International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) is a place like few others. The House is home to 100 graduate students from 40 countries, learning from each other and sharing their lives. Our resident scholars participate in phenomenal programs at universities around Washington, or engage in professional level internships at exceptional institutions such as the World Bank, the OAS, the United States Congress, their respective embassies, and many, many more. It is here with us at ISH-DC and in Washington that they grow to become our future leaders and learn to work together. It is at International Student House where diplomacy begins.
ISH-DC Board President Cynthia Bunton, Marcelle Leahy, Senator Patrick Leahy, ISH-DC resident scholars Varsha Thebo from Pakistan and Jan Langle from Germany
Senator Susan Collins accepting the 2018 Global Leadership Award from ISH-DC resident scholar Varsha Thebo from Pakistan
On the evening of November 14, Ambassadors from 10 countries, Members of Congress, special guests, and International Student House resident scholars gathered to honor Senator Patrick Leahy and Senator Susan Collins with our 2018 Global Leadership Awards. We were pleased to recognize these senior members of the United States Senate for their distinguished service to our country and work on behalf of international understanding and education.
Following a cocktail reception in the Great Hall and Library of our Tudor-style mansion in the Dupont neighborhood, our guests descended to our Garden where ISH-DC Board President Cynthia Bunton welcomed everyone to the House. Our 2018 Global Leadership Awards Honorary co-Chair Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal also took a moment to thank guests and introduce ISH-DC resident scholar Jan Langle, who spoke about his experience as a law student from Germany and presented Senator Leahy with the Global Leadership Award. Senator Leahy spoke at length about the importance of international understanding and dialogue, and the need for institutions such as International Student House where people from different backgrounds can learn from each other.
ISH-DC resident scholar Varsha Thebo then shared about her experiences from growing up in a rural Pakistani community where education was not available to her, to now being a college graduate and current graduate student. Varsha then presented the Global Leadership Award to Senator Collins by expressing her gratitude that the Senator is a champion for education. As Senator Collins graciously accepted the honor, she addressed not only the importance of education, but specifically educating girls and young women. Didi Cutler, our Awards Dinner co-Chair, closed the evening by thanking guests for their participation and continued support.
Awards Dinner co-Chair Didi Cutler, ISH-DC Board President Cynthia Bunton, Ambassador Geir Haarde of Iceland, Inga Jona Thordardottir
Our many guests who joined us for the Global Leadership Awards had the opportunity to meet our resident scholars and learn that International Student House is a community where we embrace diversity and value the unique contributions of all residents, which we know makes us stronger and will have a lasting impact on future generations. We are grateful to our many friends and sponsors who allow us to continue the mission of ISH-DC, which began over 80 years ago.
Awards Dinner co-Chair Didi Cutler, Senator Ed Markey, Ambassador Emily Haber of Germany
Shaista Mahmood, Ambassador Rafat Mahmood, ISH London CEO Martin Chalker, ISH-DC Board Member Lisa Barry
Once again, we would like to thank our generous sponsors who support our House. The evening was invaluable in strengthening our community to provide a place for young scholars from around the world as they pursue their goals and become engaged global citizens.
Click here to view many more excellent photos from the Awards Dinner.
Eileen Shields-West, Robin West, Senator Susan Collins, Jane Cafritz, Cynthia Bunton, Lisa Barry
Thank you to our Sponsors
Leadership Sponsors
Robert J. Abernethy
Archer Daniels Midland Company
Embassy of the State of Qatar
Benefactors
Lisa Barry and James Gale
Patrons
Eric Melby and Pamela Tripp-Melby
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
Partners
Annette and Elias Aburdene
Blackstone Foundation
James and Janet Blanchard
Calvin and Jane Cafritz
William H. and Jean Crocker
Michael and Elizabeth Galvin
Frank F. Islam and Debbie Driesman
Philip C. Lauinger
Rafat and Shaista Mahmood
Sherry Mueller
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Eileen Shields-West and Robin West
Friends
Larry and Deborah Dunham
Johnson Lambert
Kuwait-America Foundation
Jan Smith
Sodexo
John and Betty Ann Tanner
Thank you for those who attended, and for those who were unable to come, we hope to see you next year.
Jan Smith, Ambassador Sylvie Lucas of Luxembourg, Debbie Driesman