I-World, Fall 2013

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter Fall 2013

IN THIS ISSUE: Resident + IHP Highlights p2 IHP Welcome Week

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Alumni Spotlight

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Who is Doing What?

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Giving Back to IHP

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Save the Date

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Message from the editor Welcome to the latest issue of iWorld. I hope everyone is doing well.

I would like to share with you something that means a lot to me. As you may know, I have been working as an Assistant Professor in the Computer Engineering Department of Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey since 2007. I have recently passed the examinations required for promotion, and have been awarded the title Associate Professor. As people from academia may know, this is a big milestone in an academician’s life. If everything goes well, I will receive the title of Full Professor five years from now.

On another personal note, three of my graduate students and I will attend the “First International Symposium on Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Applications” that will be held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus from November 6-8, 2013. We will present our research on the application of machine learning techniques for predicting maximal oxygen uptake.

Please keep supporting iWorld by sending your stories to me at mfakay@cu.edu.tr. It gives us great pleasure to hear from everyone.

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 have shared their stories. Please keep in touch by continuing to contribute to iWorld.

Best regards from Turkey,

M. Fatih Akay (2001 – 2005)

Cover photo: International House student leaders enjoying the Welcome Week closing dinner.Top L to R: Gabrielle Mnkande (USA), Soniya Anis (USA/ Bangladesh), Raghavendra “Raghu” Prasad Palle (India) Bottom L to R: Mohammed Alnemari (Saudi Arabia), Niloofar Gholamrezaei (Iran), Khabillah Galmai (USA/Chad/Nijer), Alumni Relations Director Sarvelia Peralta-Duran’s daughter Sofia Nordgren (USA), Fela Murray (USA) Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Fall 2013

Resident + IHP Highlights Resident Advisors (aka R.A.’s) are an integral part of the house. They provide comfort and direction to new residents as they become accustomed to their new surroundings in Philadelphia, and introduce various leadership opportunities.

This past summer the Resident Advisory and Activities Center (RAAC) concluded its hiring process, which included an indepth interview and group process evening. Candidates took place in simulated activities to gauge their skills in working with others. Over forty candidates applied which was the largest pool in quite some time. After our selection was narrowed to nine final hires, we invited them to a week-long extensive training process. Our theme this year was I AM IHP: I have Potential, People Skills, Personality.

Training consisted of an introduction to the house, with many full-time staff participating in the leading of training sessions.

Resident Advisors attended a full- day training with the American Red Cross in CPR and basic First Aid safety. The RAs were pleased with the humor the instructor shared during the session, and for many this was their first time learning these skills, particularly CPR. The RAs attended a screening of the movie The Butler and later engaged in a discussion about racial equality in America during dinner at The Greek Lady restaurant.

L to R: C House RA Niloofar Gholamrezaei (Iran), G House RA Fela Murray (USA), F House RA Gabrielle Mnkande (USA), H House RA Soniya Anis (USA/Bangladesh), B House RA Kalbillah Galmai (USA/ Chad/Niger), E House RA Nicholas DeSimone (USA), A House RA Jiayi “Claire” Zheng (China), Associate Director Resident Life Michael T. Beachem (USA), Director of Admissions Glenn D. Martin (USA), D House RA Raghavendra “Raghu” Prasad Palle (India).

Missing: J House RA and Apts. Lokesh Prabhu (India)

Resident Advisors learned about our mission, our place as a non-profit in Philadelphia, and the impact International House has had around the world. They also attended a special evening at The National Museum of Jewish American History, visited the President’s House (the original White House), and saw the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, with the purpose of allowing them to learn how they can introduce residents to sites outside of University City.

The week concluded with our traditional retreat, held this year at the Gretna Glenn Retreat Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Resident Advisors took part in leadership team development activities, learned about our diverse residential population

by Director Glenn Martin, roasted s’mores over a camp-fire, and spent an evening cooking a dinner for the group, sharing ethnic and favorite meals from home.

Bottom L to R: A House RA Jiayi “Claire” Zheng (China), Associate Director Resident Life Michael T. Beachem (USA)

We are very pleased by the dedication and passion the new Resident Advisors bring to our program and look forward to sharing with you in upcoming newsletters the programs and experiences they are bound to have with our residents.

Top L to R: F House RA Gabrielle Mnkande (USA), H House RA Soniya Anis (USA/Bangladesh), B House RA Kalbillah Galmai (USA/ Chad/Niger), C House RA Niloofar Gholamrezaei (Iran), E House RA Nicholas DeSimone (USA), G House RA Fela Murray (USA), D House RA Raghavendra “Raghu” Prasad Palle (India)

Michael T. Beachem, IV – Associate Director Resident Life

Missing: J House RA and Apts. Lokesh Prabhu (India), Director of Admissions Glenn D. Martin (USA) 2

EID Celebration On Thursday, August 8th we held our first annual celebration of the Feast of Eid. Eid al-Fitr (Arabic: ‫ )رطفلا ديع‬also called Feast of Breaking the Fast, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). The religious Eid is a single day and Muslims are not permitted to fast on that day. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the month of Ramadan. The day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal. This is a day when Muslims around the world demonstrate a common goal of unity. The date for the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on the observation of the new moon by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality. However, in most countries, it is generally celebrated on the same day as Saudi Arabia.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Current resident Nour Halabi from Syria presents information about the meaning of the Ramadan fast and the Eid celebration to IHP residents

Residents enjoying a Middle Eastern feast to celebrate Eid

Some of our Saudi Arabian residents dressed in their national attire for the special occasion

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Fall 2013

August BBQ

Beautiful weather made for enjoyable conversation in our welcoming courtyard

Resident Advisor Nicholas DeSimone entertains the group

Our staff Alex Rivkin, Edwin Garcia and Glenn Martin, tending to BBQ duties

Residents having a good time enjoying typical BBQ food

In addition to the Eid celebration and BBQs residents enjoyed making new friends outside on the patio during the summer months.

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IHP WELCOME WEEK Every start of the academic year, we are excited to hold a week-long series of events to welcome new and returning residents to IHP. This year’s events included a Welcome Week breakfast where students could grab a bite to eat on their way to and from classes; a town hall meeting which included a presentation by John D. Balian, M.D. (author and Chief Medical Officer at Johnson & Johnson) and a competition for the loudest house cheer. Finally, we held a Brazilian themed dinner and our first-ever candle lighting ceremony during which residents read the IHP pledge in more than 20 languages.

Town hall meeting

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Fall 2013

The loudest house cheer came from C House, led by RA Nicholas DeSimone! In 2nd place was F House, led by RA Gabrielle Mnkande, and in 3rd place was H House, led by RA Soniya Anis.

IHP residents had an opportunity to chat with presenter John D. Balian, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Johnson & Johnson and Tanya Steinberg, IHP’s President & CEO.

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Candle Lighting Ceremony

International House Pledge As light begets light, so love, friendship, and goodwill are passed from one to another. We who have come from many nations to live in one fellowship at International House, promise one another to pass the light wherever we go.

The pledge was read in over 20 languages, starting alphabetically with Arabic read by residents: Nour Halabi from Syria and Mohammed Alnemari from Saudi Arabia

We were glad to welcome IHP alumni to our Welcome Week celebrations. It is always nice to connect different IHP generations to each other.

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Fall 2013

Left: Alumni Sarto Schickel (IHP ‘81-‘85) during the candle lighting ceremony.

Sarto expressed that he was very moved by the ceremony and that he wished something similar had been done during his stay at IHP in the early Eighties.

Bottom: From left to right, Tanya Steinberg, IHP’s President & CEO, Chuck (IHP ‘56) and Margot Gupta, and Kamran M. Anis (IHP ‘03-‘07)

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Welcome Week Closing Dinner/Party

Over 100 IHP residents enjoyed Brazilian-themed food and decorations during the Welcome Week party.

There was also plenty of dancing and our Brazilian group made sure to show their Brazilian pride!

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Fall 2013

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International fright night halloween party Over 150 residents enjoyed the annual tradition of celebrating an American Halloween. Residents enjoyed dancing into the night, food, candy, and the culminating traditional line up for best costume of the night.

Photos by Yasser Alhejji, current IHP Resident Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Fall 2013

Whats new at IHP Best of philly 2013 Have you heard!? Philadelphia Magazine awarded us with a'Best of Philly' award this year for Film Fun! "Philly may not have a repertory cinema, but the weekly screenings at this University City complex for students come pretty close. There are fun flicks, such as cheesy sci-fi tales and bad '80s movies, foreign classics, and more serious and obscure diversions, like the [recent] Jacques Rivette and Sergei Parajanov series. I-House, as it is known, is for the film fan who is just not satisfied by Netflix."

IHP has a new website!

International House recently launched its new website, and everyone is thrilled with the changes and new functionality. It has a totally refreshed look and feel, and should make your experience online much more simple. Some new features that might be of interest to you include: The ability to purchase or renew memberships online for yourself, your family, or a friend A simple process for making donations to one of IHP’s Annual Funds or an Alumni specific fund, such as the Resident Emergency Fund Easily search for programs that might interest you most with the Events Calendar Filter A dedicated Alumni page – a one-stop-shop for all Alumni related information, including upcoming events, featured alumni, online access to iWorld, and more!

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Alumni SPOTLIGHT

Hilary Moore (IHP ‘99-‘01) Communications Specialist at McKinsey & Company Author, Great Business English: phrases, verbs and vocabulary for speaking fluent English www.greatbusinessenglish.com Where I am from: I was born in Malawi and grew up in Scotland, before moving to England for my undergraduate degree. I arrived in Philly aged 21.

My time at International House: I lived at International House for two years (1999 and 2000) while doing a PhD in Anthropology of Music at UPenn. I was Senior Resident Assistant for all that time. That meant I had a brilliant opportunity to get to know a huge number of wonderful, talented people with fascinating lives.

Fondest memories of the House: I have so many! Playing ping pong downstairs late into the night; discovering Takeshi Kitano’s films in the theater; late night dinners with amazing home-cooked food from all around the world; culture-themed parties, with us spilling out onto the balconies for smoking/fresh air breaks (I particularly remember persuading a large group to Scottish Country Dance!); cheese fries and beers around the corner at the local bar; and then - above all - working and bonding with the whole Resident Assistant team. There are far too many to mention, but I met so many people I came to care for deeply - fascinating people, with incredible lives, amazing resilience, great intellect, and wonderful warmth.

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Fall 2013

What impact my experience at IHouse had on my personal and/ or professional life: Being at IHP made my experience at UPenn so much richer and happier than it would have otherwise been, and immensely personally enriching. On top of that, the exposure I had to so many nationalities really reinforced my love of living with diversity and my fascination for communicating across different cultures. That interest has been a constant thread in my life since. First, I took a year out to live and work as a volunteer in Swaziland, Africa. Then my PhD thesis studied racial and national identity in diasporal communities. I then went on to become a cross-culture and foreign language trainer for international business. Part of my work now, at McKinsey, concentrates on how people communicate across different cultures and language barriers, and I’ve just brought out an English for Business phrasebook, which pulls a lot of those themes together.

My memories of International House remain incredibly warm after all these years. It’s a unique community, which I feel privileged to have been part of!

To contribute your stories and updates to I-World email us at iworld@ihphilly.org

Alumni News Who is Doing What?

Simran Sidhu lived in International House from 1993 through 1995. “I loved every minute of living there and had some of the most memorable and impactful conversations of my life in the basement coffeeroom. Best of all, I made friends for life and it completely reinforced my belief that we’re not so very different from each other at all.”

While at IHP, I started work at an incredible organization called YouthBuild Philadelphia. I am proud to say that I am now the Director, and still love what I get to do every day. YouthBuild is an alternative school for young people who are between 18 and 21 and have previously dropped out of high school. The curriculum culminates in both a high school diploma and an industry-recognized certification in a high demand occupation. All our incredible students spend half of their time developing academic skills through individualized classroom instruction, and the other half of their time on a vocational worksite developing job skills through large-scale community service initiatives in construction, healthcare, or information technology training.

I think the other thing I learned at IHP was the idea of really connecting to the community around you—wherever that is. I am passionate about Philadelphia and about living a connected life, and am embedded in this community in a way that makes me very very happy. I live in the City with a man I adore (Ravi Acharya) and our two kids, Iman and Vir, whom we both adore.

My name is Bassam Sinno and I currently live in Beirut, Lebanon. My experience at International House began in 1987, when I was accepted at Drexel University. My first impression was the rooms were small, but I quickly realized that the main reason for this was to get residents to share common areas in order to interact with each other, ultimately becoming one big family, as well as gaining ethnic diversity.

I was very proud to see my country’s flag hanging with the other flags – it gave me hope for my country at a time that it was facing civil war. As days passed by, I became friendly with the staff at IHP, who helped me get a part-time job, for which I was grateful.

There were many events that I enjoyed, including the three-day International Book Festival that International House held, where books by international authors were read. I was proud to help make that event possible. I was also part of a team of organizers who helped put together big events such as Lady Smith Black Mambazo, and the International House Food Festival. When I graduated from university, it was not easy for me to leave International House, but of course, I had to move on with my life. I felt like I was losing the place that helped me make so many of my best memories.

I returned to Beirut, Lebanon in 1992, and now have a successful catering company, as well as a cheese factory. Recently, I connected to the IHP Alumni page on Facebook, and was so happy to find a few of my old friends. Thank you International House for being part of my life.

Stacey Andrucci (IHP ‘94-‘97) recently moved to California to be with her partner and start a new job as a professional food writer for Temecula.

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Mieko (Mie Nakae) Kobayashi (IHP ‘99) is happy to announce the birth of her second son on August 28th. He came into the world at 12:17 pm, weighing 7 lbs. 3 oz. and measured 51 cm. Mie lives in Osaka, Japan.

Francesco Botre (IHP ‘85), from Italy, visited International House on July 18 with his daughter Teresa and enjoyed reminiscing about his time here and showing her around the house. Francesco is in the midst of planning a 30-year reunion which will happen in 2015 with many of his IHP friends. If you know Francesco or are from the same generation, make sure to drop us a line, so we can include you in the planning of the celebrations.

Anthony D’Agostino (IHP ‘90), from Pennsylvania, visited International House this summer. Anthony and his wife Satomi met at International House in the late 80’s and have been in touch with us through the years by sending IHP holiday greeting cards and updates.

It was wonderful to have an opportunity to meet Anthony in person. Satomi will be visiting Philadelphia in November to run the Philly marathon and re-unite with friends she made at IHP 25 years ago! If you know Anthony and Satomi (or would like to meet them), make sure to join us for the reunion on November 15th at 5 pm.

Good friends Nu Bui (IHP ‘99-‘00) and Hong Linh Ho Duc (IHP ‘96-‘00) visited Philly and IHP this summer as well. We had a chance to go visit fellow alumna Liz Einsig Wise (IHP ‘97-‘98) as she prepared for her big move to New Orleans. As has become tradition, Nu and Linh stayed over at Alumni Director Sarvelia and husband Erik’s house for a slumber party. The kids had a tremendous time and the adults got to catch up on life.

Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia Newsletter – Fall 2013

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 iworld@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! You have until February 10th, 2014 to participate.

Get out there and Rock the IHP Gear!

SPECIAL ALUMNI OFFERS It is with great enthusiasm that we inform you of a partnership that International House Philadelphia has developed with The HaloCard Project. The HaloCard™ Visa will allow our alumni to give back to our organization throughout the year. We think this is a great way to support our mission, without any additional out-of-pocket expense to you.

Here’s how it works: The HaloCard™ is a traditional Visa credit card that donates an amount equal to 1% of all of the cardholder’s purchases to International House Philadelphia. There are no out-of-pocket costs for the cardholder, and no annual fee to use the card. 100% of the amount donated to our organization on your behalf is provided by The HaloCard Project, and best of all, the donation is tax deductible for you!

For many of you who own businesses, the corporate version of the HaloCard™ allows you to generate similar donations to support our organization, without affecting profitability. HaloCards™ can be issued to any number of your employees, for the routine purchases that they make on behalf of your business every day. Please consider donating to our organization through the HaloCard™ Corporate Giving Program.

We would appreciate it very much if you would consider applying for a HaloCard™ on behalf of International House Philadelphia. You can do that by visiting the HaloCard™ website at www.halocardproject.com. Please use the Invitation Code 2170 when submitting your application.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Elina Cher, Manager of Individual Engagement, Office of Institutional Advancement, elina@ihphilly.org or 215.895.6528 16

RESIDENT EMERGENCY FUND Matching Funds Available until December 31 DONATE TODAY! Our fundraising for the Resident Emergency Fund is off to a great start!

$5,000

In the first few weeks of the campaign, we’ve collected over $2,700 from a variety of constituents including IHP alumni, staff, and trustees. This brings us half-way to our goal of collecting $5,000 before the end of the year.

$4,500

Remember that from now until December 31, 2013, your donation will be matched, dollar for dollar! Giving today helps ensure that your funds will go even further in helping our residents in need. If you are able, please donate!

$3,500

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 accident, illness, death of a family member, or fire damage, among others.

$2,500

Help us in the effort to assist our residents by donating online or writing a check made payable 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 – Fall 2013

$4,000 $3,000 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $500

Current funds raised

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 forms either by volunteering to run programs for residents and other alumni, by donating goods and services, or by making much-needed financial contributions.

How Can 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 to 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 MEMEBER!

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

Save the Date Thursday, November 14 at 4pm IHP Benefit Live Art Auction – The Work of Anne Boysen Friday, November 15 at 6pm Alumni Reunion (late 80’s – early 90’s) – All alumni welcome Friday, November 22 at 6pm Social Hour / Departing Residents Reception Thursday, November 28 at 1pm Thanksgiving Dinner Friday, December 13 at 6pm Holiday Party / Farewell Event

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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