I-World, Spring 2014

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter Spring 2014

IN THIS ISSUE: Resident + IHP Highlights p 1 Alumni Spotlight

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Visits and Reunions

p 13

Who is Doing What?

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Resident Emergency Fund p 17 Giving Back to IHP

p 18

Save the Date

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Resident + IHP Highlights The residential educational experience at International House Philadelphia is a critical component of our work, and is dependent upon the support of our residential services team, and most importantly, our Resident Advisors (RAs).

Message from the editor As Editor-in-Chief, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the first issue of I-World in 2014. Although I am not physically present at IHP anymore, I feel delighted to be part of IHP by contributing to Alumni Relations.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying themselves. As for me, life has been hectic recently as the spring semester at school started a week ago. During the semester, I teach several undergraduate and graduate courses at two different universities, supervise graduate students, carry out administrative tasks at the department, do research and prepare papers for upcoming conferences, visit companies to investigate the progress of their research projects, etc. I try to spend weekends with my family. Sometimes we go for Sunday brunch, do shopping, or see a movie.

Please keep supporting I-World by sending your stories to me at mfakay@cu.edu.tr or to iworld@ihphilly.org It gives us great pleasure to hear from you all.

I would like to thank Sarvelia Peralta-Duran, the Alumni Relations Director at IHP, for her great efforts to keep Alumni Relations alive.

I would also like to thank all the alumni who shared their stories with us. Please keep in touch by contributing to I-World.

Best regards from Turkey,

M. Fatih Akay (IHP ‘01 – ‘05)

Resident Advisors are undergraduate and graduate level students that are hired in the spring and late summer to serve an entire academic year at the House from August until June. As we mentioned in our last I-World, the Resident Advisors receive critical training to understand house policies, learn about resources in our community, and to best advise and support resident-members.

The Resident Activities and Advisory Center (R.A.A.C.) provides resident-members with a central location to seek assistance in order to learn about the city, explore ideas about their studies and career paths, and ask for help with problems they may be experiencing. The Associate Director is housed here and shares space with the Alumni Relations office, which allows for seamless collaboration and transition, as residents move from being resident-members to alumni-members. Resident Advisors also use this office during their duty rotations, so in addition to being present on their floor of residence, they can also be found in the office during scheduled evening hours. RAs are always seen throughout the building, greeting new residents, and identifying areas of concern that can be improved upon.

The R.A.A.C. office provides annual programs which you will see highlighted in this issue of I-World. In October we held our first ever L.G.B.T. Pride Day to support our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender residents and their supportive allies. We want all residents to know that they are safe and welcome at IHP. Our Social Hours and Departing Resident receptions, or ‘coffee hours’ as some alumni might remember them, have continued and this year we have received generous support from Comcast and Instacart (a new grocery delivery service in the city). We welcome support from our community partners, especially those who provide services that might be useful for our residentmembers during their time here.

Residents enjoyed many dinners, such as our annual dinner with IHP’s President and CEO - Tanya Steinberg, as well as our house conversation program, led by RA Niloofar Gholamrezaei. These occasions are special for our residents; among other reasons, they offer residents an opportunity to practice spoken English, which often complements our own language program and the local English Language Programs (ELP) they might attend at

Cover photo: International House residents Trina Ying Gao (China), RA Kalbillah Galmai (USA/Chad/Niger), Yue Catherine Wu (China) at annual IHP holiday party.

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Spring 2014

The Resident Advisor and Activities Center (RAAC) staff in January after a full day of winter training, enjoying one of the many snow storms this season. From left to right: Associate Director of Resident Life - Michael T. Beachem (USA), D House RA Raghavendra “Raghu” Prasad Palle (India), B House RA Kalbillah Galmai (USA/Chad/Niger), H House RA Soniya Anis (USA/Bangladesh), C House RA Niloofar Gholamrezaei (Iran), J House and Apts. RA Lokesh Prabhu (India), A House RA Jiayi “Claire” Zheng (China), F House RA Gabrielle MnKande (USA), E House RA Nicholas DeSimone (USA) and G House RA Fela Murray (USA).

nearby colleges and universities such as Drexel, Temple, and Penn.

Our Diwali: Festival of Lights program featured a wonderful performance by Naatya Seva from the Academy of Indian Classical Dance, and offered residents an opportunity to experience a glimpse into Indian culture. We were excited to learn that the artistic director, Anita Ranjani, performed as a child at IHP many years ago. She was happy to collaborate with us to give this new generation a positive, cultural experience.

In late November, we held our annual Thanksgiving Dinner, a special student led event that allows residents to experience an American holiday at IHP by enjoying a meal with their new friends from around the world. This year was unique in that the Jewish holiday Hanukkah occurred on the same day. As we lit the menorah, some of our Jewish residents shared the meaning of the holiday at this well-attended event.

The term ended with our annual holiday program which always includes the trimming of the IHP Christmas tree. The house was festively decorated for the season by local designer Jeff Brown. Residents enjoyed holiday treats from Chris Dooley Catering and were treated to beautiful holiday music by the lovely voice of Dana Ellis and her musical troupe. RAs secured resident-members to speak about how holidays are celebrated in their countries of origin all over the world. Finally, residentmembers signed a large card that was sent along with candy canes to the Ronald McDonald House, our neighboring nonprofit that houses unwell children and their families.

To complement our R.A.A.C. programs, Resident Advisors also develop programs of their own, an added benefit for our residentmembers. These tend to be more culturally and educationally aligned with the needs and interests of our residential population.

Since our RAs were all new hires this year, it took a bit of time to get things off the ground, but things have been going strong now for months. In October, RAs Gabrielle MnKande and Fela Murray led a very well attended, informative, and interactive program in IHP’s Ibrahim Theater to teach residents about Breast Cancer awareness.

RAs Soniya Anis and Jiayi Zheng led a program in the late Fall to provide residents with study and stress management techniques during final exams. Some resident-members took this time to have papers peer-reviewed before submitting to professors. Even our resident-members have stepped up to lead events for the benefit of their fellow housemates. We are grateful to resident-member Ira Gupta for leading our favorite annual tradition of Black Friday shopping (this year it was Black Thursday with shops opening early) immediately following our Thanksgiving dinner. 48 residents attended this event to get an early start on their holiday shopping needs. RA Lokesh Prabhu took residents on a walking tour of the city to explore holiday traditions in Philadelphia, which included the three annual holiday light shows at the Comcast Center, Macy’s (formerly Wannamaker’s), and Franklin Square Park.

This winter season was rather dramatic with record amounts of snow and icy temperatures. However, throughout this time, the heart of International House Philadelphia remained warm.

Michael T. Beachem, IV – Associate Director Resident Life

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LGBT Pride Day at IHP

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“I think the awareness campaigns and opportunities that IHP gives to the residents to see different cultures and other manners to look at the world are so wonderful! I am a gay man and I have a boyfriend in my home country. I know how difficult is to be faced with prejudices about who I am. When I arrived here, International House was hosting an LGBT Pride Day and I found it to be very helpful. These attitudes give me more confidence and a feeling of safety while I live here. Also, most IHP residents know about my sexual orientation and they respect me and I respect them. I guess when you live in a place where there is respect and you can be who you are, everyone’s life becomes better.

Cleiton Silva Leandro, Brazil

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Residents enjoyed learning more about local LGBTQ resources and eating “equality cake.”

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Spring 2014

Diwali Celebration On November 5th, International House Philadelphia held its annual Diwali Celebration. Guests included residents, staff, alumni, and members of the Philadelphia community. Attendees enjoyed classic Indian dance performances by Naatya Seva, an interactive recital and presentation on Diwali customs according to geographic region, traditional Indian Cuisine, and Henna art.

Diwali, popularly known as the “Festival of Lights”, commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing of the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and bursting firecrackers.

Today, Diwali celebrations involve the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil, as well as cleaning one’s house; both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. Firecrackers are burst in order to drive away evil spirits. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.

Classic Indian Dance performances were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone!

Douglas Hanley (USA), Director of Admissions - Glenn Martin (USA), Robinson Yost (USA), tried their Indian dance moves with the guidance of our professional dancers.

Local family enjoying the celebration.

Group of dancers from Naatya Seva – Academy of Indian Classical Dance with Artistic Director Anita Ranjani.

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Thanksgiving Dinner

Residents socializing and enjoying an early dinner.

Thanksgiving Dinner at International House Philadelphia is an opportunity for residents, alumni, and guests to enjoy a traditional American Thanksgiving Day feast including turkey with stuffing, cranberries, cornbread, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and much more!

However, this year was a particularly special celebration because Thanksgiving also coincided with the first day of the Jewish Holiday of Hanukkah. Because of the way the lunisolar Hebrew calendar and the Gregorian calendar are arranged, this is a rare occurrence.

“Thanksgiving Day fell during Hanukkah at least twice between 1863 (when Thanksgiving was proclaimed a U.S. federal holiday

by President Abraham Lincoln) and 2013: in 1888 Thanksgiving was the first day of Hanukkah, and in 1899 it was the fourth day.” (source Wikipedia) In order to celebrate the occasion, residents did short presentations on both the history of the Thanksgiving celebration and the meaning of Hanukkah.

From left to right, residents from Brazil: Michele Duarte Tonet, Unidentified, Marcelo Sousa de Miranda, Daniel Do Nascimento, Fabio Donizete Souza, Cleiton Silva Leandro, Pamela Spamer Moulina Rocha.

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Spring 2014

Residents from an Angolan visiting group, from left to right: Luisa Gomes, Esmeralda Wanfuana, Perivaldo Fernandes, Deodete Mande, Associate Director of Resident Life - Michael T. Beachem (USA), Simao Yala, Pedro Garcia, Aristides Costa, Adir Goncalves, Vladimir Buta, Eucenio Gaspar.

IHP Art Auction

On Thursday, November 14, International House held a benefit auction of The Work of Anne Boysen: Art of Exuberance, featuring guest auctioneers Kim Balaschak & Helga Levin.

Selected works by Anne Boysen.

The live auction was preceded by online bidding and proceeds benefited International House. The auction was a success and some works were purchased specifically to decorate areas of IHP like house lounges and various public spaces for our residents and visitors to enjoy Anne E. Lisette Boysen (1939 – 2011) was a renowned Philadelphia artist. Ms. Boysen once said, “The ultimate beauty in life is nature,” and her art reflected that philosophy. Her creations are reminiscent of Arthur B. Carles and were inspired by Monet. Boysen’s works are held in many prominent private and corporate collections throughout the world. The paintings reflect Ms. Boysen’s energetic, vivacious personality, and her love of nature and music. The subject matter ranges from her earlier tranquil landscapes to her later floral abstractions.

Community and IHP members participating in the art auction.

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IHP Holiday Party Over 100 residents, alumni, staff, and guests from the Philadelphia community came together on December 13th to share different holiday traditions from around the world. We enjoyed the lighting of the holiday tree, seasonal drinks and treats, and festive music together.

Residents also signed a holiday card for the families staying at the neighboring Ronald McDonald House. The card was delivered by Resident Advisor Gabrielle Mnkande together with a small donation of candy for the families.

Alumni Jan Colijn (IHP ‘71 -’75) and Chuck Gupta (IHP ‘56), members of IHP’s Alumni Council, enjoyed the holiday celebrations with residents and other guests.

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Spring 2014

Resident Toshiki Fujiwara from Japan helped trim the holiday tree.

“Here I have attached a photo of our House Manager, Patty Vesper, holding the donated card...Thanks so much for the festive donation!” - Jennifer Shipman, Director of Marketing & Communications, Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.

RA Gabrielle MnKande (USA) leading the program.

From left to right: D House RA Raghavendra “Raghu” Prasad Palle (India), C House RA Niloofar Gholamrezaei (Iran), B House RA Khabillah Galmai, RA (USA/Chad/ Niger), Associate Director of Resident Life - Michael T. Beachem (USA), E House RA Nicholas DeSimone (USA), F House RA Gabrielle MnKande (USA), A House RA Jiayi “Claire” Zheng (China).

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UniversIty of Pennsylvania Intercultural Leadership Program and IHP Collaboration

From left to right (back row): Gabrielle MnKande (current RA, USA), H. Lee, Alumni Relations Director - Sarvelia Peralta-Duran (IHP ‘98-’02, Mexico), Majed Alluqmani, Khalid Alhumaidan, Associate Director of Resident Life - Michael T. Beachem, Claudio Pacchierotti (Italy), Ryutaro Tsuji (Japan), Adriana Mutu (Romania), Wenyi Cai (Penn ILP), unidentified resident, Chuck Lazarus (Penn ILP), Soheil Fakhrieh Kashan (Iran), Jose Neto Cnadido Torres (Brazil), Alhaji Saccoh (Penn ILP Leader), Robinson Yost (Penn ILP), Chunzi Song (Penn ILP), Nivedita Velagaleti (Penn ILP), Kalbillah Galmai (current RA, USA/Chad/Niger), Nicolas Maya (Colombia), Ahmed Hakami (Saudi Arabia)

This year marked the first collaboration between Penn’s Intercultural Leadership Program (ILP) and International House Philadelphia. ILP is in its 8th year, and this is the first time their Intercultural Retreat Weekend was held at IHP. The event brought over 40 international and domestic students and staff to the building for leadership and intercultural communication training. Smaller cohorts were also formed to collaborate with partner offices. On January 29th, an intercultural event was held by Resident Advisor Kalbillah Galmai for our Residents in conjunction with the program, titled “Food, Fun, and Friends: Celebrating Diversity.” At the event, residents got to know each other better and shared what aspects of their respective cultures they like and find challenging. It was a stimulating event for everyone who attended, and residents expressed hope that this partnership would continue to be developed over the next year.

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Spring 2014

Alumni SPOTLIGHT Satomi D’Agostino and Desiree Johnson 1985 to 2013

Desiree: (Un)Fortunately there was no on-campus housing available when we arrived and the staff at Drexel suggested IHP. We walked the short distance from the campus to IHP, checked out the rooms and facility offerings, and started moving me in over the next couple of days.

How did you become friends with each other?

Satomi: I didn’t know Desiree had been living at the House since 1985. I was already living on H floor when she moved in. It was common then to be switched around when you renewed the contract, which I hated.

Desiree was, and is, a very generous person. I remember I was a bit scared of her at first but, as soon as we started talking, I found her soft, sweet, and tender side. I had never heard of the Bahamas and she went back to her room to show me a map and the flag of her beloved islands. We used to joke and make fun of ourselves, singing, “Yellow and Gentle Brown, living in perfect harmony, side by side at I-House, H floor, Oh Lord, Why don’t we…,” to the tune of Paul Macartney’s famous song with Michael Jackson, “Ebony and Ivory”.

1985 What brought you to Philadelphia in the first place?

Satomi: I was 13 years old when I saw the movie Rocky for the first time. I loved the movie so much that I set my mind to visit Philadelphia and see the city from the top of the museum steps someday (as is so typical amongst Rocky fans!) I was only a kid, but I was already forming my set of beliefs. Once something gets deep inside me I pursue my instinct. I had no other cities in mind but Philly. I took ELP at PENN from 1986-1987 for a year and a half.

Desiree: I was nearing graduation from The College of The Bahamas with an Associate’s Degree and wanted to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree which was not offered at the College. I was accepted at three U.S. universities, so my Dad planned a trip for us to visit each before we made a final decision on which I would attend. We flew to Detroit to check out the first university, and then on to Philadelphia. After seeing the Drexel University campus and a bit of the city, I had made up my mind. Daddy and I agreed to skip the trip to Atlanta and return home. A few months later, I arrived in Philly with my parents to get settled and start university.

How did you decide to live at IHP? Satomi: I first signed up for Grad Tower. I spent a month and couldn’t stand the loneliness I felt any longer. There was no program to support foreign students, or none that I knew of, anyway. Then one day I overheard several Japanese students talking about IHP and how glad they were to be living there. I had to break my annual contract with Grad Tower, but a week later I was luckily accommodated at IHP.

Desiree: We were suite mates during my second year and if I remember correctly I was in room H37 and she in H39. I believe Satomi and I became friends because of proximity and divine providence. She and I couldn’t have been more different, but somehow we managed to form a bond that has stood the test of over 25 years.

What are some of your fondest memories of International House?

Satomi: Friday Coffee Hours. Anthony, my husband, whom I also met at IHP, was one of the RAs and in charge of organizing, setting up, and mingling with people. I was helping him and enjoyed being a part of it. Before I met Anthony I was too shy to join the Coffee Hours. I didn’t know anyone and couldn’t speak English well at all. I guess I was humiliated and spent every Friday sitting and sipping coffee without any company - I just sat there with no success in making friends. Needless to say, I ended up making all my friends who I am still in touch with now from those precious Friday Coffee Hours.

Desiree: Coffee Hour Fridays were one of my favorite times at IHP because they provided an opportunity to meet and mingle with our suite mates and other people in the building. I remember, too, one of the IHP dances where I was ‘wilding out’ on the dance floor to Billy Ocean’s song Caribbean Queen because, of course, I considered myself the eponymous royal. Then, there was the time we had a Halloween party where I came as a mummy wrapped from head to toe in toilet paper (Satomi has a photo to prove it.) Good times…and what can I say…I was only 19 years old!

What did you learn at International House that has remained with you after the years?

Satomi: What you see and hear from other sources, such as newspapers, TV, or stereotypical images of countries is not true at all. I am so honored I made several friends especially from Middle Eastern countries. I felt as if I was living in the United Nations on a smaller scale. I have learned that people have so many differences 10

according to their cultures, customs, and beliefs. I learned that as long as I respect their values in life, they will respect mine as well. I believe the world would be a much more loving place to live if all of us could experience the time I had at a place like IHP. Desiree: Looking back I have come to think of IHP as a reflection of The Beloved Community of which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke; a fellowship of global citizens living and working and loving together toward a shared vision of reconciliation through the advancement of social change and the resolution of socio-economic and political disputes in a nonviolent way. I learned that the spirit of beloved community filled the walls and halls of IHP and the hearts of those of us who lived and continue to live there, and I’d like to believe that we all take that spirit back out into the world with us when we leave that sacred space.

How did you keep up your friendship after you left?

Satomi: I kept sending Christmas cards over the years without any replies, but I was fine with that as long as she was OK. That was my main concern to know she was doing OK. Since my husband knew Desiree pretty well, we shared memories of her occasionally.

When an earthquake hit Japan, Desiree reached out to us to make sure we were OK. I was overwhelmed, overjoyed, but I failed to get back in touch this time. Our precious baby boy was born with Downs Syndrome two years earlier. With his series of medical concerns my only focus at the time was to keep him healthy and alive. Timing is everything in life I think. This reunion happened at just the right moment for both of our lives.

Desiree: I’m afraid I wasn’t so good with keeping up with Satomi, or any of my other IHP friends, after I left. Over the years and decades I would periodically get cards, letters, or emails from her and on the odd occasion I would send off a reply. I’m just not good with that sort of thing, or at least I wasn’t, but my lack of responsiveness didn’t deter her - she’s one persistent Little Peanut!

Anyway, in the early summer of 2013, I reactivated my Facebook account which had been deactivated for about five years and Satomi reached out to me almost immediately. We have been in regular contact ever since.

Tell us a little about how you decided to run the Philly marathon together...

Satomi: We didn’t plan it. I had already signed up in March. I finally found Desiree through Facebook in May I believe. I asked her immediately if she wished to meet me in Philly. She was hesitant at first, but I knew I could convince her somehow. I just had to sing one of her favorite songs, “She’s got the ticket” by Tracy Chapman.

I wrote her, “I’ve got the ticket, I think I’m gonna use it, I think I’m going to see Desiree.” Then a couple of days later she got her ticket! It was so cute (and thoughtful) of her. She didn’t want to run when I asked her. I thought that it would be the most perfect way to mark our reunion, to run together. I sent her a YouTube video clip of the Philly marathon from 2012. We ran side by side and even got to high five the Mayor. I completed my first full marathon ever

2013 in less time than I thought I would, and Desiree was there waiting for me. It was quite an experience!

Desiree: Well, I hadn’t planned to run at all! When we reconnected Satomi had already made plans to run the full marathon in Philly in November and on a whim she asked me if I would perhaps meet up with her there for a reunion. I considered it and made the arrangements soon after. I am also a runner and Satomi and I would often find ourselves running at the same time only on opposite sides of the world: me in the early mornings and she in the early evenings.

It was fascinating, especially when we would both be looking up at the same moon during our runs. Anyway, one day she asked me if I wouldn’t consider running the half marathon but, although I had already done a couple of half marathons in The Bahamas, I didn’t think I would be able to manage in the colder Philly weather.

Weeks went by and I eventually decided to give it a go and signed up. I figured if it was too cold for me to run on the morning of the marathon then I would just walk it. As it turns out, I ended up running it after all! I finished 15 minutes longer than my previous best time but that’s because I wasn’t concerned about the time, I just wanted to drink in all the excitement of running through the streets of Philadelphia and the Drexel campus. What a beautiful experience and one made even more beautiful because I was able to share it with Satomi and with Ludo who treated me to brunch and beer while we waited for Satomi to complete the full marathon. Priceless!

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Spring 2014

Satomi took some time to revisit Abners, the local cheestake joint she and her friends frequented as students.

Satomi and Desiree at Philly Marathon. From left to right: Chris Jowise, Satomi D’Agostino (IHP ‘86-’91), Desiree Johnson (IHP ‘85-’87), Satsuki Jowise, and Ludo Scheffer (IHP ‘88-’94)

How was it to reconnect with each other after so many years at the reunion in International House?

Satomi: It was exactly like I had dreamt. Desiree and I immediately went back to where we left each other, like twenty-something-year-old kids again, very jolly and silly. IHP has improved over the years. As we reminisced and strolled around the House, we even had the chance to share our story with a current resident.

Desiree: It was a blessing; one that I won’t soon forget and for which I will be forever grateful.

What was the most exciting/surprising from your encounter with each other and your friends?

Satomi: As you get older you lose the kid inside of you. I was being a mom for so long and lost touch with the little sunny side of me. This encounter with my suite mates gave me such an emotional impact. I was once a kid with so much ambition and knew how to laugh and be silly and do stupid stuff. Now we are all in our late 40’s and early 50’s but we all looked just the same and even better I thought. We all transformed from insecure little girls, to confident and wise big girls.

and promise to be reconnected in the future. You should not let that opportunity slip away. It is too precious to just remember as a good time together. As the world gets smaller and smaller, it is more than just a dream to meet and share your life once again even if it might take a good 20 - 30 years like Desiree and I did.

Desiree: Life is too short and friendships are too valuable to let them slip away. Cherish them always no matter the time apart, no matter the distance that separates. Do your best to remain in contact with your close friends after you leave IHP because you may not get a second chance to reconnect like Satomi and I were fortunate to have done.

Anything else you would like alumni and friends of International House to know?

Satomi: I have two souls I was blessed to encounter while I was living at I House. Anthony D’Agostino and Desiree Johnson. Anthony is my soulmate and husband from the United States. Desiree is my soul sister who lives on the other side of the globe. I now realize that I have achieved living my life over three continents (if I count The Bahamas as a tiny continent!) I connect regularly with Desiree and Anthony’s family in York, PA. I would also like to share my appreciation to Ludo Scheffer for all his effort to help me to make this happen. Without his support, I couldn’t have done this. Our friendship has also become closer through this reunion experience.

Desiree: Seeing our former suite mates Jeanne and Masako was super exciting. Also, meeting up at Abner’s the next day with Jeanne, her husband Bruce, and their sons Sean, Alec, and Rhys, and Leslie and Andrea, a couple of other IHP alumni, was very exciting. What was most surprising is that we all looked the same as we did 25 years ago except, thankfully, without the ‘80s hairdos and fashion styles! Who says you can’t age gracefully?

What advice would you give to current residents forming friendships at International House now?

Satomi: I was 20 when I entered IHP’s doors not knowing anybody. My suite mates adopted me as a helpless little sister from a far eastern island, Japan. How could I not get back to them and thank them for all the things they have given me. Needless to say, you’ll exchange contact information 12

ALUMNI VISITS AND REUNIONS

Alumni from the ‘80s Reunion This was a small reunion organized for Satomi D’Agostino, née Kemizu, who lived at IHP in 1985. She met her husband Anthony D’Agostino (IHP ‘85-’90) at International House Philadelphia and moved with him back to Japan. She had not been back in Philly for 15 years, and had not seen many of her suite-mates and friends in about 25 years. Recently, we got back in touch with Satomi because she has assiduously sent Christmas cards over the years to IHP. Through the connection, the idea grew for Satomi to travel to Philadelphia to reunite with her friends and also run the Philly Marathon! The reunion on Friday, November 15th was great fun and alumni continued the celebrations throughout the weekend. Also in attendance were Desiree Johnson from the Bahamas (IHP ‘85’87), Jeanne Rossomme from the US (IHP ‘86-’87), Ludo Scheffer from The Netherlands (IHP ‘88-’94), Masako Hamada from Japan (IHP ‘85-’89), Chris and Satsuki Jowise, Veronica Ang (IHP ‘80-’87), Dr. Rebecca Trejo (IHP ‘00-’05), Sarto Schickel (IHP ‘81-’85), Carole Parker (former IHP staff), IHP President and CEO - Tanya Steinberg, Director of Admissions - Glenn Martin, Associate Director of Resident Life - Michael T. Beachem and Alumni Relations Director - Sarvelia Peralta-Duran (IHP ‘98-’02).

Mr. John William Paez (IHP ‘70s) from Venezuela visited International House in the summer to see his daughter (also a resident) and reminisce about his time at International House.

Yulia Guzairova (left) (IHP ‘08-’09) Lilia Guzairova (right) (IHP ‘08-’09) This holiday season our IHP President and CEO- Tanya Steinberg met up with our alumni Yulia Guzairova and Lilia Guzairova. She had a wonderful time catching up with them!

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Spring 2014

Mr. Howard Cort (IHP ‘60s) Alumni Relations Director - Sarvelia and IHP President and CEO - Tanya met with Mr. Howard Cort during his visit to Philadelphia to attend a birthday celebration honoring Gloria Steinem and Rabbi Arthur Waskow. He lived at IHP for about a month in 1961, where he met an Iraqi/Israeli man who then became his roommate in Rittenhouse Square and life-long friend. This friendship inspired Mr. Cort to do research on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and to recently start a research clearinghouse called Political Approaches to CoExistence, or PACO. ‘Paco’ means ‘peace’ in Esperanto. Through this clearing house he hopes to gather as many scholarly articles as possible that have been published about potential solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mr. Cort stayed with us during his visit to Philadelphia on the recommendation of a Moroccan friend whom he also met at IHP in the ‘60s. He currently resides in Chicago.

Christmas at Sarvelia’s Home Over the Christmas holiday, Alumni Relations Director - Sarvelia hosted her close IHP alumni friends for a special gathering to meet her dad (who traveled to Philadelphia from Mexico for the first time ever.)

From left to right: Sarvelia’s dad and step-mom (Armando and Coquis), Emma, Cigdem OgutverenKnebel (IHP ‘01-’03, Turkey ), Richard Knebel (IHP ‘01-’03, Norway) Mary Rose Correa (holding Briana), Sarvelia (IHP ‘98-’02, Mexico), Sofia, Kevin, Ryan Kuck (holding Oliver), Suzanna Urminska (holding Julian), Erik Nordgren (IHP ‘99-’02, USA) and Eduardo.

Professor Takayuki Miura (IHP ’81-’82) & his wife visited from Japan in early January and said: “It was a really wonderful time to visit International House Philadelphia after a long lapse of thirty years. Thanks to you, my wife Mariko and I enjoyed very much seeing inside IHP.”

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Alumni News Who is Doing What?

Ufuoma Abiola (IHP ‘12-’13, USA/Nigeria) with Professor Marybeth Gasman, Ph.D of Penn GSE.

Our former Resident Advisor and Alumna Ufuoma Abiola (IHP ‘12-’13) continues to do great work. She was featured in Penn announcements in January for being part of the opening of the Graduate School of Education’s new Center for Minority-Serving Institutions. She had worked on this project while she was living at International House and we are proud to see it realized.

Samir Yassin (IHP ‘97-’03 ) We would like to heartily to congratulate our alumnus Samir Yassin on his engagement to Rawia Mohammed on December 15, 2013. Best wishes from International House for a long and prosperous life together!

Manoj Chhaya (IHP ’11-’12, India) sent us the following update:

Manoj Chhaya, an IHP resident (IHP ‘11-’12) during his Fulbright grant as a TA in the Department of South Asian Studies, UPenn, returned to his hometown of Anjar (India) in June 2012. He resumed his job as lecturer in English at Tolani FG Polytechnic - the institute which he was affiliated with before receiving the Fulbright grant. He is currently working as Assistant Professor of English at R.R. Lalan College of Arts and Science, Bhuj (Gujarat, India).

He was the highest merit holder while being selected for this position in December 2012. He also served as a proposal reviewer for the TESOL International Convention of 2014. Having been married to Grishma Vasavada since 2009, he was blessed with a son named Darsh in November 2013. His stay at IHP is one of the most memorable of his life experiences and he looks forward to an opportunity to visit IHP again. Manoj finds it rewarding to be in touch with his fellow alumni.

Marieke Van Wijk (IHP ‘98-’99, The Netherlands)

sent us this short note and some memorable photos from when she lived here!

I was at IHP in 1998-1999 for a research project in the lab of the hospital of UPenn. One of the B-suite girls! Now I am a mother of three, and a plastic surgeon in Zwolle, the Netherlands.

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Spring 2014

The Wedding of Dr. Namrata Poddar (IHP ’02-’06) Submitted by Mr. Chuck Gupta (IHP ’56)

Mr. Chuck Gupta (IHP ’56) and his wife Margot (pictured top row, second and third from right) visited Mumbai to celebrate the wedding of his grand-niece, Dr. Namrata Poddar (IHP ’02-’06) and her husband, Dr. Amit Bhakta (both pictured center).

Mr. Chuck Gupta (IHP ’56) has been active with International House Philadelphia since he was a graduate student at Temple University in the 1950s. A former organic research chemist and later an entrepreneur, he worked across the Caribbean and Hawaiian islands in the import and export of textiles. Now retired, Chuck continues his travels across the world and is actively involved in the charitable organization ‘The Gupta Foundation,’ dedicated to uplifting underprivileged children through education, and is also engaged in fundraising efforts for International House and other cultural/educational organizations in the Delaware Valley region.

Dr. Namrata Poddar (IHP ’02-’06) currently lives in Huntington Beach, CA. She completed her Ph.D. in French Literature at the University of Pennsylvania in 2010, after which she served as Faculty at the UCLA Mellon Postdoctoral Program in the Humanities called ‘Cultures in Transnational Perspective.’ As a literary critic, she has published in English and French for academic journals across the world and is now working on her own creative writing. Her short story ‘Anchor’ is scheduled to be published soon in the bilingual (French-English) literary magazine ‘La revue de l’atelier d’ecriture’ of Mauritius, a creative home to many writers of the Indian Diaspora.

Dr. Namrata Poddar and Dr. Amit Bhakta celebrating with guests.

ROCKING THE IHP GEAR We want to see you anywhere and everywhere wearing something that says IHP! Whether it’s a t-shirt, a backpack, or a hat, have someone take your photo or take a selfie, and then either e-mail it to Sarvelia@ihphilly.org or post it for all your fellow alumni to see on the official IHP Alumni Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/groups/238055046230802/ The most creative photo that best illustrates the IHP spirit will win a selection of our newest IHP merchandise!

WE HAVE EXTENDED OUR DEADLINE to May 2014!

Get out there and Rock the IHP Gear!

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RESIDENT EMERGENCY FUND You made our fundraising effort a big success!

We are excited to report that with your help we were able to raise $5,400 by the deadline of December 31st to receive the matching funds generously offered by alumnus Chuck Gupta (IHP ‘56). This brought our total funds raised to $10,400!

This campaign was a great success not only because you helped us reach our goal, but also because it saw unprecedented involvement from all our constituencies: alumni, staff, residents, Trustees, friends and corporations.

In all, we had over 41 people contribute to this great effort.

We look forward to celebrating this accomplishment and launching the Resident Emergency Fund very soon.

Entirely dependent on donations, the International House Philadelphia Resident Emergency Fund will provide limited emergency financial assistance on a case-by-case basis to a small number of IHP residents who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses due to an emergency situation such as an accident, illness, or death of a family member, among others.

Even though the first fundraising campaign has been a success, we will continue to need to replenish the fund, so please consider continuing to support our residents by donating online or writing a check to International House Philadelphia. Please make sure to note that your donation is intended for the “Resident Emergency Fund”.

For more information about making a financial contribution contact: Jessamyn Falcone at 215.387.5142, or e-mail jessamynf@ihphilly.org Please send checks to: International House Philadelphia Attn: Development 3701 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Spring 2014

GOAL!

Alumni Giving Back Alumni contributions to IHP ensure the development of programs that enhance resident life and intercultural communication. Alumni involvement is crucial to the health, growth, and success of our organization. Alumni can contribute in many different ways, either by volunteering to run programs for residents and other alumni, by donating goods and services, or by making much-needed financial contributions.

How Will You Give Back?

Donate to the Arts + Humanities Fund, Residential Life Fund, or to the Areas of Greatest Need.

For more information about making a financial contribution or naming opportunies, contact: Jessamyn Falcone at 215.387.5142, or email jessamynf@ihphilly.org.

Become an IHP Ambassador!

We need your help letting other people know about IHP and the amazing community it helps develop. Also, we like helping our alumni get together with each other even after they have left the building, so you can assist us in bringing people together for gatherings in your region of the world.

Become an ALUMNI MEMBER!

Contact Sarvelia Peralta-Duran at 215.895.6598, or email Sarvelia@ihphilly.org.

Save the Date Wednesday, April 16, 6-8 pm – Gala Art Exhibit Opening Friday, April 18, 6 pm – Farewell Party/Awards Reception Wednesday, April 23, 6 pm - RAAC Art Exhibit Opening - Featuring work by current residents and alumni Friday, April 25, 6 pm – Social Hour / Departing Residents Reception Friday, May 9, 6 pm – Social Hour / Departing Residents Reception Saturday, May 17, 6 pm – Annual Global Gala – Colors of Brazil - Alumni Tickets still available!

Saturday, June 14, 2 pm – Brazilian Themed Alumni Reunion! [please note the date change]

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3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

International House Philadelphia is a multicultural residential center, a source of distinctive programming, and the embodiment of an ideal.

It has a critical three-fold mission: to maintain a diverse and welcoming community for scholars from around the world, while introducing them to the American experience; to broaden the horizons of its residents and the Greater Philadelphia community through high quality international arts and humanities programs; and to encourage understanding, respect, and cooperation among the people of all nations.

www.iHousephilly.org Find us on: International House Philadelphia – 3701 Chestnut Street – 215.387.5125 – www.ihousephilly.org