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CIA Director William Burns Headlines 2023 Global Leadership Awards Gala

October 14, 2023 by L. Claire Arnett

International Student House of Washington, DC, a DC-based non-profit organization, hosts successful 2023 Global Leadership Awards Gala at the U.S. Institute of Peace, featuring The Honorable William J. Burns, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency as keynote speaker, including 30+ Ambassadors and 12+ Members of Congress on Diplomatic and Congressional Host Committees, respectively.

*Moderator Barbara Slavin and Director of the CIA, William Burns*

Alumni Raphaël Guévin-Nicoloff, Moderator Barbara Slavin and Director of the CIA, William Burns (left); Ambassador Michele Bond, President of the Board of Directors of the International Studnet House of Washington, DC (right).

On October 11, 2023, the International Student House of Washington, DC (I-House DC) hosted its annual 2023 Global Leadership Awards Gala to celebrate the transformational impact of international exchange at the United States Institute of Peace. The event featured a “fireside chat” with The Honorable William J. Burns, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center and former Member of I-House DC’s Board of Directors.

I-House DC alum Raphaël Guévin-Nicoloff from Canada/Switzerland, who as Resident of the House in 2013 presented then U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns the 2013 Global Leadership Award, returned for a reprise to introduce Director Burns again and share an update on his career since leaving the House. In a fireside chat between CIA Director William Burns and moderator Barbra Slavin, Director Burns covered a range of topics, including the Israel-Hamas war, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and geopolitical challenges and opportunities with China. To conclude the fireside chat, responding to a question about the impact and importance of international exchange from an I-House DC Resident, Director Burns affirmed

One of the smartest investments (the U.S.) government ever makes is in the student exchange programs.
Ambassador William Burns, Director of the CIA

H.E. Masood Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan, and Jan DuPlain (top left); Mrs. Didi Cutler, Mrs. Alexandra de Borchgrave, and Dr. Naila Al-Sowayel (top right); Eric Melby and Pamela Tripp-Melby, The Honorable Said Tayeb Jawad; Mrs. Shamim Jawad; H.R.H. Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the U.S. and The Honorable Walter Cutler (bottom).

The Global Leadership Awards Gala annual event is essential to sustaining the House’s mission – promoting intercultural dialogue, encouraging life-long connections, and fostering global citizenship through an exceptional residential experience. Investments in the House’s mission create a community where residents emerge as active participants in a global dialogue, empowered to stand at the forefront against division, isolation, and polarization.

*2023 Gala Chairs Mrs. Melike Yetken Krilla and Mr. Jeff Krilla (left); Cheri Cater accepting the Global Business Leadership Award on behalf of Boeing (right)*

The Gala was Chaired by Mrs. Melike Yetken Krilla, Head of International Organizations at Google, and Mr. Jeff Krilla, VP of Global Public Policy and Government Affairs at Kosmos Energy. H.E. Jacques Pitteloud, Ambassador of Switzerland and Mrs. Angelique Gakoko Pitteloud served as Honorary Diplomatic Chairs and Mrs. Hassnah Abousabah Hariri as Honorary International Chair.

The evening’s guest list featured a myriad of VIPs and distinguished individuals, including: United States Government Officals (Current and Former): The Honorable William Burns, Director of the Central Intelligence Bureau, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Ms. Katherine Wilkens, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Ms. Tiia Karlen, U.S. Representative Dina Titus (NV-01), U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn (CO-05), The Honorable James Blanchard, Former Governor of Michigan, and Mrs. Janet Blanchard, The Honorable Walter Cutler and Mrs. Isabel “Didi” Cutler, The Honorable James Moran, Former U.S. Representative from Virginia; Ambassadors: Ambassador of Nicaragua, His Excellency Francisco Obadiah Campbell Hooker and Mrs. Miriam Hooker, Ambassador of Bahrain, His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and Mrs. Shaikha Aisha Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Philippines, His Excellency Jose Manuel Romualdez, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Her Royal Highness Ambassador Reema Bandar Al Saud, Ambassador of Ecuador, Her Excellency Ivonne A-Baki, Ambassador of Poland, His Excellency Marek Magierowski and Mrs. Anna Magierowska, Ambassador of Turkey, His Excellency Hasan Murat Mercan and Mrs. İnci Mercan, Ambassador of Pakistan, His Excellency Masood Khan and Mrs. Zohra Khan, Ambassador of Hungary, His Excellency Szabolcs Takács and Mrs. Emese Gaál, Ambassador of Ireland, Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Bangladesh, His Excellency Muhammad Imran, Ambassador of Portugal, His Excellency Francisco Duarte Lopes; Embassy Represenatives: Embassy of Azerbaijan, Mrs. Zumrud İbrahim, Embassy of Indonesia, Mrs. Ayu Menik Henri, Embassy of Estonia, Mrs. Liis Prikk, Embassy of Switzerland, Christoph Sommer, Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Political Affairs, Embassy of France, Deputy Chief of Mission Aurélie Bonal, Embassy of the Philippines and Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Jaime Ramon. T. Ascalon, Jr.; Special Guests: The Honorable Ray Mahmood and Mrs. Shaista Mahmood, Mr. Bahaa Hariri and Mrs. Hassnah Hariri, Mrs. Lynda Webster, Mr. Kevin Chaffee, Mrs. Cheri Carter, Vice President for Global Engagement, The Boeing Compnay, Mrs. Melike Yetken Krilla and Mr. Jeffrey Krilla (Gala Co-Chairs), The Honorable Karan Bhatia, Mrs. Lisa Barry and Mr. James Gale, The Honorable Michele Thoren Bond, Dr. Eric D.K. Melby and Mrs. Pamela Tripp-Melby, Mr. Robin West and Mrs. Eileen Shields-West, Mrs. Barbara Slavin, Ms. Jan DuPlain, Mrs. Alexandra de Borchgrave, Dr. Nayla Al Sowayel, Mr. Frank Islam and Mrs. Debbie Driesman, The Honorable Richard Boucher, Mrs. Lorraine Riffle Caron and Don Carron, Mrs. Anne-Marie Gwynn-Sackson, Mr. Everett Eissenstat and Mrs. Janet Eissenstat.

The program featured the stories of six Residents and an alum, as well as the presentation of the Global Business Leadership Award to The Boeing Company. The award was presented by Resident Henry Lloyd Hughes from the United Kingdom on behalf of the House to Cheri Carter, Vice President for Global Engagement, who remarked,

I have met and worked with a number of nonprofit organizations of every size, every shape, and I have to say that International Student House of Washington DC continues to stand out as a leader.
Cheri Carter, Vice President for Global Engagement for The Boeing Company

The Global Business Leadership Award celebrates individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the global business arena, contributing significantly to international commerce and diplomacy. The award acknowledges The Boeing Company’s remarkable contributions to international business and its enduring commitment to advancing aviation technology while fostering global partnerships. Previous recipients of the Global Business Leadership Award include: Google in 2022, recognized for their transformative impact on the global technology landscape and their commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity worldwide, and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) received this distinguished honor in 2021 for their outstanding commitment to global sustainability and agricultural innovation.

The Gala’s success was possible thanks to the generous support of the event’s sponsors and donors at all levels. The Residents and Board of Directors of the International Student House of Washington, DC, appreciated the continued support and engagement of all sponsors and members of the various committees that made this event possible, including the Host Committee, as well as the Honorary Diplomatic Host Committee and Honorary Congressional Host Committee.

The Honorable Ray Mahmood, Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, H.E. Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland, Katherine Wilkens (I-House DC Board Member), and The Honorable Jim Moran

Drawing the event to a close, Executive Director Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, underscored the critical need for the House’s mission, asserting,

“The work we do at the House is a pivotal investment in the future, ensuring a brighter, more prosperous, and peaceful tomorrow.”
Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, Executive Director of the International Student House of Washington, D.C.

*Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, Executive Director of the International Student House of Washington, DC*

Click here to see more photos of the event, and please follow the House on social media! And follow the links below to read the coverage of the 2023 Global Leadership Awards Gala from Washington Life Magazine, POLITICO Playbook, and Washington Diplomat.

Current Residents of I-House DC: Emilie Aust (Germany) Alexandra Seizani Dimitriadi (United Kingdom), Henry Lyold Hughes (U.K.), Mia Nielsen (Denmark), Polina Iziumova (Russia), Axelle Wauters (Sweden), Pieter Zhao (Netherlands), Arun Dawson (U.K.), Juliana Ganendra (Malaysia), Axel Christion (Sweden).

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Honorary Diplomatic Host Committee

His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates | His Excellency Francisco Obadiah Campbell Hooker, Ambassador of Nicaragua | His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamad Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar | His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashed Abdulla Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain | His Excellency Jose Manuel Romualdez, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines | Her Excellency Dame Karen Pierce, Ambassador of the United Kingdom | His Excellency Santiago Cabanas, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain | Her Royal Highness Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | Her Excellency Bergdís Ellertsdóttir, Ambassador of Iceland | His Excellency Laurent Bili, Ambassador of the Republic of France | His Excellency Lui Tuk Yew, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore | His Excellency Jean-Arthur Régibeau, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium | His Excellency Tomita Koji, Ambassador of Japan | His Excellency Yerzhan Ashikbayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan | Her Excellency Alima Mahama, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana | Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland | His Excellency Georg Sparber, Ambassador of the Principality of Liechtenstein | His Excellency Marek Magierowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland | His Excellency Masood Khan, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan | His Excellency Urban Ahlin, Ambassador of Sweden

Honorary Congressional Host Committee

Representative Gerry Connolly and Mrs. Catherine “Smitty” Smith | Representative Diana DeGette | Representative Debbie Dingell | Representative John Garamendi and Mrs. Patti Garamendi | Representative Ted Lieu and Mrs. Betty Lieu | Senator Edward Markey and Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal | Senator Martin Heinrich and Mrs. Julie Heinrich | Representative Jim Himes and Mrs. Mary Scott Himes | Representative Doug Lamborn and Mrs. Jeanie Lamborn | Representative Scott Peters and Ms. Lynn Gorguze | Representative Jan Schakowsky and Mr. Robert Creamer | Representative Kim Schrier | Representative Dina Titus and Mr. Tom Wright | Senator Roger Wicker and Mrs. Gayle

Host Committee

2023 Tulip-palooza: Bloom into Spring

April 3, 2023 by L. Claire Arnett

International Student House of Washington, DC (I-House DC) celebrated its first-ever Tulip-palooza in the Spring! The event featured over 5,000 tulips courtesy of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. H.E. Andre Haspels, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was so excited about this collaboration that he personally delivered the first batch of flowers to the House himself!

*Current Residents and Board Members of the House pose for a photo with H.E. Andre Haspels, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.*

After emptying more than 60 buckets, Residents, current and former Members of the Board of Directors, and alums trimmed and bundled the flowers in The Garden to prepare them to give away to passers-by and Dupont Circle’s local businesses.

*I-House Resident Ameya Joshi from India, delivering a bouquet to Dolcezza Gelato shop.*

Resident Ameya Joshi, from India, treated the Residents’ favorite Gelato spot, Dolcezza, to a beautiful handmade bouquet. Each boutique contained a small tag giving credit to the florists and wishing everyone a happy Spring! On a beautiful Spring day, Residents spread joy and fostered community thanks to this collaboration with the Dutch Embassy, in partnership with Bloomia.

*I-House DC Residents Kukyoung Heo from South Korea and Hannah Chan from the Phillippines*.

In keeping with the Dutch ideals of sustainability, our friends at Thompson Markward Hall also participated in the festivities and volunteered to assist in preserving all 5,000 tulip bulbs to be planted and used next year. This will hopefully allow the new tradition of Tulip-palooza to continue for years to come!

Click here to see more photos of the event, and please follow us on our social media!

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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.

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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 once again!

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