I-House DC, Author at International Student House Washington, DC

Democracy in Egypt? A special presentation by Tom Garrett of the International Republican Institute

January 23, 2012 by I-House DC

Thursday, January 26 at 7pm in Ella Burling Hall – ISH is pleased to feature a special briefing by Tom Garrett, from the International Republican Institute. If you would like to attend this event, please RSVP to [email protected].

Topic of discussion: Is democracy possible in Egypt and what is the role of U.S. democracy promotion organizations in helping to bring that about?

Bio

Tom Garrett joined IRI in November 1994 and currently serves as Vice President for Programs. Prior to being named Vice President, Garrett served as IRI’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Garrett first served as IRI’s Resident Program Director for Ukraine; he later oversaw political party programs in Belarus and Moldova as well. He left the Ukraine program in January 2000, to serve as IRI’s Resident Advisor to the Ikh Hural, Mongolia’s parliament, based in Ulaanbaatar. In addition to his Mongolia assignments, Garrett conducted training for IRI programs in Cambodia and in Thailand for the Burmese democratic opposition in exile.

In October 2000, Garrett moved to Jakarta as IRI’s Resident Program Director and oversaw a program of political party building, public opinion research and support to local government. While posted to Indonesia, he conducted program assessment missions for IRI in Fiji, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and provided training on campaign finance reform in East Timor.

Over the past 15 years, Garrett has worked on election observation missions in Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, the Solomon Islands, Tunisia and Ukraine.

Prior to joining IRI, Garrett served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Frank Murkowski (R-AK) and at the Department of the Interior as Director of Congressional and Legislative Affairs for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

He holds an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree in international relations from Norwich University.

Amir Kamergi Brings Arab Spring to ISH

January 21, 2012 by I-House DC

ISH resident Amir Kamergi has been surprised at the level of curiosity residents have about each other’s countries and cultures, how open everyone is to other perspectives at the House. For him, this is a special and invaluable quality of the environment of the International Student House. And he has had much to share with fellow residents and others.

Amir is in the U.S. this year, 2011-12, on a Fulbright cultural exchange program, working as a teaching assistant at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). There he teaches Arabic and Tunisian cultural history and this year, especially, that subject has been of particular interest to SAIS graduate students. Tunisia lit the spark that generated this year’s extraordinary events in the Middle East, now known as the Arab Spring. At the beginning of each of his classes, he shows videos of the latest news from Tunisia, exposing students to the most current news while practicing their Arabic at the same time.

Amir, who earned his license in English literature and civilization at the Institute of Languages in Tunis, was the only member of his family to be involved in the protests and street fighting that brought down the repressive Tunisian government last January. He was one of thousands of young people who, inspired by social media, rose up in protest against corruption and poor living conditions under the previous government. And he has burn scars on his shoulders to prove it. Now, he says, the general population of Tunisia is very involved in the country’s politics. “Now that there is a new president, constitutional assembly, and president of parliament, Tunisia is more stable,” he says. He is pleased to tell Tunisia’s story to friends at ISH, and he has even made a documentary on the subject with another resident, Ani ?? from Armenia.

In addition to teaching at SAIS, Amir is taking a course on internet interaction, in preparation for his return to Tunis in May. There he hopes to teach English and technology, first in high schools and later at the university level. Meanwhile, while he is still here, he will continue to participate in his other favorite aspect of life at ISH – a richly talented musical community. He and fellow residents often play in Burling Hall on Sunday afternoons. A self-taught (left-handed!) guitarist, Amir particularly likes to play Flamenco music.

ISH Celebrates75th in Style

January 20, 2012 by I-House DC

More than 150 people attended the International Student House’s 75th Anniversary Gala in October, dining and dancing and wishing ourselves a happy 75th in a glittering hall at the National Geographic Society’s headquarters in Washington DC. From its beginnings in 1936 as an inspiration of the Washington Quaker Meeting, ISH has provided hospitality and community to over 10,000 graduate students, interns, and visiting scholars from more than 130 countries – and that’s worth celebrating!

The evening began with cocktails in the exhibit hall, where guests enjoyed photographer Brian Skerry’s exhibit “Ocean Soul.” Some guests were treated to a special exhibit of historic photographs from the National Geographic archives, narrated by the evening’s honoree, Gilbert “Gil” Grosvenor, chairman emeritus of the Society. Mr. Grosvenor was presented with the 2011 ISH Global Leadership Award, in appreciation of his distinguished work as a member of the international community, to promote intercultural dialogue and global citizenship. Mr. Grosvenor’s award was presented by J. Willard Marriott, honorary patron of the event. Special thanks go to the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation for their generous sponsorship of the evening.

Also honored was Jane S. Hart, past president and longtime board member of ISH, who received the ISH Lifetime Service Award, recognizing her 40 years of dedicated service to ISH and her leadership of the board from 1987 to 1990. Honorees are shown in the above photo: from left to right, Executive Director Tom O’Coin, Jane Hart, Bill Marriott, Gil Grosvenor, and Board Chair Put Ebinger.

Interior Designer Bill Stubbs ’70-’71 Drew Life Design from ISH

January 20, 2012 by I-House DC

Host of PBS “Moment of Luxury” series

William (Bill) Stubbs, International Student House (ISH) resident 1970-71, is a Houston-based, award-winning Americaninterior designer, owner of William W. Stubbs & Associates,author, and television show host. He is recognized by Architectural Digestas one of its top 100 interior designers. While residing at ISH, he attended the International Institute of Interior Design (now incorporated with Marymount University, Arlington, VA)

As a sixth generation Texan growing up in a small town, Bill Stubbs surprised his family when he announced his decision to study interior design. His hopes were set on Parsons School of Design in New York City but his parents vetoed the school because of the location. Washington DC was deemed a more suitable city so Bill entered the International Institute of Interior Design (IIID) at 22^nd & R Streets. (IIID shut its doors in 1990 and is now part of Marymount University.)

The International Student House (ISH) was the ideal place to live while Bill studied classical interior design with Wilhemina Boldt, the founder of IIID, in the early seventies. “I loved DC; I was in heaven!” He credits the combination of the academic program, ISH and being located in the heart of Washington DC as being a turning point in his life. His interests were broadened in ways he could not have imagined. “For a kid from a small town, DC was magnificent. I was awestruck.”

Close proximity to the Viet Nam War demonstrations at Dupont Circle, going out in groups of 10 students to see arty movies at the Circle Theater or a live production of “Hair,” a stimulating program at IIID that exposed him to mid-20^th century modernism and professional business practices, and interacting on a daily basis with international housemates created the perfect milieu.

“The history of the House, its permanence and presence, moved me. The architecture still influences me. I would stare at the details of the handrails, window moldings and other embellishments and try to imagine the long-ago conversations that took place among the designers. The House was rich with ornament.”

Although Bill wasn’t seeking an international living situation when he chose 1819 R Street as home, the impact of that cross-cultural year enriched his life almost as much as his academic program. He went on to work in Russia for 15 years and continues to travel for interior design assignments, global clientele and locations for “Moment of Luxury,” the PBS series that he has hosted since its debut in April 2008.

Bill Stubbs on location at the Paris Flea Market

To this day, the everlasting memory of “the passions of students from various world regions have helped me to understand the dynamics of world politics,” Bill adds.

One never knows what experiences will resonate within us for the rest of our lives. Sometimes it’s the little things. For Bill, weekend brunch at ISH often included waffles with cheddar cheese. An unlikely marriage perhaps but Bill’s children still consider it one of their favorites – topped with maple syrup.

Memory shards of time at ISH emerge: a student from the Middle East who periodically received an antique Persian rug, shipped in brown paper, every few weeks from his family. He would hoist it on his shoulder and carry it to a nearby carpet shop to sell it. That income would pay for his tuition and room at ISH for the next month. “We were all so young,” Bill sighs.

Remembering this story, which Bill admits he hadn’t thought of until our conversation began, raised other memories centered on money. “All of the students at ISH were poor back then. Transferring money was a big topic of conversation.” He accompanied international students to the bank and got caught up in their dramas.

Meanwhile, Bill was juggling three jobs. He was a janitor at IIID, a salesman in the men’s shoe department at Woodward & Lothrop department store, and, he worked in the police division of the National Zoo. His zoo job was to stand in the parking lot and tally all of the states represented by the car license plates. The best part was wearing a snappy pith helmet; the worst part was that the work itself was boring because he was instructed not to interact with anyone. And Bill loves to talk. Check out full episodes of “Moment of Luxury” to enjoy Bill in person: http://www.wliw.org/productions/lifestyle/moment-of-luxury/series-overview/143/

In those simpler days, Bill shared a room at ISH with two roommates. It was his first time to have roommates and not altogether a comfortable experience – he admits that he had space issues. One roommate was American and extremely open (“Today I would probably appreciate him and like him a lot.”). The other man, from Mexico, studied architecture and spoke limited English. “I wanted to be helpful to him.” Up until 15 years ago, they stayed in touch. Bill regrets that they lost touch and that now he isn’t in touch with anyone from ISH. He is eager to reconnect with housemates and is looking forward to attending the 75^th Anniversary Gala on October 28^th.

“It’s not about wealth or status . . . it’s about discovering the beauty around you,” Bill has been quoted as saying when hosting “Moment of Luxury.” Today, he adds, “The wealth of ISH for me was the House itself and its location. It was a great gift to me to live there.”

To read more about Bill, visit http://www.wwstubbs.com/books.html

The Jasani Sisters remember ISH

January 19, 2012 by I-House DC

Mrinalini Jasani Vogeler, ISH resident in 1956, currently lives in Bielefeld, Germany. Ila Jasani Good called ISH home from 1960-62. She currently lives in Virginia.

In her senior year of college, Mrinalini Jasani left Calcutta (now Kolkata), India and traveled to Allentown, PA to attend Cedar Crest College. She stayed with family friends. The times and the people blessed her with the quintessential American experience. The small town offered a door into the real America, a complete immersion. “You must have the experience of a family and a home” insisted her host family.

After graduating from Cedar Crest, Mrinalini was admitted to George Washington University for a one-year program in government and international relations, and was also enrolled in Institute of Languages at Georgetown for a semester. Her “so American” experience morphed into an international life when she found herself residing at the International Student House. “So many nationalities under one roof – it was like the United Nations! We didn’t have problems living together because we had so much in common. We shared everything – we became like one. If we had visited each other in our own countries, we might have noticed differences, but at ISH, we were one.”

“There was no turning back once I entered the international arena,” adds Mrinalini. After her GWU program, she moved on to a job with the Indian Embassy. She spent a total of four years in Washington, DC. Her extended stay was unusual in that most ISH residents returned to their countries upon completing their studies.

Despite being so far from India, Mrinalini (who became known as “Minnie” by Americans) explains, ISH became home because all of the residents were in the same situation – without family. “Together, we no longer felt isolated. ISH was secure and comforting. We became one big family.” She recalled that Mr. and Mrs. Baker, the director and his wife, were ever-caring and always available. The door was open – literally – no one even had to ring the doorbell.

The residents were also united by their financial realities. “We didn’t have much money so all meals were eaten at the House.” Although the choices were not very exciting, “we wouldn’t skip a meal!” When they did venture out, it was to the modest Crystal City Restaurant around the corner. At I. House, as it was known in the 50’s, the Friday night dances were the highlight of the week. “The lights came on for the dance” and altered the ambience of the dark, wooden paneling. “We didn’t know any other night life. The weekly dance event was an integral part of the House activity. We all remember it vividly.”

The House rules remain vivid: curfew, no drinking, no men allowed in the women’s rooms. “We women were empowered and yet respectful of authority. And we never complained.”

Society ladies invited them to their homes. “We were considered exotic birds.” An Admiral and his family invited Mrinalini to Martha’s Vineyard for a vacation, and hosted her and her friends on weekends in their DC home. Other families asked Minnie and I. House residents to housesit when they went on holiday.

Thinking back, Mrinalini has a strong memory of the residents sitting on the iron staircase in the garden when a group photo was taken. “Is it still there?” she asks. She mentally walks through the House and settles in the informal reception area through the front door where everyone hung out. The staff was always there and residents could stop by and ask where anyone was. Like family.

Seventeen years after leaving DC, Mrinalini made her first of a few trips back to the city and visited ISH. It was heartening to return and to be reminded of the wonderful life and people. Mrinalini has kept in touch with many of her fellow alumni. Several of them got together for a reunion in Amsterdam some years ago, and in Paris a year ago when Alice Katcher organized another reunion with Minnie and Johann, another ISH resident, and Aline Sederholm who never lived in I. House but was a frequent visitor. “We met in Alice’s apartment and ate and drank and chatted. We never even left the apartment – we just wanted to make the most of being together again.”

In addition, Mrinalini credits annual holiday letter from Anne Moore (whose now deceased husband Tom was the ISH director during Mrinalini’s time), with keeping her up-to-date with alumni news. Who needs Facebook?

As Mrinalini’s sister, Ila, listens to her emotionally-charged reminiscing, she says: “Listening to my sister brought it back to life for me.”

Ila Jasani became acquainted with the House thanks to her sister, Mrinalini. As an undergraduate at Smith College, Ila visited her sister and hung out with her friends at I. House.

Smith was a very different experience than Georgetown University, where Ila attended graduate school – “. . . all girls, elitish and largely white. Coming to ISH exposed me to other types of people.” Unlike most residents, Ila stayed at the House for two years – the majority stayed only one year.

“In those days, ISH served as a nucleus for foreign students to hang out, a magnet. Being a foreign student was a very special thing then. People welcomed you and noticed you. They could not have been nicer. We were exotic, especially being female from India. The Friday night dances were very popular; students who were not residents but who studied at the surrounding schools also came. ISH was very accessible, a place to drop-in, feel at home, sort of a lonely hearts place. We could invite outsiders for Sunday dinners. People begged to be invited.”

“Coming to the U.S. when a young, dynamic president had just been voted into office in 1961 gave us a sense of hope. Most of us at ISH were studying international relations or political science and we felt that we were part of something big and exciting. In addition to meeting JFK (see attached photo), we also met Supreme Court judges and senior statesmen – it was a special collection of experiences. ISH was the key to opening the door.”

“I had no intention of staying in the U.S. and then, 10 years after returning to India, I met my future husband who was American and assigned to the US Consulate in my home city, Calcutta.”

“The exposure to different cultures at ISH prepared me for the international life I led. I am grateful for that, for making my transition to other countries easier.” (Ila’s husband, David Good, is a retired foreign service officers, and the two spent over 20 years together in the Middle East and India.)

Echoing her sister’s memory, Ila adds, “The residents at ISH became our family because we came to Washington with no community. The other foreign students were our family. In five years in the U.S., I did not call home once – we wrote letters.”

“The society ladies in DC were very involved in wanting to do something for foreign students. Their hospitality was very generous. We got invited to their homes frequently. It gave us a heady feeling to be courted and entertained in elegant Georgetown homes. We also went to Constitution Hall, which was the premier venue in those days, for concerts. When the U.S. President was not attending, we were occasionally invited to sit in the Presidential Box.”

“I remember standing next to Dean Rusk and Van Cliburn at a State Department reception honoring Van Cliburn after he won the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow, the first American to do so.”

The conversation moves from hobnobbing with VIPs to the more mundane daily life at ISH.

“I was the only vegetarian so the meals at ISH were an interesting experience [Ila is Jain.]. I mostly ate boiled potatoes, grilled cheese sandwiches and omelets. Ethnic food and vegetarian food weren’t common then. The kitchen staff was very nice and they went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and cook for me. I remember Mabel and Frank in particular.”

In Ila’s second year at the House, she became president of the events committee. At that time, students organized everything. (She says they weren’t aware of the board members.) In her role, Ila was able to bring an esteemed curator of Asian Art and pianists to ISH. The holidays were a highlight as the House was especially festive at Christmas. “We sang carols in our native language. It helped everyone who was homesick.”

The other ritual was the afternoon tea which was well-attended (graduate classes were at night). Neighbors dropped in and ISH staff and residents actively reached out to the neighborhood.

“It was a very special time in our lives. We are delighted to relive our memories.”

Photo in oval office with JFK:

Front row – left to right: a Laotian student, Anne, an American, President Kennedy, Nabila Dajani from Jordan, Ila Jasani from India, Mahmoud from Egypt, Colette Rosario from France, Juan Molina from Honduras (taught Spanish at the Foreign Service Institute in Rosslyn, VA), David Ransom (now deceased, went on to become US Ambassador to Bahrain)

Back row – right to left: Elizabeth from Liberia (went on to work at the UN), Paul Dempsey from Ireland (later became Irish Ambassador to India), a French Guinean national, and a student from Ethiopia barely visible.