comfort, and amenities for our Residents to have an exceptional residential experience.

Make a donation today

We need your support today. With your donation, we can pursue our goal of offering our Residents a home during their stay in Washington, DC.

Garden Gatherings 2021

July 12, 2021 by Katie Russell

International Student House of Washington, DC was thrilled to once again open our doors and welcome friends of the House - alumni, board members, supporters, and special guests - to join us for our Garden Gatherings, our first of this scale since March 2020. Thanks to the generous support of Board Member Janet Blanchard and Governor Jim Blanchard who hosted the nights, we were delighted to hold the evenings in person, and, even moreso, pleased that our greater community here in Washington could meet our incredible resident scholars, many of whom have been with us throughout this extraordinary year.

Left to right: (photo #1) Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, Executive Director; Lisa Barry, Board of Directors; Garden Gathering Hosts Janet Blanchard, Board of Directors, and Governor Jim Blanchard; (photo #2) Resident Scholars greeting guests.

As we welcomed our guests back to the House, we hosted two gatherings, the evenings of Monday, June 28 and Tuesday, June 29. Resident scholars from Canada, Zambia, Egypt, and the United States shared remarks during the gatherings alongside International Student House leadership. 

Left to right: (photo #1) Linda Harper, Board of Directors; Annette Aburdene, Board of Directors; McGrath Jean Thomas, Board Associate; (photo #2) Scott Fleming, Board of Directors; Sarah Hugner and Hanna Almoaswes, Resident Scholars; (photo #3) Paul Wonnacott; Garden Gathering Host Governor Jim Blanchard; Selby McPhee, Board Associate; Roemer McPhee; Donna Wonnacott.

Muhammad Ezzat, a resident scholar from Egypt and recent graduate from Georgetown University, shared with us his experiences as an international student and the importance of finding community among his fellow residents from around the world. Katherine Kemp shared that she is a ‘second generation’ resident of the House. As the daughter of diplomats, her childhood was full of travel and movement through different countries. Her unique experiences growing up around the world meant the House is where she feels most at home, once again in a multicultural community among international residents.  Katherine also detailed the cultural exchanges that are commonplace among her and her housemates and how this signifies that one of the greater missions of the House, cultural exchange, is alive and well, even in the most casual moments.

(photo #1) Akram Elias; His Excellency Domingos Fezas Vital, Ambassador of Portugal; Isabel Fezas Vital; Tonija Hope Navas, Board of Directors; His Excellency Geir Haarde, Alumnus, former Prime Minister of Iceland and former Ambassador of Iceland; (photo #2) Katherine Kemp, Resident Scholar; His Excellency Geir Haarde; Johannes Dopsch, Counselor, Embassy of Austria; Angela Lintner, Resident Scholar; Jorrit Becking, Resident Scholar.

Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, Executive Director, also expressed his thanks for the incredible support our guests have shown us over the years, and particularly this past year that has challenged international exchange beyond our expectations. Daniel shared his confidence that the House’s mission will continue on for decades to come, especially with our donor and alumni support. Eric Melby, President of our Board of Directors, closed the program by emphasizing the incredible role of our Board of Directors, whose dedication and significant support is unparalleled.

Left to right: (phot0 #1) Ambassador Michele Bond, Board of Directors; Resident Scholars; Garden Gathering Host Janet Blanchard, Board of Directors; (photo #2) Alexandra de Borchgrave; Didi Cutler, Board of Directors; Kevin Chaffee; Lisa Barry, Board of Directors; Lynda Webster; Janet Pitt; (photo #3) Garden Gathering Host Governor Jim Blanchard; Ambassador Walter Cutler; Akram Elias; Mrs. Elias; Ambassador Kenton Keith; Jan Du Plain.

On Tuesday evening, we were honored to welcome His Excellency Geir H. Haarde, International Student House alumnus, as well as former Prime Minister of Iceland, former Ambassador of Iceland to the United States, and recently retired as Executive Director of Nordic and Baltic States at the World Bank. He shared the story of his own involvement with the House, and expressed how it was an incredibly formative experience for him. He has kept in touch with the House for years because he knows first hand how beneficial it can be for the future of young students and interns.

Left to right: (photo #1) His Excellency Domingos Fezas Vital, Ambassador of Portugal; Isabel Fezas Vital; Nina Pillsbury; Ambassador Esther Coopersmith; (photo #3) His Excellency Ashok Mirpuri, Ambassador of Singapore; Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, Executive Director; Melike Yetken Krilla.

After enjoying the wonderful remarks, guests mingled throughout the evening. Our resident scholars took advantage of the amazing opportunity to network and meet our many incredible friends, including alumni with whom residents could mutually reflect on their shared connection to the building itself. Meanwhile, donors, board members, and visitors got a taste of what the House is like through the eyes of our resident scholars and left with a renewed appreciation and understanding of the House and our incredible mission. 

Thank you to everyone who attended and made the House feel so alive and vibrant. We cannot wait to have you back with us soon!

You can find more photos from the gatherings here.

Highlights: Global Leadership Awards

March 3, 2021 by Katie Russell

Celebrating Washington’s commitment to the importance of people-to-people exchange as a key element of America’s foreign policy, the International Student House of Washington, DC hosted its annual Global Leadership Awards on February 9, 2021 with live presentations from the historic Tudor Mansion at 1825 R Street, NW and virtual presentations and performances from participants from around the world.

Watch the Awards Presentation Here

2020 Global Leadership Awards Honorees

The Awards gala (originally planned for fall 2020) recognized Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) and Megan Beyer, as well as philanthropist and business executive Robert J. Abernethy, for their lifelong commitment to international education and exchange and celebrated the many supporters of ISH. To set the stage for the evening, the guests and sponsors had received a beautifully packaged Gala in a Box filled with wine and treats curated by the Gala’s Diplomatic Patrons from Portugal.

Co-Chaired by Governor Jim Blanchard and Janet Blanchard, and Lisa Barry and James Gale, the evening began with a virtual VIP reception that welcomed numerous notable Washingtonians, including including Mack and Donna McLarty, Ann and Tommy Korologos, Ed and Marie Royce, Stuart and Gwen Holliday, Ambassadors from Brazil, Bulgaria, Germany, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Singapore, Sweden, and Switzerland, and Members of Congress including Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA), among others.

2020 Gala co-Chairs

Highlights of the VIP reception included guests sharing their own personal stories on the importance of international exchange, including Ambassador Karan Bhatia, Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google; Her Excellency Emily Haber, Ambassador of Germany to the United States; Philip Lauinger, Jr., a member of the Host Committee and Trustee of Global Ties U.S.; and Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA).

guests enjoy the reception

The Awards Presentation and Program opened with a welcome by International Student House students from China, Pakistan, Rwanda, the United States, and Peru who currently reside at 1825 R St NW.  Eric Melby, President of the Board of Directors, then took the stage in the library of the International Student House, where he greeted guests and emphasized the importance of the organization and its mission.

The gala co-Chairs also took on the hosting duties for the evening, introducing musical performances by alumni, and exceptional resident scholars from Zimbabwe and the Netherlands, who presented the awards to the night’s honorees.

His Excellency Domingos Fezas Vital, Ambassador of Portugal, and Isabel Fezas Vital
2020 Diplomatic Chair

Ambassador Domingos Fezas Vital and Isabel Fezas Vital, the Diplomatic Chairs of the gala, shared remarks on the vital importance of exchange among students and the longstanding ties between Portugal and the United States.  Ambassador Fezas Vital and Isabel led the guests in a toast to ISH and to strong ties between our two countries with a 2016 Dona Maria Amantis Reserva wine that delighted the guests. 

Governor Jim Blanchard introduced Congressman Beyer and Megan Beyer by noting “Congressman Don Beyer is one of the most gifted public servants of our time.” He also highlighted Megan Beyer’s decades of service in building substantive international exchange programs.  Congressman Beyer and Megan Beyer then spoke eloquently of their own personal experiences with international exchange sharing stories about Megan’s study abroad in Spain and Don’s times in Rome.  The truly authentic nature of their commitment to international exchange and building relationships was dominant throughout the presentation.  

Roy Randen, a student from Zimbabwe at Johns Hopkins SAIS and recipient of the scholarship at International Student House funded by Robert Abernethy, eloquently introduced Mr. Abernethy by noting, “I am a living testament to both Mr. Abernethy’s incredible generosity, and his commitment to promoting international dialogue”.

International Student House Resident Scholars Roy Randen from Zimbabwe, and Laura Hoogenraad from the Netherlands

Philanthropist and business executive Robert Abernethy then shared remarks about his life-long pursuit of higher education, dialogue, and international exchange, discussing the history of both ISH and the Johns Hopkins School of International Studies (SAIS) and his longstanding efforts to provide the much needed scholarship funds for ISH residents studying at SAIS. He then highlighted some outstanding former students who have been fortunate enough to have benefited from Mr. Abernethy’s generosity over the years, students who have gone on to pursue incredible opportunities all over the globe.

Closing remarks came from Abraham Akoi, an alumnus and Board Member from South Sudan, who is now a senior advisor at the World Bank and the guests were then treated to a special performance by a former ISH student who is a world-renowned classical pianist.

Leadership

Embassy of the State of Qatar

Benefactors

Governor Jim Blanchard and Janet Blanchard
Lisa Barry and Jim Gale

Partners

Annette and Elias Aburdene
Ambassador Fletcher Burton
Elizabeth and Michael Galvin
Sachiko Kuno Foundation
Philip Lauinger, Jr.
The Honorable Thomas McLarty and Donna McLarty
Eric Melby and Pamela Tripp-Melby
Sherry Mueller

Friends

The Honorable Wayne Berman and Lea Berman
Ambassador Walter and Didi Cutler
Marilyn and Bill Dabaghi
Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman
Larry and Deborah Dunham
Jean-Marie and Raul Fernandez
Huda and Samia Farouki
Julie and Jon Garcia
Gary and Kathryn Horlick

Deborah Lehr
His Excellency Rafat Mahmood and Shaista Mahmood
Dave Marchick
Herbert Schmitz
Eileen Shields-West and Robin West
Congressman John Tanner and Betty Ann Tanner
George Vradenburg
Judge William Webster and Lynda Webster

How I Got “Exchanged” by Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, Executive Director

December 30, 2020 by ISHDC

I was named Executive Director of the International Student House of Washington, DC on March 16th of 2020, just days after COVID-19 was declared a National Emergency in the United States.  While our response to the global pandemic has predominated my tenure at the helm of the House, it has not defined our vision and plans for the future.  Quite the contrary - it has reinforced our resolve to deliver on our mission to foster inter-cultural exchange, life-long connections and global citizenship at a time when the world needs it the most. And our most important, consistent and reliable source of support throughout the pandemic has been our community - you.  Thank you.  I humbly hope you will continue to support our mission by donating here.

My journey to the International Student House actually started over six decades ago and came about because of international exchange. My father, born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, ventured across the Atlantic on a ship in the 60’s to Germany.  My mother, who grew up in Würzburg, West Germany, volunteered at the International Working Group (Internationaler Arbeitskreis – IAK), an organization dedicated to fostering understanding through education and exchange, not unlike the International Student House.  Both in their early twenties, little did they know they were bound to be transformed by international exchange.  This was only the beginning of my long history with international exchange, even before I knew it was “a thing.”

At home in Mexico, our family spoke German and Spanish, later adding English, when we moved north from Mexico City to Monterrey (not the one in California).  And, our home was always open and ready to host -family, friends of family, friends of friends- from all over the world.  I have some of the fondest memories of my childhood learning about the world, other cultures and hearing other languages over a shared meal.

International exchange, in its more “traditional" definition, also had a tremendous impact on my life, specifically in my education and career.  To connect more deeply with my German roots/heritage and strengthen my German-language skills, I took gap year working for an IT firm in Germany.  I could write volumes of the things I learned about the world and myself, the sights I took in, the friendships I made and unforgettable experiences I had.

After living and working near Frankfurt for a year, I returned to Monterrey, Mexico, where I started my degree in International Relations.  Half-way through college, I secured a summer internship at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, DC.  Fascinated and amazed by DC’s cultural, political and social life, I turned the summer internship into another "gap year” experience to work on U.S.-Mexico education, training and exchange initiatives.  Ultimately, I returned to Mexico after a year in DC to conclude my university studies.  And, as soon as I walked off the stage after graduation, I was on a plane back to DC, where I started a family and spent most of my career working on and around education and international exchange. 

International exchange has made me who I am today, personally and professionally (also, quite literally had my parents not met!).  It has been ever present in my life, at home, in my education, in my career, and now, in my own family. This is why the International Student House is so much more than “a job” for me - the House is a space where international exchange happens, where relationships are made, where lives are transformed and where future young leaders are shaped.  International exchange did this to my parents.  And, it did so to me, too.

However, I’m not writing this to share my story.  This is really just one story of the life-changing experience international exchanges provide.  Just look at the roster of our alumni.  Over the past 85 years, the more than 15,000 alumni of the International Student House have become Prime Ministers (past and present), found the loves of their life, have become successful diplomats, government officials, and private and nonprofit sector leaders, and even celebrated their graduations in the most unlikely of times - see Resident Scholar Varsha Thebo's photograph featured in Buzzfeed News, “56 Most Powerful Photos of 2020”. The House is here for them.  It is their home.  We become their community, their family even.  And, your support will help us keep it that way for many more years to come. 

The finances of the House were significantly impacted due to the low number of residents living at the House in 2020.  We implemented important cost-saving measures and secured local and federal relief funding, however, these challenges will continue well into 2021. 

As you consider your final gifts of the year, I humbly ask that you continue to give to the House. Your meaningful support is needed and we couldn’t do this work without you.

The leadership and generosity of our Board of Directors, donors, alumni, friends and family made a tremendous difference this year when we needed it the most, and I am deeply grateful to you for your support.  My very best wishes to you and your family as we begin a New Year, and we look forward to having you with us at International Student House for many years to come.

Warmly,
Daniel

Highlights from the Prospectus on the Economics of International Educational Exchange

November 20, 2020 by ISHDC

"When they [pandemics] end, international education is among the first activities to resume. It always grows. It always grows substantially, and I expect that the same thing will happen when we declare this virus conquered.”

Dr. Allan Goodman, President and CEO, Institute of International Education (IIE)

On Tuesday, November 17, as International Education Week 2020 commenced, International Student House of Washington, DC was honored to host our inaugural education symposium, The Prospectus on the Economics of International Educational Exchange in Times of Global Challenge. Welcoming our distinguished speakers and guests was Kalika Likhi, Associate at Invest India and International Student House alumna.

Did you miss the symposium? CLICK HERE or the above image to watch the recording PW: ISHSymposium2020!
CLICK HERE to read the program which includes bios of our speakers and panelists

Following the publication of the Institute of International Education (IIE) and U.S. Department of State’s Open Doors Report, the House had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Allan Goodman, President and CEO of IIE, to open our first conversation on the state of international educational exchange.  Joining Dr. Goodman was Ambassador Stuart Holliday, President and CEO of Meridian International Center.  Dr. Goodman and Ambassador Holliday shared their insight as leaders in the field of exchange, Dr. Goodman noting that this is the 12th pandemic in the long history of IIE, and after each one, international educational exchange has grown.  Ambassador Holliday concurred that exchange will indeed re-emerge, however, he also emphasized the importance of using  this time of compromised travel to identify how we can better communicate the importance of exchange on the economy and society at large, not just those directly engaged in the field.

Ambassador Holliday shared, “There is a huge economic benefit to the U.S. in having international students come, but there is a large swath of the American public that still doesn’t quite make the correlation between these programs and their well-being and I thinks it’s incumbent upon us to look and reflect during this pandemic period on how we can do a better job on communicating that.”

Following their considered remarks, they engaged in conversation moderated by Tonija Hope Navas, Director of the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University. Ms. Navas also shared about her work in expanding exchange opportunities to Howard students and the University’s plans for the future of international programs.

Our second panel on the economic implications of exchange brought together experts spanning sectors, including the tourism industry, U.S. visas and immigration, the business community, and Canadian higher education institutions.

The panel featured Scott Wayne, President of SW Associates, LLC, and former head of the North America office of the World Travel and Tourism Council, as well as former Chief of Communications at the UN World Tourism Organization; Jeff Gorsky, Senior Counsel, Berry Appleman &Leiden LLP and former Chief of the Legal Advisory Opinion section of the Visa Office in the Department of State; Miriam Feldblum, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration; and Denise Amyot, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada.  Each panelist brought unique information to the conversation, highlighting the restrictive nature of current visa policies and travel restrictions, the economic power of youth and students who participate in the travel industry, and the importance of educational exchange to our neighbors in Canada.

Lorraine Riffle Hawley, Senior Director of International Government Relations at Archer Daniels Midland Company and International Student House Board member, moderated the conversation and spoke about how influential her own student exchange experience was on her career.

We were immensely privileged to conclude the symposium by honoring Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY 17) and Stephen Lowey with our International Education Advocates Award for their decades of work to ensure a successful future for international relations and robust international educational exchange.  Stephen Lowey noted the importance of his time in France as a college freshman participating in the Experiment in International Living in 1952. He shared about the life-long friendships that came from his experience, and how he then served as a trustee of the Experiment, a part of World Learning, for 35 years. Congresswoman Lowey shared about her experience actively working on the Hill to ensure education and exchange opportunities are accessible and funding is available. 

International Student House Executive Director Daniel Bremer-Wirtig formally closed the symposium by once again thanking our sponsors, distinguished speakers, and guests.  He also emphasized the significance of support by our sponsors, alumni, and friends, who generosity allow us to fulfill our mission. It is not too late to support the Symposium and international educational education exchange.  We invite you to show your commitment to this critical mission and we welcome your continued support by making a donation today.

Thank you again for joining us and we look forward to welcoming you back to the House.

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

International Student House of Washington, 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.

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