2016
Annual Report
I still remember my first suitemates at International House. It was amazing to learn about their cultures, and about the foods that we cooked together. I made friends with suitemates from China, Mexico and Turkey. They’ve returned to their countries or gone to other schools, but I’m still friends with them through Facebook. — Chelsea Dombroskie IHP Resident 2011-2016 United States
Our Mission International House Philadelphia is an inclusive residential center for students, scholars and professional trainees of all nationalities, cultures and backgrounds, a source of distinctive programming, and the embodiment of an ideal. International House 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 Resident Members and the Greater Philadelphia community through high-quality international arts and humanities programs. • To promote understanding, respect and cooperation among people of all nations.
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International House Philadelphia
A Message from IHP Board Chair Ludo Scheffer Dear Friends of International House Philadelphia: On July 1, 2015, I took on the great opportunity to become Chair of the Board of Trustees of International House Philadelphia. My election brought me full circle because International House Philadelphia served as my home away from home for six years when I came to the United States from The Netherlands to pursue my PhD studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education from 1988 to 1994. My years as a resident of International House Philadelphia were amazing and helped shape me into the person I am today. From the moment I moved into IHP, I became a member of a unique global community that encourages understanding, respect and cooperation among people of all nations and cultures. I formed close friendships with fellow residents from around the world that have lasted to this day, and I became engaged in our diverse community, serving as a resident advisor and as a fellow, and working at the front desk and in the mailroom. As a proud alumnus of International House Philadelphia, I have fond memories of my time here, coupled with an unwavering belief that this organization’s mission is the path to a better world. My passion for IHP was rekindled a few years ago through an alumni program, which led me to join our Board of Trustees, where I served as Secretary before becoming Board Chair a year ago. It has been a formidable task succeeding James Papada, III, who has been an ardent supporter of International House Philadelphia for more than 30 years and a longtime trustee dedicated to charting a sound strategic course for our organization in a changing world. His steady hand, his deep care for the institution, and his commitment to internationalism have helped make International House a dynamic hub of high-quality programs for our residents and the community at large. I want to thank Jim for his vision and leadership as Board Chair, and express my confidence that he will do a superb job in his new role as President and CEO of International House Philadelphia, an interim appointment that became effective on Oct. 7, 2016, several months after the end of the past fiscal year, when he succeeded Tanya Steinberg, who is no longer with the organization. Jim is deeply committed to maintaining and enhancing the programs and residential mission of International House Philadelphia as we commence a search in Fiscal Year 2017 to fill the CEO position on a permanent basis. Without question, Fiscal Year 2016 was a challenging year in some respects. First, International House Philadelphia’s average annual resident occupancy rate dipped to 72% from almost 74% in the prior year, which impacted revenue. I believe two factors have contributed significantly to our lower occupancy in recent years: Increased competition from newer student housing options and off-campus apartments in University City; and the infrastructure of our 14-story building, which opened in 1970. I know from personal experience that International House Philadelphia remains a unique housing option because residents from myriad cultures and countries engage each other in the House and through the wonderful arts, cultural and language programs that we offer. As things stand today, our prime location and our flexible housing agreements still attract many individual residents and groups from around the world, and our all-inclusive room rates may be on par, or slightly below our competitors. But I recognize, like IHP’s leadership team and the Board of Trustees, that we must take further steps to update our Chestnut Street facility and infrastructure to attract and retain more residents in this competitive student housing market.
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As the fiscal year progressed, International House Philadelphia took important steps to address the occupancy rate, with a focus on driving growth in Fiscal 2017. These efforts included expanding grassroots outreach on local campuses and through housing fairs, increasing advertising and social media campaigns to reach more students, and building stronger relationships with organizations that refer students to us. IHP also implemented improved analytics to forecast occupancy data, and it launched a new web-based process that speeds admission acceptances and payments. In addition, a new online Resident Survey began measuring resident satisfaction and identifying areas where we need to improve the residential experience. Finally, Alumni Relations created an ambassador network that will play a role in promoting International House Philadelphia throughout the world. To address our facility and infrastructure, the Board of Trustees commenced a critical review of IHP’s options in December 2015. Members of the Board and the Leadership team have engaged with architects and designers, project developers and financial institutions. It has become abundantly clear that International House Philadelphia needs to reposition itself as a viable institution by investing significantly in the building and infrastructure. The Board is currently reviewing financial options that would provide for an investment in the facility and signal to our donor community our commitment to the mission of IHP. Another major challenge during the year was in the area of Development, where contributions from donors and partners came in well below projections, creating significant budgetary pressures. Contributions are critically important to our nonprofit organization because they help us sustain our facility and the high-quality programs that we provide to our residents and the Greater Philadelphia community. Faced with these challenges, the Board approved a reorganization plan during the year to realign staff and establish a more effective, integrated and coordinated approach to fundraising, programming and services for our residents and external partners. The plan generated significant savings and helped us minimize a projected budget shortfall, without compromising our ability to serve our residents and the community. More importantly, the reorganization created a more cohesive and reenergized team that is working collectively to make International House Philadelphia into the place that it aspires to be – a leader in bringing diverse international and American students, scholars and trainees together in a space where they truly learn about each other and come to appreciate deeply their common humanity, their differences, their dreams and their camaraderie. Now more than ever, I believe International House Philadelphia can make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of our residents and in our local, national and global communities. We have a dedicated leadership team, a committed Board of Trustees and Board of Delegates, alumni that really care about of our institution, and many supportive friends and partners in the community. Together, we will chart the future path of International House Philadelphia while staying true to a principle that has guided this organization since it was founded in 1910 – that we can make the world a better place by fostering mutual respect and understanding and open communication across all boundaries and cultures. I look forward to the year ahead and to hearing from you about your experiences, dreams and hopes for International House Philadelphia! Kindly,
Ludo C.P. Scheffer, PhD Chair, Board of Trustees
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International House Philadelphia
Resident Profile
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IHP WELCOMED RESIDENTS FROM
COUNTRIES Albania Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Botswana Brazil Cameroon Canada Chile China Colombia Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Ecuador Egypt Fiji Finland France Germany Greece Guatemala Guyana Hong Kong Hungary India
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Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Libya Malawi Malaysia Mali Mexico Myanmar Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Panama
Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Romania Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Spain Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand Turkey Ukraine U. Arab Emirates United States United Kingdom Uruguay Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zimbabwe
20%
TOTAL NUMBER OF IHP RESIDENTS
1026
87% INTERNATIONAL
UNITED STATES
STUDENTS & SCHOLARS
STUDENTS & SCHOLARS
80%
AGE RANGE 24%
18—21
45%
22—28
21%
29—35 36—46 47+
7%
3%
47%
53%
WOMEN
WHO STAYED AT IHP
MEN
15%
20%
UNDERGRADUATES - 200 GRADUATE STUDENTS - 288
26%
PHD & POST-DOCTORAL - 54
28%
VISITING SCHOLARS - 65 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM STUDENTS - 268 INTERNSHIP, RESEARCH, TRAINEES & OTHERS - 151
6% 5%
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IHP RESIDENTS CAME FROM
68
Colleges & Universities Bryn Mawr College Chestnut Hill College Community College of Philadelphia Drexel University Gratz College Harcum College Haverford College Hussian College School of Art La Salle University PA Academy of the Fine Arts Philadelphia University Rutgers University Law School St. Joseph’s University Temple University The University of the Arts Thomas Jefferson University University of Pennsylvania Villanova University Wilmington University Educational Institutes & Programs The Art Institute of Philadelphia Aviation Institute of Maintenance Eyes Italia Horizons School of Technology Kaplan International National School of Administration and Magistracy - Cameroon The Language Company
COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Scheie Eye Institute Temple University Hospital The Wistar Institute Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Wills Eye Hospital
Arts & Culture Philadelphia Museum of Art Russian Opera Workshop The Barnes Foundation The Philadelphia Dance Company
Information Technology Ames IT and Numeric Solutions, LLC Law Firms Bennett, Bricklin & Saltzburg, LLC Drinker Biddle Fisher Phillips Reed Smith
Engineering Bruce E. Brooks & Associates Intelligent Infrastructure Systems
Manufacturing Westlake Plastics Company
Financial & Accounting Services Aberdeen Asset Management PwC JPMorgan Chase & Co. Wellington Management
Organizations Library Company of Philadelphia NextGen Climate Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Treatment Research Institute Urban Wildlife Refuge Program U.S. Medical Licensing Examination CS Exam Center
Government Consulate General of Italy U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Naval Sea Systems Command U.S. Census Bureau U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Pharma Iroko Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Health & Medicine Abramson Cancer Center Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cooper University Hospital Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Publicis Healthcare Communications Group
Restaurants Fork Restaurant Science Monell Chemical Senses Center Sports Philadelphia Union
ACADEMIC FIELDS OF OUROF RESIDENTS ACADEMIC BACKGROUNDS OUR RESIDENTS
212 197 194 150 79
BUSINESS, FINANCE, MARKETING & MANAGEMENT
BIO-SCIENCES & ENGINEERING, CHEMICAL SCIENCES
MEDICINE, SCIENCES, DENTISTRY & PHARMA
ANTHROPOLOGY, POLITICAL SCIENCE & LIBERAL ARTS CIVIL, ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL & AEROSPSACE ENGINEERING
67 58 41 26 2
ARTS & ARCHITECTURE
LAW
COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING, ROBOTICS
MATHEMATICS & PHYSICS
HOSPITALITY
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International House Philadelphia
Resident Life Where the World lives & Learns
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annual report 2016
Resident Life
2015 Welcome Week International House Philadelphia welcomed new residents with a weeklong series of activities that introduced them to the world of possibilities at their new home – and to each other. On Tuesday, September 29, 2015, residents enjoyed a Welcome Week breakfast, where they met fellow residents and International House Philadelphia staff for morning beverages, bagels and donuts, and lively conversation. That evening, more than 100 residents filled the Ibrahim Theater for the Candle Lighting Ceremony Dinner, where they enjoyed a formal buffet dinner and learned more about opportunities for a lifechanging experience in our global community. Staff members welcomed the residents and shared their perspectives on the unique benefits and possibilities available to all residents. Talented residents performed classical music, and there were engaging activities throughout the evening, including heartfelt remarks by current residents who took the stage to discuss how living here has enriched their experience in the United States and Philadelphia.
The Candle Lighting Ceremony is a tradition that creates a special bond among people of all nationalities and cultures. Each resident stood and held a candle with a glowing flame as everyone joined together to recite the International House pledge: “As light begets light, so love, friendship and goodwill are passed from one 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.” On Wednesday, September 30, residents came together for an informative Town Hall meeting, followed by a movie in the Ibrahim Theater. The next day, residents savored dishes that they were asked to create and bring to Tastes of IHP in the Galleria. Mouthwatering appetizers, entrées and desserts from many cultures were happily shared to the delight of all. Welcome Week ended on Friday, October 2 with a pulsating Dance Party in the South America room, which was decorated as a disco. All residents were invited to the dance, which featured a DJ spinning international hits, plus beverages and appetizers.
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International House Philadelphia
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RESIDENT PROFILE Minh-Ahn Ngyuen IHP Resident 2015-2016 Vietnam As a young child in Vietnam, Minh-Anh Nguyen, PhD, never imagined that he would become a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Drexel University, where he combined his lifelong passion for families with his clinical psychology training to create innovative art therapy programs for children. His journey to Drexel and International House Philadelphia was a long and arduous one, inspired by his mother, and driven by his determination to make a difference in the lives of children so they have a chance to pursue their dreams. “I was the baby in our family of six children and the only one born after the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975,” says Minh-Anh. “Our family lived in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), and it was a very difficult time for us after the war ended. My father lost everything when his design business closed, so he became depressed and started drinking heavily. We were struggling financially, so my mother started working as a cleaner at the high school. She also sold lottery tickets because we needed money for rice and fish.” Minh-Anh, 38, holds back tears as he describes his mother’s sacrifices for her children. “My mother went from having everything to having nothing after the war, but she accepted reality and never gave up. She taught me that,” he recalls. “It has been the biggest lesson in my life, bigger than my PhD. Being born to my mother was the greatest gift.”
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Resident Life
Minh-Anh’s path to Philadelphia was not a straight one. After excelling academically in public school in Vietnam, he enrolled at a university in Ho Chi Minh City. Once there, Minh-Anh became a top student and was accepted into a prestigious university program that would take him to Russia in 1999, where he received a full scholarship and studied for the next nine years, culminating with his PhD in Psychology.
I decided to go with Philadelphia because it’s the fifth-largest city in the U.S. and the birthplace of America.”
“Studying in Russia was difficult and challenging, but it was an opportunity to experience a totally different culture,” he says. “It also taught me how to be very independent.”
“From the bottom of my heart, I’m so happy that I chose to live at International House,” he says. “My neighbors here are from Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Mali, Korea, China, Japan and upstate New York. We cook together in the kitchen and share our favorite foods. I’ve made great friends here and everyone treats me like a family member. Most of all, this is a place of friendship, tolerance and peace. I treasure that.”
After completing his studies in Russia, he received a scholarship to attend a one-month program offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Israel, where he learned, among other things, leadership skills and how to resolve conflicts. “I met teachers, school managers, and professionals from 15 countries around the world and we’ve remained friends through Facebook,” he says. His next stop was Denmark, where Minh-Anh accepted a teaching and research position in 2014 at University College Zealand, where he would spend two years in the Program of Aesthetic Learning in Childhood Education. Minh-Anh’s academic career finally brought him to the United States last year after his third application to become a Fulbright Visiting Scholar was approved, following an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. “I had applied two times before, but I didn’t give up,” he explains. “When I received the good news in an email, I cried when I read it.” With the Fulbright acceptance in hand, the next step was to choose a university where he could continue his research focus on art therapy for children. “I hadn’t planned on coming to Philadelphia, but a professor at College of New Rochelle, New York forwarded my proposal to Drexel, which had an art therapy program.
With assistance from Drexel’s Office of International Programs, Minh-Anh looked at various housing options before choosing International House Philadelphia. He moved into IHP in September 2015.
Minh-Anh was invited to lecture and share his art therapy research and results this year with faculty and students at John F. Kennedy University in Berkeley, California, and the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. A seasoned world traveler, Minh-Anh was looking forward to returning to his homeland after completing his Fulbright Scholar program at Drexel in June 2016. He will lead a team of researchers at the National College of Education in Ho Chi Minh City and continue his work in developing art therapy programs for children and families. “I want to help children and families have better lives and really positive relationships. That is my passion,” Minh-Anh says with a warm smile. Most of all, Minh-Anh was looking forward to reuniting with his mother, who lives in the family’s rebuilt house in the city where his amazing journey began with her love and support.
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International House Philadelphia
annual report 2016
RESIDENT PROFILE Kristine Alarcon IHP Resident 2015-present United States Like many of her peers, Kristine Alarcon enjoys watching movies, television and videos, but the 22-yearold resident is focused on turning her passion for media into something that could make a difference in people’s lives. Kristine is exploring a potential career in entertainment education, with the goal of raising awareness of health issues through film, video and music. It’s a logical combination for Kristine, whose passion for communication and helping others is evident to everyone at International House Philadelphia, which has been her home away from home since 2015. Kristine moved from California to Philadelphia to attend Drexel University, where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health. Her avid interest in entertainment education was cultivated at the University of San Francisco, where she majored in Biology, minored in Music and participated in the school’s Performing Arts and Social Justice Program. That program sparked her interest in using her talents to help society, which she hopes to accomplish by creating awareness about health causes.
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Resident Life
“I was always interested in medicine and film, and I love writing and watching movies and TV shows,” says Kristine. “I’m reviewing literature at Drexel to see where entertainment education stands. It’s a fairly new field, so I’m working on expanding my knowledge and learning more about research in this field.” In November 2015, her interest in both public health and media led her to the Hepatitis B Foundation in Philadelphia, where she’s serving as a social media intern.
I chose to live here because I-House is a diverse community where cultures are shared, which I think is very important.
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“Social media is really a powerful tool for teaching and informing people, but it’s not always accurate, so you have to be careful about where you’re reading the information,” Kristine advises. Kristine’s parents were both born in the Philippines, but she’s a native Californian. She was born in San Jose and returns to Stockton, California periodically to visit her family.
“I chose to live here because ‘I-House’ is a diverse community where cultures are shared, which I think is very important,” she says. Once she arrived at International House Philadelphia, Kristine started working at the Front Desk, joined the Arts Ensemble and served on the Board of Residents, where she chaired the Communications committee. Her commitment to making a positive difference was recognized at the Annual Farewell Party and Awards Reception in April 2016, when she received the Most Involved Resident Award. “I was surprised to receive the award because I was just being myself. I like helping people and getting involved in events,” Kristine says. “International House Philadelphia is a special place where residents can explore their interests and broaden their horizons while living with peers from many different countries and cultures.” Kristine has one more year to go at Drexel before she graduates. After that, she may pursue a doctor degree in Public Health or Health Communications. “In the future, I’d like to work in creating awareness about health issues in Asian countries and addressing stigmas like AIDS, hepatitis and mental health,” Kristine says. Until then, Kristine is making the most of her stay, which includes occasional breaks from her busy schedule of studying and volunteering to enjoy films, especially romantic comedies. “I’m an optimist,” Kristine professes with an engaging smile. “I always have hope for everything, not just love.”
After enrolling at Drexel, she learned about International House Philadelphia through a friend, who was living in city.
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International House Philadelphia
annual report 2016
Resident Life Programs All-American foods were on the menu for our annual Independence Day BBQ on July 2, 2015. Residents and other guests celebrated the Fourth of July two days early with a delicious array of grilled foods served in the South America room due to inclement weather. Costumed residents and their guests had a frightfully fun evening and danced to the midnight hour at the Halloween Party in October 2015. Nearly 100 residents and guests attended our annual Thanksgiving celebration on November 26, 2015, where everyone enjoyed a bountiful buffet with turkey and all the traditional trimmings.
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Resident Life
Residents filled the Galleria for the Annual Holiday Party in December 2015, where everyone enjoyed festive foods and desserts, warm conversation and photo opportunities with a jolly visitor from the North Pole. Three holidays – Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa – were celebrated at the event. It was a chance to share season’s greetings and gather in friendship, including residents who were saying farewell to IHP and returning to their countries as the Fall semester ended. In January 2016, International House Philadelphia ushered in the New Year and the end of winter break with a Welcome Back Reception for residents. They were greeted by Chief Operating Officer Glenn Martin, and other staff, before enjoying appetizers, wine and cheese. February brought a blizzard of fun social activities. Residents enjoyed a Super Bowl Party with pizza, wings and beverages while watching the game on the big screen television in the lower-level lounge; a Valentine’s Day Party with sweets and dance music; a Social Hour with pasta and refreshments; and a Red Carpet Oscars Viewing Party in the Ibrahim Theater. During the year, residents attended Social Hours, where they could mingle with old friends and meet new ones while enjoying snacks and refreshments. In May 2016, residents tested their table tennis skills in a fun-filled tournament. Separately, the Resident Life Office offered a tour of City Hall and Reading Terminal Market so residents could explore Philadelphia. Residents showcased their artistic talent in the annual Resident & Staff Art Show, which opened in the East Alcove Gallery on June 22, 2016. Throughtout the year, residents enjoyed a variety of cultural celebrations, including our popular Lunar New Year and Diwali programs. (See Page 22 of this report.)
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International House Philadelphia
PROJECTS FOR PEACE Ravi Shrivastav IHP Resident 2014-2016 Nepal
Ravi Shrivastav is thousands of miles away from his homeland of Nepal, but being a resident of International House Philadelphia made it possible for him to help the community where he lived prior to coming to Philadelphia in 2014. In the summer of 2016, after graduating with a Master’s degree in Biomedical Science from Drexel University, the soft-spoken 27-year-old prepared to implement a program to train Nepalese women in sewing, tailoring and handicraft works so they will possess new skills to earn income and support their families. His program was funded by a $10,000 Projects for Peace grant that was awarded to Ravi this year. Created in 2007 through the generosity of Kathryn W. Davis, an internationalist and philanthropist, Projects for Peace is a program that is open only to students living at International Houses around the world and to students at partner schools in the Davis United World College Program. One of the most important goals of Projects for Peace is to encourage student initiative, innovation and entrepreneurship focused on conflict prevention, resolution or reconciliation. “My project will help women become stronger economically and more independent, which can help reduce conflicts and promote peace,” Ravi says.
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annual report 2016
Resident Life
“I’ve always wanted to do something for my community, so this is a great opportunity to do that.” The inspiration for his project, Stitch for Peace, came from his mother, who lives in Nepal. “She has worked in the community for many years and she recognized the need for a program that could teach women practical skills,” he explains. According to Ravi, his project entails setting up a training center in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, purchasing sewing articles and equipment, and recruiting training staff and volunteers, followed by the launch of training programs.
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Nepalese women in local villages will be surveyed to identify interested participants. Then, as many as 60 women will be taught how to design, create, finish and make items
I think cultural understanding is a key to fostering peace around the world.
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ranging from handbags, scarves and neckties, to handicraft, dresses and Dhaki topi, a traditional Nepalese hat. Training was expected to commence in late July 2016.
Ravi emphasizes that the project is important because many women in the community are underprivileged and have lesser opportunities of involvement. Being a Projects for Peace recipient is an honor that surprised Ravi, who submitted his proposal in January 2016 with support from Glenn Martin, Chief Operating Officer at International House Philadelphia. Kathryn W. Davis and her husband, Ambassador Shelby Cullom Davis, both lived at International House New York in 1929-30 while attending Columbia University. Mrs. Davis died in 2013 at the age of 106, but her legacy lives on through Projects for Peace and through grant recipients like Ravi. As he leaves International House Philadelphia to pursue a career in Biomedical Science. Ravi says that living here has been an unforgettable experience. “When I came to Philadelphia in 2014, I had never seen such skylines, and everything was technologically advanced; it is very different from Nepal,” Ravi admits. “I’m not as shy as I was then because I have interacted with people from all over the world in this diverse environment, and I’ve made new friends.” Ravi concludes: “Most of all, I’ve had the chance at International House to learn about many cultures, not only American culture. I think cultural understanding is a key to fostering peace around the world.”
“After 30 days of training, the women will possess new skills that they can also share with their families and communities,” Ravi says. “The long-term goal is that this project will encourage women that have been trained to form their own cooperatives.”
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International House Philadelphia
annual report 2016
2016 Farewell Party & Awards Reception Julio moved here 1998 after enrolling at Drexel University, where he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and his MBA. Since graduating from Drexel, he works for Dow Chemical while staying connected with International House Philadelphia as a member of the Alumni Council. He has also dedicated his time and talents to organizations serving the Hispanic community.
Spring is bittersweet because it is a time when we say “goodbye” to many of our residents as they receive diplomas from local universities and leave to begin the next chapter of their lives. It’s an annual rite of passage that International House Philadelphia celebrates each year with the Farewell Party and Awards Reception, an inspiring event in which we recognize residents that have distinguished themselves as leaders through their involvement in programs and activities. This year’s reception on April 22, 2016, emphasized that International House is committed to helping residents become dynamic leaders who foster cultural understanding, give back to others and make the world a better place. Guest speaker and International House Philadelphia alumnus Julio Correa (Colombia, 1990s) congratulated residents on their achievements and said his experience at International House changed his life. “It’s exciting to be back home. This is a home away from home for me, and I truly feel that way,” he said.
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In her remarks to residents, Alumni Relations Manager Shekeya Watkins summed up the feelings of fellow staff members, saying: “Many of you will be leaving, and that makes us sad. Your time as residents may have been short-lived, but your time as alumni of International House will be forever. You will always be part of our global community.”
Resident Life
Other speakers included Chief Operating Officer Glenn Martin, Resident Advisor Shailly Saini (Canada), Board of Residents President Felipe Cesar Sousa e Silva (Brazil), and Resident Minh-Anh Nguyen (Vietnam), a departing Fulbright scholar at Drexel. Echoing other residents, Minh-Anh expressed his gratitude to the staff: “People at International House supported me all year long. I want to thank you for making my Pennsylvania experience beautiful. I will take this with me everywhere I go and this will make me a better person in the future.� Award recipients this year included: Kristine Alarcon (United States), who received the Most Involved Resident Award; Kinde Wubneh (United States), who received the Resident Community Spirit Award; and Saif Al Saudi (Iraq), who was named Resident Advisor of the Year. The reception, which included a delicious dinner buffet and refreshments, filled the South America room, where the residents expressed their warm appreciation with applause, laughter, hugs and tears, marking the unofficial end of another academic year.
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International House Philadelphia
Programs
the world is our stage
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annual report 2016
Programs
A Leader in Independent and International Cinema International House Philadelphia’s commitment to increasing international understanding and broadening the cultural horizons of our residents, members and the community is reflected in the high-quality programs that we offer throughout the year. Our life-enriching programs range from our renowned curated international and independent film screenings in the Ibrahim Theater to cultural celebrations, concerts and live performances, language courses, symposiums, art exhibits and more. International House Philadelphia is unrivaled in showcasing cinematic masterpieces that you won’t find anywhere else. Our roster of programs includes screenings of new independent films, classics of world cinema, important works of the avant-garde and works by emerging and established artists worldwide.
Unlike for-profit theater chains, we have a distinguished track record of presenting eclectic, visionary and ground-breaking films that explore or examine our shared humanity, diverse cultures, ideas and perspectives, and the world. Many of our screenings include introductions, presentations and question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers, special guests and cinema experts.
During the fiscal year, 501 films were screened at International House Philadelphia, including films selected by our program curators and films presented in our theater by a wide range of film festivals and partner organizations. International House residents and members enjoy complimentary admission to most film screenings and exclusive discounts for film programs presented in our theater by partner organizations. International House Philadelphia is a leader in independent and international cinema and our programs are enjoyed by thousands of people each year that value our commitment to artistic expression and diversity. We don’t make programming decisions based on the potential Box Office gross or the number of tickets sold. We measure our success by our ability to deliver extraordinary film experiences that set our programs apart from others and open a window to the world. To learn more about upcoming films, visit www.ihousephilly.org/calendar or follow us on Facebook @ihousephilly.
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International House Philadelphia
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FILM highlights A series in November 2015 offered two screenings of work by the Wooster Group, the famed New York-based experimental theater and media ensemble. The series was presented in association with the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania, and Fringe Arts.
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RAMS
FILM PROG
The first major film program of the fiscal year was Stories from Non-Putin Russia, a series of documentaries screened throughout August 2015. International House celebrated the Pope’s historic visit to the city of Philadelphia in September 2015 by presenting free screenings of two classic films about St. Francis of Assisi: Brother Sun, Sister Moon and The Flowers of St. Francis.
501
FILMS SCR
EENED
From October through December 2015, we presented the Experimental Grounds/ Unexpected Sources series in partnership with The Galleries at Moore College of Art & Design. This series showcased Mexico and its filmmakers.
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RECEPTIONS
The UCLA Festival of Preservation series in January 2016 showcased newly restored, seldomseen American classics by directors such as John Ford and Anthony Mann, with screen legends including Mary Pickford, Bela Lugosi and John Wayne.
Programs
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FILMMAKERS & PRESENTERS
In February 2016, the life and work of experimental filmmaker and feminist Chick Strand were celebrated as we presented two programs of her films, newly restored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Throughout the year, our Family Matinee series introduced hundreds of children to amazing international films, ranging from animated classics such as Princess Mononoke to award-winning selections from the New York International Children’s Film Festival.
Keiichi Tanaami, one of Japan’s most prominent and influential pop artists, and famed British pop artist Derek Boshier each came to International House Philadelphia in March 2016 to discuss their cinematic work as part of a special film series, Pop: On Screen and Around the World, which was presented through mid-May in collaboration with the Philadelphia Museum of Art and its International Pop exhibit.
The programming year wrapped up with a soldout screening of Wall Writers, an acclaimed documentary about the birth of the graffiti movement.
In April 2016, we presented the Smithsonian’s touring retrospective of films by legendary Japanese director Seijun Suzuki. Co-organized with the Japan Foundation, the program featured groundbreaking films by Suzuki from the 1950s and 1960s. Tom Vick, Curator of Film, Freer and Sackler Galleries at the Smithsonian Institution, visited International House on April 2 to sign copies of his new book, Time and Place Are Nonsense: The Films of Seijun Suzuki, at a screening of The Sleeping Beast Within. He also introduced Youth of the Beast, one of Suzuki’s breakthrough films.
In addition, International House Philadelphia hosted screenings by many organizations, such as the BlackStar Film Festival, Exhumed Films, the Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, Philadelphia Community Access Media, the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, the Pulitzer Center and Scribe Video Center, to name just a few.
Through Indian Eyes: Native American Cinema, a landmark touring program featuring 20 films directed by and about Native Americans, opened at the Ibrahim Theater in May and ran through June 9, 2016. This remarkable program, which shattered stereotypes perpetuated by Hollywood for decades, was organized by the UCLA Film & Television Archive and supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The film screenings were made possible in part by arts funding support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.
To learn more about upcoming films, visit www.ihousephilly.org/calendar or follow us on Facebook @ihousephilly.
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International House Philadelphia
annual report 2016
CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS AND PROGRAMS Lunar New Year Celebration More than 300 people from International House Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia community attended IHP’s Annual Lunar New Year Celebration on February 5, 2016. It was a record turnout for the event, where people of all ages enjoyed authentic Chinese cuisine followed by a captivating 90-minute program of Chinese music, dance and martial arts performances in the Ibrahim Theater. Board Chair and alumnus Ludo Scheffer chatted with residents and guests, including many people that were visiting International House for the first time to celebrate “The Year of the Monkey.” The celebration generated extensive media coverage, including a televised report by 6ABC Action News. It was an amazing evening that brought people of diverse cultures together, and it meant so much to our residents from China, who are far away from home as they pursue their studies in the United States.
Nowruz International House Philadelphia hosted a celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, on March 29, 2016. Open to the community, this festive event attracted more than 100 guests and International House residents, who enjoyed authentic Middle Eastern food, traditional Persian music and dancing, and egg decorating. At the center of the celebration was the Haft-Seen, a tabletop arrangement of seven symbolic items that are traditionally displayed at Nowruz. In conjunction with the Nowruz celebration, we presented an art exhibit highlighting the work of Iranian artist Medhi Saeedi.
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Programs
Eid Al-Fitr Feast International House Philadelphia residents, members and guests came together for IHP’s annual Eid al-Fitr Feast on July 18, 2015. Observed by Muslims around the world, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The celebration included authentic Middle Eastern food and festivities. People of all faiths were invited to attend.
Diwali Our annual Diwali Celebration delighted the many people that gathered in the Galleria of International House Philadelphia on November 11, 2015 for music, dance, games, gifts, henna art and Indian food. Celebrated by Hindus in India and around the world, the “Festival of Lights” was one of the most popular cultural programs of the year.
Culture & Cuisine Throughout the year, International House Philadelphia’s Board of Delegates invited residents, members and friends in the Philadelphia community to attend its Culture & Cuisine programs. This continuing diningthemed series brings people together to share a meal and friendly conversation while learning more about international foods and cultures. Host restaurants for Culture & Cuisine included the Belgian Café, Brauhaus Schmitz, Café Ynez and Sang Kee Noodle House.
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International House Philadelphia
annual report 2016
SPECIAL EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
International Entrepreneurs Summit Greenberg Traurig, LLP and International House Philadelphia partnered to present the 1st Annual International Entrepreneurs Summit of Philadelphia on March 22, 2016. Held in the Ibrahim Theater, this free event featured a number of distinguished panelists, who shared their expertise on how to launch new businesses and ventures in the Philadelphia region. Greenberg Traurig Counsel and International House Philadelphia Board Member Nataliya Rymer conceived this idea and served as one of the panelists. “Philadelphia is becoming an international hub for scholars, researchers, and entrepreneurs from around the world,” she said. “The goal of this Summit was to inform them about opportunities and success stories in Philadelphia and connect them with people and resources so they will pursue their entrepreneurial dreams in this region.” Following the panel sessions, attendees had an opportunity to network with entrepreneurs, investors, government representatives and other professionals. Participating organizations included The Science Center, SELECT Greater Philadelphia, Temple University, Drexel University and Robin Hood Ventures.
Former Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Visits IHP International House Philadelphia was proud to host Penn Nursing’s event on March 24, 2016 to honor Dr. Denis Mukwege, a physician who has risked his life to mend thousands of raped women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The former Nobel Peace Prize nominee received Penn Nursing’s Renfield Foundation Award for Global Women’s Health. Dr. Mukwege inspired the audience in the Ibrahim Theater as he fielded questions about his humanitarian work, his stand against violence toward women, and his compassionate commitment to restoring hope and dignity in the lives of women.
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Intercultural Journeys Intercultural Journeys presented a concert in January 2016 featuring two Silk Road ensemble members – Syrian composer and clarinetist Kinan Azmeh and Syrian-Armenian visual artist Kevork Mourad – who offered an impressionistic reflection on the Syrian revolution and its aftermath by interweaving live illustrations, visuals and original compositions. International House Philadelphia residents enjoyed complimentary admission to concerts and dance performances presented by Intercultural Journeys in the Ibrahim Theater throughout the year.
Programs
Peace Program International House Philadelphia and Peace Day Philly partnered to present Measuring Peace: Economic and Intercultural Perspectives on Creating a More Peaceful World. The program on September 15, 2015 included a dynamic presentation by Michelle Breslauer of the Institute for Economics and Peace, a panel discussion featuring IHP residents, music by Farah Siraj and a reception.
Egypt And India Take Center Stage National Geographic explorer and filmmaker Karin Muller shared and discussed her newest documentary, Egypt’s Secret Side, on March 1, 2016 in a special event presented by the Geographical Society of Philadelphia and International House Philadelphia. Her film took the audience on a dramatic, fast-paced and unforgettable journey through a side of Egypt that few Westerners ever see. In October 2015, International House Philadelphia and the Geographical Society of Philadelphia presented Ryan Pyle: Cultural Understanding and the India Ride. Pyle, an awardwinning photographer and star of Tough Rides, a televised series, discussed his motorcycle expedition across India.
International Women’s Day International House Philadelphia was one of the many sponsors of a program on March 15, 2016 that celebrated International Women’s Day and addressed the importance of investing in women in agriculture to help combat hunger and poverty around the globe. The program included a panel session and a reception featuring a performance by the Anna Crusis Women’s Choir.
Rebecca Rescate Entrepreneur Rebecca Rescate, who has appeared on ABC-TV’s Shark Tank series, came to International House Philadelphia on October 19, 2015 to share her business expertise and success story with a rapt audience. The event in the Ibrahim Theater was presented by Entrepreneur Works.
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International House Philadelphia
PROGRAMS ATTENDANCE
4% 2% 6%
21,771 Total
GENERAL PUBLIC IHP MEMBERS & RESIDENTS STUDENTS
annual report 2016
23%
SENIORS CHILDREN
TOTAL
PROGRAMS PRESENTED FILM PROGRAMS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS LIVE PERFORMANCES
15
4 13 10
279 Total
CULTURAL PROGRAMS ART EXHIBITS
26
237
65%
Programs
conference center & Theater
31,631 TOTAL ATTENDANCE
With more than 8,500 square feet of available event space, including meeting rooms and the Ibrahim Theater, International House Philadelphia is a valuable asset for businesses, community and non-profit organizations, educational partners and other groups that require space for conferences, meetings, programs, receptions, seminars, training sessions and workshops. During the fiscal year, our Conference Center served a wide range of organizations and nearly 32,000 people as we hosted 421 unique events. To learn more, visit www.ihousephilly.org/conferencecenter.
421
TOTAL UNIQUE EVENTS
104 PARTNERS & PRESENTING ORGANIZATIONS
31 30 29 9 3 2
ARTS & CULTURE
COMMUNITY
ARTS & CULTURE
EDUCATION
INTERNATIONAL
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
HEALTH & WELLNESS
language program International House Philadelphia’s commitment to increasing cultural understanding is reflected in our Spoken English & Foreign Language Program. During the fiscal year, 223 people were enrolled in this program and we offered residents free on-site classes, a new benefit. The intimate, informal classes emphasize conversation skills and vocabulary expansion. Our program is also open to the public and International House Philadelphia members, who receive a 10 percent discount. In addition to English and languages such as Arabic, French, Italian, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish, we offered private tutoring and test preparation. Our 32 teachers, tutors and assistants were dedicated volunteers, typically language education graduate students. For information visit www.ihousephilly.org/classes.
107
84
32
223
ENROLLED IN ENGLISH CLASSES
ENROLLED IN TUTORING
ENROLLED IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES
59
LANGUAGE STUDENTS
LANGUAGE CLASSES
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International House Philadelphia
Alumni Relations Building a global connection
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annual report 2016
Alumni Relations
Expanding our Global network International House Philadelphia took steps during the year to expand our highly engaged global network of alumni, which extends from Philadelphia and the United States to dozens of countries around the world. We enhanced our global database of alumni, which has grown to approximately 7,000 men and women. We also started an Alumni Ambassador program, an initiative in which Alumni volunteers represent International House Philadelphia in various geographical regions.
Our Alumni Ambassadors • • • • • • •
Connect with alumni in your region, using various forms of outreach, including phone, email and social media; Correspond regularly with alumni to encourage engagement in planned activities; Spearhead alumni initiatives in your geographical region, including planning reunions and outings; Serve as a point-of-contact and overall resource for alumni living in or visiting your region when they need guidance, support or professional networking opportunities; Assist in the identifying and recruiting potential residents to help us attract a diverse population of students, scholars and professional trainees; Inform the Alumni Relations Department about alumni news and activities in your region; and Assist in gathering alumni news and updates for our database and communications.
Through our alumni network, we’re connecting with people of all generations who formed meaningful friendships and relationships when they lived and learned together at International House Philadelphia.
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2016 Alumni Reunion in Philadelphia There’s no place like this home. Everyone at the 2016 Alumni Reunion in Philadelphia on June 4, 2016 shared that sentiment and many fond memories as alumni, guests, current residents, trustees and staff came together to celebrate the positive impact that International House Philadelphia has had in their lives. The alumni represented seven decades, from the 1950s through the 2010s, as well as 19 countries of origin. Some of them traveled from their homes in Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, Maryland; Greencastle, Pennsylvania; Wilmington, Delaware; and Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The reunion was filled with opportunities to catch up with old friends during breakfast, walking tours, a picnic lunch on the outdoor patio, a cheerful cocktail hour at the new Innovation Plaza, and a delicious gourmet dinner that capped the festivities. Board Chair and Alumnus Ludo Scheffer (The Netherlands, 1980s) welcomed everyone to the dinner and shared highlights of his time at International House Philadelphia, where he lived for six years, starting in 1988. “This place enables you to start interacting in a very close environment with people that come from very different parts of the world. They may share similar ideas of what they want to accomplish, but they come with different ways of thinking about it,” Ludo said.
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International House Philadelphia
Ludo noted that alumni from the 1970s had the distinction of being among the first to live at the newlybuilt Chestnut Street home after it opened in 1970. That decade produced the highest number of Reunion attendees this year, including Maria Basterra (Peru), Jan Colijn (The Netherlands), Jay Fishman (United States) and Marian Fishman (The Netherlands), Lisa Heyman (United States), Nadia Kuntz (Switzerland), and Dan Kurtzman (United States).
annual report 2016
Over the years, he has remained a generous supporter of the organization and its mission to support international students when they come to America to pursue their academic dreams. Chuck, who created a scholarship fund for International House Philadelphia residents, urged his fellow alumni to support the organization. Throughout the day, alumni shared their perspectives on what makes International House Philadelphia unique. Jan Colijn, (The Netherlands, 1970s) was one of the first residents of the current Chestnut Street home. He served as a Resident Fellow when the building wasn’t completely finished. “We broke new ground with this building. Our job was to get this place and 400 people all together and to crank up the system of what we do here,” he said. Jan added that one of his fondest memories was playing Monopoly with friends from Egypt, Poland, Israel and France every Friday night. Jan, who retired two years ago after serving as a dean at Stockton University for a quarter century, currently resides in Philadelphia. “The lasting friendships I made here have done a whole lot of good in my life,” he said.
Another distinguished alumnus from the 1970s, David Teece (United States), could not attend the Philadelphia Reunion, but Ludo announced that David generously contributed $5,000 toward the publication of a future book on the history of International House Philadelphia. The book is expected to focus on the recollections and memories of people who have lived at International House Philadelphia over the years, with a planned publication date of 2020 – the 50th anniversary of our present Chestnut Street home and the 110th anniversary of International House Philadelphia. Ludo took a few moments to recognize the two guest speakers that represented the 1950s at the Reunion and shared their first-hand recollections, Chandrakant “Chuck” Gupta (India) and Enrico Lamet (Austria), who both received warm applause. In his remarks, Chuck Gupta said, “Many people like me have been helped by International House Philadelphia.” He started attending social programs at International House Philadelphia after enrolling at Temple University.
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Richard Knebel (Norway, 2000s) and his wife, Cigdem (Turkey, 2000s), lived at International House Philadelphia when Cigdem was enrolled at Drexel. “We met people from all over the world. It was great,” he said. “I came to this reunion because I wanted to see old friends.”
Alumni Relations
Abraham Marthan (Morocco, 1960s) shared memories of attending dances and enjoying meals with friends when International House Philadelphia was located in the former Whittier Hotel at the corner of 15th and Cherry Street. “International House Philadelphia helped us adjust to the American way of life.” Mohammad Salehi Sadaghjiani (Iran, 2010s) said one of the wonderful things about living at International House Philadelphia was the opportunity to enjoy cultural celebrations, especially Thanksgiving dinner. Echoing other alumni, Sarvelia Peralta-Duran (Mexico, 2000s) said her experience living at International House Philadelphia was one that she will cherish always. She remembered being welcomed right away and becoming close friends with fellow residents from Scotland, Bosnia, Colombia and Turkey. “For many of us, the impetus was to make a home away from home, which was very unique,” said Sarvelia, who served as a Resident Assistant. She recalled being part of a close-knit group of resident-leaders that cared very deeply for the mission of International House Philadelphia.
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International House Philadelphia
Giving
Building a Brighter Future with Your Support
8 32
annual report 2016
International Giving House Philadelphia
SUPPORTING OUR MISSION We deeply appreciate our donors, partners and friends. Your generous contributions are vital as our missiondriven non-profit organization strives to maintain and enhance our Chestnut Street facility and sustain life-enriching programs for International House Philadelphia residents, members, alumni and the greater Philadelphia community. Your support sends a clear message that you value and cherish the unique, transformational experience that International House Philadelphia offers and the contribution that our organization has made for more than a century by building cross-cultural understanding among people of all nations. We look forward to engaging our community to ensure an even brighter future for International House Philadelphia in its second century of service. Thank you for supporting our truly unique global community, where the world lives and learns.
50,000 & Up
$
2,500 - $4,999
$
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program A. Bruce and Margaret Mainwaring
Anonymous Yelena and Alexei Barychev Giacomo F. Cesareo, III Kristin E. Daly Patricia and George M. Doolittle $ $ Drexel University 25,000 - 49,999 Helga and Dr. Scott Levin Connelly Foundation Kristine C. and Jason P. Lisi & Legal National Endowment for the Arts Internet Solutions, Inc. Katherine and Louis Padulo $ $ 10,000 - 19,999 James M. Papada, III Kathryn W. Davis Project for Peace The Philadelphia Cultural Fund Cyma and Edward Satell & Progressive Emily C. Riley Business Publications Nataliya and Justin Rymer The University of Pennsylvania Ludo C. Scheffer Susan and John F. Smith $ 5,000 - $9,999 Tanya Steinberg Ann and Thomas B. Morris, Jr. University City Science Center Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Constance W. and Dr. Milton Rock $ 1,000 - $2,499 David J. Teece Willow Carey and Peter A. Benoliel Lisa and David C. U’Prichard Elizabeth and Steven J. Casper Carolyn and Richard Veith Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback
500 - $999
$
Frank T. Anbari Mandi Bucceroni Ellen B. and Peter Davis Elena Dokova Amy E. and William Gadsden Greenberg Traurig, LLP Sarah Griffith and G. Jan Colijn Annemarie and Michael Imperato Samantha Lyons Glenn Martin and Paco Illanes Harold A. Mesa Jordan Poole Lokesh Prabhu Kristin and Calvin Purnell Margot Rowley and Chandrakant R. Gupta Shelly Electric Company, Inc. David Suisman Haofeng Tang Shaquana S. Watson-Harkness and Corey Harkness
Foundation Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation The Frederick and Colette B. Heldring Charitable Fund John J. Hopkinson Nadia R. Kunz
33
International House Philadelphia
Up to $250 Anonymous Renee Acconciamessa Sandra Ackler Beverly Agard George Ahern Alice Alderson Peter Alele Edmund Archual Hilary R. Armstrong Anzhela Bachman Phyllis A. Bailey Ilene Baker Theodra Bane Nicholas Baptiste Catherine Barber Amber Barksdale Erik Beranek Gordon Bermant Keith Berthrong Aida Berzins Matthew Bettine Stephen G. Beuret Karl Beyer Louis Bluver Justin Boyer Kelli Boyles Emma Branson Eric Bresler
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Jonathan Brook Matthew Brooke Jennifer A. Brown Maleeka Brown Charlie Bruce Christopher Bryan Sean Burke Sean Burns John Burton MaryAnne Byrne Trevor Byrne Miguel Carbonell Adam Carrigan Carol Carter Guzman Castro Diana Cavallo Elizabeth Cesarini Robert Chaney Corey Chao Tom Chaykun Yu Te Chiang Jackie Christopher Sarah Christy Biagio Ciao Rachel Clark Scott Cole Cori Connolly Joseph Copsetta Lindsey Crane
annual report 2016
Robert Creamer Harrington E. Crissey Derick Crucius Michael Curtis Tristan Dahn Xavier M. Dapena Zachary Darrup Marcos De Arruda Donald Deeley Bryan Deffley Maxwell di Paolo Joselyn C. Dibai Dennis Dicker Jean Dickerson Vincent DiFrancesco Patrick DiGiacomo Adam Diller Rachel Dobkin Rita Dockery Steve Dolnack Shelby Donnelly Robin Donnelly Kevin Donnelly Courtney Doucette Ann Drabick Timothy Dunn Peter Dyer Naomi Elegant Steven Erisoty
Giving
Christopher Ernst Louis Esposito Exelon Foundation Elit R Felix, II Uta Fellechner Debra Felman Diego Figueroa J. Sebastian Figueroa David Finger Alexa Firat Willemina and Jay E. Fishman Bryn W. Fox Joshua Freiman Andrew Fuller Elaine Fultz Guido Gaeffke Jonathan Gaev Charles Gangemi Boya Gao Sarah Gardam Jiawen Ge Perry Genovesi Renee Giannobile Christine Ginty James Gleeson Aron Goldschneider Angela MarĂa Gonzalez David Goodman
Dwayne Grannum Michele Grant Elizabeth Gross Kay Grossman Maria Luisa Guardiola Emre Gurer Mohamed Ben Halim Jonathan Hamilton William Hamilton Michael Hammel Lia Hannon Mary Hawryshkiw Suzanne and Christopher Hearsey Zachary Van Heel Michael Hemphill Ryan Hendriksen Mark Henkel Lenora Henry Jennifer Hermansky Cheryl Hess Harrison Hewlett Lisa Heyman David Hilbert Geoffrey Hindle Joshua Ho Frances Hoenigswald Ross Hoffman Scott Homan
Bill Hooper Kathryn Hughes Ryan Hupp Claire Iltis Nina Isaacson John Ivers Sophie Janney Jackie and Aram Jerrehian Candice Johnson Christopher Johnson Kathryn Johnson Anne Johnson Jessica Johnson Kelsey Halliday-Johnson Stefan Johnson Karl Jones Marcie Jordan Martin Kaelin Kevin Kahler Katherine Kaplan Robert Karpinski Johanna Kasimow Brian Kenny Benn Kershaw Josh Ketchum James Kietzman Caroline Kim Andrea Kirsh
35
International House Philadelphia
Vincent Kling Michael Knight Deenah Kogan Albrecht Koschnik Stefan Kratounov Patricia Kriger Daniel M. Kurtzman Kim Landry Linnea Langkammer Nancy Lentini Peter Lesnik Marsha Levell Arthur Levy Patricia Lewis Paul Lewis Yue Li Sidney Lingle Sheldon R. Lipson Ross Lipton Yeting Liu Pearl Lo Kilynn Lunsford Keith Lyons Tianyao Ma Rebecca Makas
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Claire Malecot Ian Maley Marco Roth Michelle Marcuse Brian Marino Esther Marshall Kristina Mattila Victor Sierra Matute Joseph McDonnell Kathleen McGettigan Timothy McMahon Ben McVoy Sharika Kalamveetil-Meethal Sarah Milinski Michael Mizrahi Annie Mok Kathryn Nania Maggie B. and Karl Nass Sam Nathanson Ben Neiditz Sherry Nelson Bryan Norris Ingrid Nugara Tristan Nunnally O’Brien & Gere
annual report 2016
Edidiong Okon Caitlin O’Neill Brian Ortelere Todd Outten Yolanda Pagano Richard Paiste Ana Kostich Emily Paiste Dejan Pantic Stephanie Park Todd Parker Carole and Kenneth Parker Harold Parker Tony Payton Beatriz Pena Aislinn Pentecost-Farren Sarvelia Peralta-Duran and Erik Nordgren Karl Perkins Ruth Perlmutter Judith Peters John Pettit SiNae Pitts and Vladislav Pilyavsky Roshini Ponnamperuma Lidia Procaccino Kaye Pyle
Giving
Kieran Quinn Arjun Ramakrishnan Aran Rana Eric Rauch Michael Rector Anthony Redman Gloria Reisman Judith Renzulli and Curtis Reitz Kali Rhodes Joshua Risbon Rose Ritts Alexander Rivkin Margaret Robinson Michael Robinson Ashley Robinson Elias Rodriques Meredith Rogers Barbara Rosin Sidney Rothstein John Rowland Eric Rugart Sherie Ruppersberger Maggie Rybak Judith Sachs Mark Salamant Gerardo Salazar-Borja Brittany Salen Joan Saltzman Alain Schremmer Kirsten Schuermann Grace Schuler Janice and Ernest Schulte William Schwaller Alexandra Seminara Leah Silverstein Jacob Sitowski Janice Smith Dena Solomon Alyssa Songsiridej James Specht Manuel Spitschan Carman Spoto Jonathan Stein Sarah Stippich Rebecca Stuhr Matthew Suib Anna Szlavi Kristian Taketomo Dorothy and Bryce Templeton Rebecca Tennenbaum
Anne Terrill Phillip Thierman Geraldine and John Tom Daniel Tucker Wallis and Laszlo Urmenyhazi Christel Urmenyhazi and Arthur Gold Marianne Ürményházi Christopher Vandegrift Linh Vu Ryan Walker Bob Walther Anna and David Wang Han Wang Ware College House University of Pennsylvania Shekeya Watkins Glenn Watson Karyl Weber Helma Weeks Travis Werlen James White Emma Wiggans H. Willow Madison Wilson Russell Woessner Leslie Wong Julia Workman Zhijun Xu Jenny and Henry C. Yang Lina and Leonard Yankelevich Ricardo Yanofsky Cathy Zabroski Mike Zaleski Russell Zerbo Wenjia Zhao Liankun Zhu
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International House Philadelphia
Alberta, Canada Berkeley, CA USA Chicago, IL USA Harrisburg, PA USA New York, NY USA Northern Arizona, USA San Diego, CA USA Washington DC, USA
Bucharest, Romania Goodenough College, London, UK London, UK Paris, France
Brisbane, Australia Darwin, Australia Melbourne, Australia Sydney, Australia Wollongong, Australia
International Houses Worldwide International Houses Worldwide is an affiliation of 17 International Houses unified by one mission: To provide students of different nationalities and diverse cultures with the opportunity to live and learn together in a community of mutual respect, understanding, and international friendship. The International Houses across the world are separate, nonprofit institutions united by one mission and providing long-and short-term accommodations. All International Houses give students and scholars the opportunity to live and learn in a diverse, inclusive environment. Each has an ambiance that nurtures understanding, dialogue, and friendship and enables cultural gaps to be bridged. At every International House, people with vastly divergent beliefs learn to accept differences in thought and tradition. Here they acquire intercultural skills that enhance their capacity as future leaders in the global community.
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The International House movement started in Philadelphia in 1910, born out of a realization that international students arriving in Philadelphia were facing challenges such as language barriers, prejudice, inadequate housing and isolation. After several locations, International House Philadelphia is now located in an award-winning facility at 3701 Chestnut Street in University City, which was built in 1970. It’s not unusual to find residents who have lived in more than one International House. The worldwide network provides opportunities to International House residents to join reunions and share resources, best practices and incentives. To learn more, visit
www.ihouseworldwide.org.
annual report 2016
boards BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BOARD OF DELEGATES
ALUMNI COUNCIL
Ludo C. P. Scheffer, PhD, Chair Steven J. Casper, Interim Treasurer Giacomo F. Cesareo, III, Secretary Constance W. Benoliel-Rock David Blumenfeld, Esq. Kristin E. Daly George M. Doolittle Marc Duey, MSc, MBA Amy E. Gadsden, PhD Curtis M. Hess, RPA Helga Levin Jason P. Lisi, Esq. Julie Mostov, PhD Louis Padulo, PhD James M. Papada, III Emily C. Riley Nataliya Rymer, Esq. John F. Smith, III, Esq. David C. U’Prichard, PhD Richard L. Veith
Samantha Lyons, Esq, Chair Mandi Bucceroni, Esq, Vice Chair Kristy Purnell, MBA, Secretary Vanyah M. Harrigan Michael Imperato Harold A. Mesa Lokesh Prabhu Mansoor Siddiqui Haofeng Tang Shaquana S. Watson-Harkness
Geert Jan Colijn, Chair Mehmet-Fatih Akay Julio Correa Sarvelia Peralta-Duran Chandrakant Gupta Christopher Hearsey, Esq. Cigdem Ogutveren – Knebel Karl L. E. Nass Carole Parker Quy Cory Quach
Honorary Trustees
EX-OFFICIO
Richard P. Brown Jr, Esq. Laurada B. Byers Hussein El-Sharkawy Graham S. Finney Robert I. Harries Josephine Klein William V. Larkin, EdD A. Bruce Mainwaring Frank J. Mechura, MBA Paul F. Miller, Jr. Thomas B. Morris, Jr, Esq. Herbert Rappaport, PhD Curtis R. Reitz, Esq. Edward J. Ryan Edward M. Satell
Rep. James R. Roebuck, Jr, PhD Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams
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International House Philadelphia
Staff EXECUTIVE & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING SERVICES & Operations
James M. Papada, III Interim President & CEO Glenn Martin, Chief Operating Officer Clara Fomich, Executive Assistant & Office Manager Shekeya Watkins, Alumni Relations Manager
Moshe Caspi, Director of Building Operations Raj Persad, Facilities & Maintenance Manager Al Towns, Facilities Supervisor David Gasonu, Maintenance Michael McQuaid, Maintenance Staff Amar Persad, Maintenance Staff Reginald Brown, Facilities Phillip Carter, Facilities Joseph Clinton, Facilities Sylvie Hoeto, Facilities Mirjana Janic, Facilities Yefim Klurfeld, Facilities Ana Luciano, Facilities Violetta Mehmeti, Facilities Linda Stanton, Facilities Larry Moore, Lead Security Waseem Al Juboori, Security Giora Azvolinksy, Security Lulzim Myrtaj, Security Ron Smith, Security Abubeker Tahir, Security Alex Rivkin, IT & S Manager Anna Wang, HR Coordinator
ADMISSIONS & RESIDENT SERVICES Andrew Fuller, Director of Admissions & Strategic Initiatives Edwin Garcia Ramos, Admissions Coordinator Emily C. Martin, Cashier & Admissions Coordinator Marlon Patton, Security & Front Desk Manager Shedine Sinclair, Front Desk Coordinator Robert Wooten, Front Desk Coordinator
PROGRAMS Sarah Christy, Director of Programs and Events Robert Cargni-Mitchell, Associate Director of Arts Deborah Sara Houda, Associate Director of Resident Life Jesse Pires, Program Curator Patrick DiGiacomo, Programs & Membership Manager James Fraatz, Production & House Manager Nana-Ama A. Kyeremeh, Conference Center & Events Manager Justine Heoreon An, Language Program Manager
BUSINESS OFFICE Lina Yankelevich, Finance Director Angela Bachman, Finance Manager
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COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Matthew J. Doherty, Director of Communications & Marketing Julio Perez Jr., Graphic Designer
annual report 2016
International House Philadelphia & International House Center Inc. Combined & Summarized Statements of Financial Position for Year Ended on June 30, 2016 and 2015. Assets
2016
Cash, Cash Equivalent & Short-Term Investments Accounts & Pledges Receivable Prepaid Expenses & Other Property & Equipment, Net Investments
Total Assets
2015
250,520 1,534,763 62,086 6,113,287 1,737,489
495,940 1,418,337 118,887 6,419,756 1,848,837
9,698,145
10,301,757
Liabilities & Net Assets
Current Liabilities Long-Term Liabilities
2,144,331 2,058,789
1,771,812 2,230,673
Total Liabilities
4,203,120
4,002,485
Undesignated Net Assets Board Designated Net Assets Temporarily Restricted Net Assets
1,060,879 1,737,489 2,696,657
1,671,057 1,848,837 2,779,378
Total Net Assets
5,495,025
6,299,272
9,698,145
10,301,757
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
Combined & Summarized Statements of Activities for Year Ended on June 30, 2016 and 2015. Revenue & Support
2016
2015
3,973,064 295,977 (11,087)
4,076,976 1,206,094 69,156
4,257,954
5,352,226
3,617,166 481,970 292,240
3,789,897 712,540 247,787
Total Expenses
4,391,376
4,750,224
NET
(133,422)
602,002
670,825
641,692
(804,247)
(39,690)
Program Revenues Contributions Unrestricted & Temporary Restricted Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments, net
Total Revenue & Support Expenses
Program Expenses General, Administrative, Marketing & Public Relations Research & Development
Depreciation, Amortization & Other
Change in Net Assets
Complete audited financial statements available upon request.
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3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA 1.215.387.5125 • www.ihousephilly.org
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