On Thursday, May 12, International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) welcomed over 250 guests for our annual Spring Garden Party to celebrate the changing season with a number of our resident scholars, alumni, and new and old friends of the House.  We had the privilege of welcoming nine foreign Ambassadors and dozens of members of the diplomatic corps, Members of Congress and their spouses, resident scholars from 19 countries, alumni, and new and old friends.

ISH-DC Residents from Serbia with Congressman John Fleming (R-LA, center right)

Our residents were delighted to meet and connect with our guests, given many are preparing for their own careers in the public and private sectors in their respective countries, and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss their next steps with those successful in their fields.

Mrs. Anne Rodgers, newly arrived British Ambassador, Sir Kim Darroch

ISH-DC Residents from Serbia, the United States, Italy, France, Japan, China, and Luxembourg

The party happened to coincided with the end of the semester for many Washington universities, so it became a celebration of graduation for a number of our resident scholars from around the world. The evening was a great success as our resident scholars engaged with our many guests who attended to learn about ISH-DC, and their experiences here in Washington as young, driven international students.

Ambassador Pierre Clive Agius of Malta, ISH-DC 2016 Global Leadership Awards Dinner Chair Didi Cutler, Ambassador Walter Cutler

We are pleased to recognize Robert J. Abernethy and the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions for their very generous renewal of financial support for ISH-DC’s residential scholarship initiative.  As he has done for the past two years, Mr. Abernethy has earmarked his gift for graduate students living at the House and attending Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).  His contribution will support residential scholarships for SAIS students with proven financial need and academic promise.  Because of his generosity, 10 students, who would not otherwise have had the financial resources, will benefit from the unique, multi-cultural community that we provide.

Kathryn Horlick, Chair of ISH-DC’s Scholarship Committee said, “We are very grateful for Mr. Abernethy’s exceptional generosity and his longtime commitment to supporting educational opportunities for our future global leaders.  We also look forward to continuing our warm partnership with SAIS and exploring additional areas for collaboration.” 

Scholarship recipients are selected by ISH-DC’s Scholarship Committee based on recommendations provided by SAIS’ Office of Financial Aid.  For more information, SAIS graduate students are encouraged to contact: [email protected].

Cynthia R. Bunton Elected President of ISH-DC Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) elected Cynthia R. Bunton as President effective January 1, 2016.  Cynthia is an alumna, having lived at the House in the 1970s while studying at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh.   As a former US Foreign Service Officer, she has a passion for international exchange and for the House’s mission.  Her leadership skills and her experience in strategic management will be instrumental in our organization’s efforts to cultivate new relationships, to further re-engage our alumni network, to encourage greater participation by foreign Ambassadors, Members of Congress and other US Government officials in our work, and to help prepare our resident scholars for their professional careers.

Cynthia is President of CRBi, LLC, a strategic consulting firm. She also serves as the Director of the Lantos-Humanity in Action Congressional Fellowship Program.  Prior to that, she was Director of the Asia Division at the International Republican Institute (IRI) overseeing democracy and governance programs in 11 countries, including China.  In addition, Cynthia spent over 20 years as a US Foreign Service officer, serving in Honduras, Denmark, Egypt, The Netherlands, Italy and at the United Nations.

Since joining the Board in 2012, Cynthia has served as Secretary of the Board and Chair of the Alumni and Communications Committee.  She has a clear vision and fresh ideas for engaging alumni and enhancing ISH-DC’s presence in the international, national, and local communities.  She will no doubt lead the House into a successful and prosperous future.

On Thursday, October 22, 2015, International Student House of Washington, DC held our annual Global Leadership Awards Dinner.  Members of Congress, Ambassadors and embassy representatives of 18 countries, and members of the business and philanthropic communities gathered to honor three outstanding individuals for their commitment to international understanding and to support the House.

We honored former US National Security Advisor, Lt. General Brent Scowcroft with our Global Leadership Award for his outstanding achievements to promote international understanding and cooperation.   Former Senator from Indiana and recipient of the 2014 ISH-DC Global Leadership Award, Richard Lugar, presented a stirring tribute to General Scowcroft.

We also recognized Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter, President and CEO of New America with our Global Educator Award for her commitment to international education and understanding. Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, MD, Former US Assistant Surgeon General, presented Dr. Slaughter with the award.

Our Distinguished Alumni Award was conferred upon Former Prime Minister of Iceland, Ambassador Geir H. Haarde.  Ambassador Haarde was a resident of the House while he attended Johns Hopkins University.   ISH-DC resident from South Africa, Zinhle Mkhabela, paid a humorous and uplifting tribute to Ambassador Haarde citing his achievements and inspiring residents to such levels. Awards Presentation Remarks – Zinhle Mkhabela

The gala was made possible through the generosity and commitment of our sponsors, ISH-DC Board of Directors, and our Awards Dinner Committee and its Chairs.  Jan Smith was our Awards Dinner Chair.  Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae of Japan and Mrs. Nobuko Sasae served as Diplomatic Chairs.  We are deeply grateful for their support.