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.

On Thursday May 14 we welcomed more than 200 guests including foreign Ambassadors, Members of Congress, alumni, and supporters to the House for our Annual Garden Party.  The event celebrated not only our refurbished garden but also the life-long connections our alumni, residents, and friends have created with each other and the House.

Residents had the opportunity to meet and talk about current issues and career paths with Members of Congress – an invaluable experience given that many residents are planning careers in public service.

We were pleased to welcome Ambassadors and embassy staffs to the Garden Party from more than 20 countries.  Embassies learned about the House and how we provide a home away from home for their students.    Many of the diplomats in attendance indicated that they plan to encourage students from their countries to consider living at ISH-DC.  We hope to see even more alumni and guests at next year’s Garden Party.

Congressman Joe Pitts and Mrs. Ginny Pitts with ISH-DC Board Member Larry Dunham and Mrs. Deborah Dunham.