I-World Summer 2015 by International House Philadelphia

I - WORLD Summer 2015

Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of International House Philadelphia

ta b l e of c o n te n ts 2

BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS WITH OUR ALUMNI

IHP’S 54TH ANNUAL GLOBAL GALA: KOREA

Alumni Spotlight: John Park

IHP Honors resident leaders

IHP Resident Saif Al Saudi

15th annual lunar new year celebration

Consultant James Chan Inspires residents

leadership breakfast

Alumni News

Alumni visits and reunions

A message from resident life

Staying connected to the world of IHP Alumni

Upcoming IHP Alumni Reunions

M E S S AG E F R O M THE EDITOR I would like to welcome you to the latest issue of I-World. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about the exciting happenings at IHP and news from our fellow alumni. It has been almost 9 years since the very first issue of I-World was printed in August, 2006. Since then, I-World has been serving as a great tool for building a network within IHP’s growing global community. Every time I read I-World, it gives me great pleasure to hear about the whereabouts of the friends that I made during my stay at IHP. I believe this newsletter helps unite our alumni all across the world. It also brings everyone back to IHP, in spirit, if not in person. Since 2006, I have worked with Olga Fedorov, Nancy AbdelHalim, Simone Jeffers and Sarvelia Peralta-Duran, to publish I-World. The ball is now in Shekeya Watkins’ court. I would like to welcome Shekeya, the new Alumni Relations Manager at I-House, and wish her all the best in her position. Finally, I would like to thank all the alumni who shared their stories with us for this issue. Please keep in touch by contributing to I-World. Best regards from Turkey, M. Fatih Akay (IHP 2001-2005, Turkey)

Cover image: Gabrielle J. Mnkande (IHP resident, USA), Xiaolu “Lulu” Yuan (IHP resident, China), Kalbillah A. Galmai (IHP resident, USA/Chad/Niger), Payal Jain (IHP resident, India) Back cover image: Dad Nguyen (IHP resident, Vietnam), Marilia Alencar (IHP resident, Brazil),Yiting Yang (IHP resident, China), Gulçin Üge (IHP resident, Turkey), Raghavendra “Raghu” Prasad Paile (IHP resident, India), Catherine Wu (IHP resident, China) International House Philadelphia

B U I L D I N G S T R O N G E R C O NN E C T I O N S W I T H OU R A LU M N I It’s said the world is getting smaller as technology connects us through smart phones and wireless devices. I like to think of International House Philadelphia as the best connection you’ll ever make in a changing world, no matter where your life and career lead you. As IHP’s new Alumni Relations Manager, I’m excited about the opportunity to build a stronger, highly engaged global network of alumni that extends from Philadelphia to every corner of the world. Through our alumni network, we can connect with each other and sustain the meaningful friendships and relationships that you formed with fellow residents, IHP staff and the community during your time here.

the New York Metropolitan area – a “melting pot” of people and cultures – and raised in an ethnically diverse family. Through my experience in Higher Education, Development and Communications, I’ve learned the importance of connecting with peers, professional partners and students to foster positive relationships. I hope to apply my experience to build positive relationships with all of our alumni. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of you and I’ve been impressed by the strong common bond that our alumni share – a passion for diversity and for making a difference in the world.

Together, I believe we can do even more. Through a truly global network, we can leverage the amazing talents, insights and experience of our alumni to help current IHP residents become the leaders of tomorrow.

So as our world continues to get smaller, I hope you will join us in building a global alumni network that can build a brighter future for the world and for our House! I look forward to your ideas and your support.

And we can continue to support IHP’s ongoing mission to provide a diverse, welcoming community for students and scholars from around the world and encourage understanding, respect, and cooperation among people of all nations.

Thanks to technology, we can connect via email at ShekeyaW@ihphilly.org or by phone at 215 895-6598. And if you’re ever in Philadelphia, please stop in to see me.

Since I’m new, I’d like to share a few things about myself. I joined IHP in February 2015 because I’m passionate about promoting multiculturalism, and I believe in IHP’s vital mission. I was born in

Shekeya Watkins Alumni Relations Manager

Sincerely,

I H P ’S 5 4 T H A NN U A L G L O B A L G A L A : KO R E A Global Gala: Korea was the red carpet event of the year as several hundred supporters, friends, residents and members of International House Philadelphia came together on Saturday, May 9, 2015 to support IHP’s vital mission. The sold-out, black-tie affair on a brilliant, sunny evening kicked off with a cocktail hour on IHP’s outdoor patio, where authentic Korean beverages and hors d’oeuvres were served to all. Smiling partygoers mixed and mingled to enchanting Korean music. Some wore beautiful Hanbok, traditional Korean dresses, that were admired and photographed.

Resident-Members & Guests of IHP at the After-Party

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the staff and residents of International House Philadelphia, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you for coming tonight,” she said in her welcoming address. “It’s great to see so many friends and supporters of International House Philadelphia, where we are bringing the world together! Tanya emphasized the vital role that IHP plays in Philadelphia and in the global community. She said, “Thanks to your generous support tonight and throughout the year, we can carry on our mission, which is:

The gala then moved indoors to IHP’s Galleria, where everyone enjoyed appetizers and a seated, Korean family-style dinner in a colorful, festive setting.

• To maintain a diverse and welcoming community for scholars from around the world and introduce them to the American experience;

Alex Holley, co-host of Good Day Philadelphia on Fox 29 TV, served as emcee during the dinner. She shared with the audience that being at IHP for the Gala was like flying to Korea for one enchanted evening.

• To broaden the horizons of our residents and the Greater Philadelphia community through our international arts and humanities programs; and

“Like you, I’m here tonight because International House Philadelphia is a special place – a place that fosters diversity and the ideal that people of all cultures and nations can live in harmony and learn from others,” Alex said. IHP President and CEO Tanya Steinberg welcomed guests and thanked them for supporting International House Philadelphia.

International House Philadelphia

• To encourage understanding, respect and cooperation among people of all nations.” The next speaker was Timothy Haahs, a distinguished Korean American, a supporter of IHP and a renowned architect and philanthropist. He presented the night’s honoree, City Councilman At-Large David Oh, his friend since childhood.

Third from the left: Tanya Steinberg greets Honoree David Oh and his wife, Heesun Oh Councilman Oh, a Korean-American and the first Asian-American elected to political office in Philadelphia, spoke eloquently about the American dream of freedom and democracy and the important role IHP in playing in welcoming and introducing its residents to America. Councilman Oh concluded: “IHP is a wonderful part of Philadelphia’s history. Tonight is about celebrating the great work of IHP.” As the dinner concluded, Gamin, a Korean musician, led the throng into the After-Party in the Ibrahim Theater as she played the piri, a double reed instrument. The After-Party featured desserts, live dance and vocal performances, a DJ spinning “K-Pop” and dance music, and late night karaoke in two languages – English and Korean. IHP thanks all of the contributors, people and organizations that made Global Gala: Korea a success. This year’s sponsors were Wells Fargo, the University of Pennsylvania, Progressive Business Publications, Drexel University, Temple University, Elliot Lewis, PNC Bank and Tim Haahs. Greenberg Traurig, LLP was the Invitation Printing Sponsor. Odell Studner Brokers was the Dessert Sponsor; Daejin Enterprise was the Beverage Sponsor; and Ludo Scheffer and Intercultural Journeys were the Entertainment Sponsors. Special thanks also to all of the Silent Auction contributors.

Resident-Member and Gala guest Kristin Daly 4

Dinner at IHP Global Gala: Korea

Gayageum performance by Do Yeon Kim International House Philadelphia

Architect Tim Haahs (center) with IHP Korean Advisor and Gala Outreach Coordinator Justine Heoreon An

Agnes Akiko Kan (IHP 1985, Japan ) and husband Dr. Orhan Tuncay (far left) 6

A l um n i S pot l ight: J oh n Park

IHP 2006-2007, Korea/United States John Park, 31, is a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. He’s pursuing a career in diplomacy after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. John says he’s always thinking about the future; that he plans his life at least two to three years in advance; and that he is “bit of a perfectionist.” When he’s not practicing diplomacy, he “enjoys coming up with corny jokes, cooking Asian food, practicing yoga, meditating, reading nonfiction, and secretly dreams about being a stay-athome dad.” His wife, Xiaolu “Lulu” Yuan, was an IHP resident this year and served as a resident advisor. Where are you from originally? I was born in Seoul, Korea but grew up in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. How did you learn about International House Philadelphia? During my junior year at Penn, I lived on 36th and Sansom Street and would walk by IHP. There always seemed to be something going on there, whether it was a barbecue or cultural event, and people seemed to be having a good time. John Park with his wife Xiaolu “Lulu” Yuan

“A s N elson M andela said, ‘I f you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. I f you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.’ I can now speak to the heart in three languages other than E nglish.”

International House Philadelphia

Why did you decide to live at IHP? For my last year at Penn, I was looking for a fresh start and friends outside my school. I chose IHP for three reasons. First, I liked the idea of being able to live with people from all over the world and from several different schools in the area. In my suite, I lived next to doctors, English students, artists, and students from seven different countries and three universities. Second, as an architecture student, I liked the layout of the suites. Third, you couldn’t beat the price for a prime location in University City. Tell me about your time at IHP. It was an education, a job, and plain old fun all wrapped into one. I moved into IHP in May 2006 and became a resident advisor a few months later. As a resident advisor, I enjoyed getting to know residents in the café or during IHP-sponsored events and trips. I’m thankful to Glenn Martin and Deborah Houda for giving an introvert like me the opportunity of a lifetime. I can honestly say that some of my best college memories were at IHP. On a typical evening or weekend, in addition to studying, I may have been learning how to play mahjong (a Chinese tile game) or make onigiri (Japanese rice balls). By the time I graduated from Penn, I was sad to leave my new home and friends.

John Park (fourth from right) at a student conference on urban regeneration with honored guest His Royal Highness Prince Charles (second from right)

What was your most memorable experience at IHP? I’d have to say participating in a roundtable discussion about urban renewal in foreign countries. It was an interesting debate with students of various academic backgrounds, and we had the opportunity to meet and speak with Prince Charles. As an architecture student, it was inspiring for me to hear Prince Charles speak about the importance of sustainable design in preserving the natural environment for future generations. What did you take away from your experience living at IHP? I gained a new perspective. As I got to know other residents, I learned about their respective cultures. I began to see the differences in our values, how other people see life, and how we live our lives. Seeing this gave me a better perspective on my own life and opened my mind to more than one way of thinking. Did your IHP experience affect your life? It changed my life path, my career and my world view. Instead of heading to graduate school for architecture, my experience at IHP inspired me to travel abroad. So I sold most of my stuff, packed my bags, and moved to Japan, where I could learn more about traditional Japanese architecture and support myself by working as an English teacher. After a year in Japan, I applied to the Peace Corps, where I served two years in rural China, met my wife, Lulu, and learned how to speak Mandarin. Near the end of my service, I passed the Foreign Service Officer Test and received an offer to join the next class of diplomats. Lulu and I then spent two years in Taipei, Taiwan. I’m currently working in Washington D.C. as we prepare for my next assignment in Osaka, Japan this summer.

My experiences as a resident advisor are still helping me today. When coordinating an Embassy Fourth of July reception for more than 600 people, I recall how we organized the first Korean Winter Festival at IHP. When managing the logistics for a Congressional visit with a 10-vehicle motorcade, I think back to when I organized IHP ski trips by the busload to the Poconos. What I’m doing now is different in scope and scale, but there are similarities. After my experiences at IHP and abroad, I feel less bound to the perspective of the culture and environment I grew up in. I can sympathize with and understand others more easily. As Nelson Mandela said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” I can now speak to the heart in three languages other than English. I know that wherever I go, I will be able to keep an open mind and experience things as they are. What’s your advice for new IHP residents or someone who’s considering living here? As I told my wife, Lulu, be open to the people you’ll meet and the experiences you’ll have in IHP. You will have a wonderful time and learn so much.

Marzia Nespeca (IHP resident, Italy), Lea Fischer (IHP resident, Switzerland), and Marcia Ajenjo (IHP resident, Spain)

IHP HONORS RESIDENT LEADERS The outstanding leaders honored at the Spring Farewell Party and Awards came from different countries, but they shared a common bond – they embodied the ideals that make International House Philadelphia such a special place to live. Naga Lakshmi Bhagavatula (IHP 2014-2015, India), won the Resident Leadership Award. Naga displayed leadership in a range of activities, including a presentation on life at IHP that she prepared for the Board of Trustees. She also helped design the women’s leadership initiative. Naga, 27, graduated this spring from the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Master of Law degree. “I loved living in IHP because it offers many opportunities for international students,” she said. Livia “Liv” Finoti (IHP 2014-2015, Brazil) received the Resident Ambassador Award. Livia, 28, distinguished herself as a community assistant in the Satell Study Center and Computer Lab at IHP. While living here, she was enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. “Having the chance to help people was really rewarding,” she said. Shakim (Azari Jacquan) Smith (IHP 2014-2015, United States) received the Most Involved Resident Award. He helped resident advisors plan many events for his peers. Shakim, 20, is studying Theater and two languages – Japanese and Spanish – at the Community College of Philadelphia and plans to enroll at Temple University to study vocal performance. “Living here has been a great experience for me,” he said.

International House Philadelphia

Kalbillah A. Galmai (IHP 2012-2015, Chad) received a Resident Advisor Award. The 29-year old served as a resident advisor for two years. “When I arrived here, people at IHP were warm and friendly and helped me settle into a new city,” said Kalbillah, who studied Biomedical Sciences and Genetics at Drexel University. “As a resident advisor, I had a chance to give back with that same attitude.” Xiaolu “Lulu” Yuan (IHP 2014-2015, China) also received a Resident Advisor Award. Lulu, 32, served as a resident advisor for almost a year. She organized IHP’s annual Lunar New Year celebration and enjoyed helping the residents of her floor on a daily basis. “I loved being a resident advisor and living here,” said Lulu, who studied liberal arts with a focus on health and education at the University of Pennsylvania. “Many of the events enriched my life and I made so many friends.” Two other residents were recognized for their achievements: Saif H. Al Saudi (IHP 2014-2015, Iraq) for winning a 2015 Davis Projects for Peace grant (see story on Page 10); and Haofeng “Edward” Tang (IHP 2013-2015, China) for philanthropy. Edward, a Drexel University student, made donations to IHP’s Residential Life Fund, the Resident Emergency Fund and the Arts and Culture Fund, among others. Over 150 Resident-Members attended the Spring Farewell Party, which was held on April 24, 2015 and included keynote remarks by former IHP Board Chair Osagie Imasogie. The Resident Activities and Advisory Center organized the celebration.

I H P R eside n t S aif A l S audi W i n s Dav is P roje c ts for P ea c e Award Saif Al Saudi (IHP resident, Iraq), wants to help bring peace and understanding to his war-torn country. He is thousands of miles away from Iraq but thoughts about his homeland are always close to his heart. “I come from a country that is living through a war against terrorism,” said Saif, a 29-year-old student who moved to International House Philadelphia in April 2014. Saif was working as a pharmacist in the Iraqi city of Fallujah before he came to the United States to further his education. He says one reason for the violence in Iraq is the problem of “misunderstanding and miscommunication between people,” so he wants to do something to change that. Now he has a chance. Saif has received a 2015 Davis Projects for Peace grant for a project that he hopes will bring people of all nationalities closer together in building a better understanding between peoples. Using the $10,000 grant, he will create a video that he plans to post on Facebook and social media. His goal is to reach thousands of people in Iraq and around the world with a message of peace and understanding. His video will feature international students from IHP. The students will each hold the flag of their own country in one hand and the Iraqi flag in the other hand. “They will deliver a message about how people can be different and still live together in one country peacefully,” said Saif, who plans to feature an Iraqi peace song that will be performed by popular Iraqi rock band. Saif, who came to Philadelphia to pursue his Master’s degree in Business Administration at Drexel University, plans to advertise the video and track the number of shares and views it generates. He will begin production this summer and expects to shoot the video in Philadelphia and Virginia. As a resident advisor at IHP, Saif learned about Davis Projects for Peace last fall when the RA staff organized an orientation about the opportunity. He decided to apply for the grant and began working closely with Glenn Martin, IHP’s Chief Operating Officer, to complete the application process and his proposal by January 2015. He was excited to learn in March 2015 that his proposal had been approved for a coveted grant.

Saif Al Saudi (IHP resident, Iraq)

“I’ ve learned so much at I nternational H ouse, which brings different people together .” Projects for Peace is open to students living at International Houses around the world and to students at partner schools in the Davis United World College Scholars Program. Grant recipients design their own grassroots projects to promote peace and address the root causes of conflict among parties. Kathryn W. Davis, a lifelong internationalist and philanthropist, created Projects for Peace. She and her husband, Ambassador Shelby Cullom Davis, both lived at International House New York while attending Columbia University in 1929-30. Mrs. Davis died in 2013 at 106 years of age, but her legacy lives on through students like Saif and their projects. “I’ve learned so much at International House, which brings different people together,” Saif concluded. “I hope my video will have a positive effect on everybody who watches it, especially Iraqis. When a conversation starts, I believe peace can start.” For more information, visit davisprojectsforpeace.org.

1 5 T H A NN U A L LU NA R N EW Y EA R C E L E B R AT I O N IHP residents and guests roared in excitement as the sound of drums filled the Ibrahim Theater to open International House Philadelphia’s 15th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration. More than 200 guests, the largest crowd in the event’s history, celebrated the “Year of the Sheep” on February 20, 2015. The festive event featured authentic Chinese cuisine, an array of traditional and modern performances, martial arts, games and prizes. The “Year of the Sheep” symbolizes peace and harmony, and is said to herald in a more calm and serene atmosphere. Resident Advisor Xiaolu “Lulu” Yuan (IHP 2014-2015, China) helped organize this year’s celebration. She said the event made her and fellow Chinese residents feel “closer to home” while sharing a taste of their culture with others. “It means a lot to those of us who usually celebrate this holiday at home with our families,” Yuan said. “The authentic decorations, delicious food, and red envelopes were all reminiscent of home. This year, instead of feeling homesick, I could feel the spirit of the holiday at IHP.” “In China and many other countries in Asia, this is the most important holiday of the year,” she said. “I was very happy to see people from IHP and the Greater Philadelphia community come together to celebrate this event.” International House Philadelphia

C O N S U LTA N T JAMES CHAN INSPIRES IHP RESIDENTS When companies want expert insights on international sales and marketing, especially in Asia, they often turn to James Chan, a renowned consultant who left Hong Kong in 1971 to come to the United States. “I had to go to America, I had to find my life path,” Chan said in an enthralling presentation to IHP residents and guests in February 2015. The theme of his presentation was “Maximizing Your American Experience: Life Stories of Succeeding in a Foreign Environment.” Chan’s life in the U.S. has been a rewarding journey paved with success. He discussed how he transformed himself from a shy, clueless foreign student and immigrant into a leading management consultant advising Fortune 500 companies. He also recounted personal stories of hardships, self-discovery and psychological transformations that enabled him to succeed. “James Chan was a great inspiration to our residents,” IHP President and CEO Tanya Steinberg said. “He shared meaningful experiences from his own life, and he helped everyone see that there is always a way to succeed… that perseverance and hard work pay off.” Chan came to the United States in 1971 to pursue a Master’s degree in Geography at the University of Chicago. “I was always interested in nations,” he recalled. After earnings his Master’s, he enrolled in the University of Michigan, where he received his PhD in Geography in 1977. He served as a visiting Assistant Professor of Geography at Boston University and a visiting Associate Professor of Geography at the State University of New York at Cortland before moving into the business world in 1981. That was the year he became China Area Manager and International Promotion Manager for Academic Press, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of publishing giant Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. His job involved marketing and selling high-level scientific, technical and medical books and journals to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia. Two years later, Chan made the decision that changed his career and his life – he founded Asia Marketing and Management, his independent consultancy. He advises U.S. manufacturers and service firms on marketing American-made precision-engineered

Resident-Member with speaker James Chan industrial parts and components, scientific information and financial services to Asia. During his career, Chan has advised more than 100 U.S. clients ranging from Lockheed Martin and Westinghouse Electric Corporation to small privately-held companies and trade associations. He also authored the book, Spare Room Tycoon: Succeeding Independently, the 70 Lessons of Sane Self-Employment. Chan describes it as a book on the “not-so-obvious skills of starting, running and sustaining a successful independent business.” During his IHP presentation, Chan discussed the book and what S.P.A.R.E. means to him. S.P.A.RE. encompasses self-knowledge, passion, action, realization, and evolution. Chan says those elements “work like the five strokes of an unending cycle of activity that drives the spare room tycoon.” James M. Papada, III, Chairman of IHP’s Board of Trustees, first introduced Chan to our organization, Steinberg said. “James Chan has become a good friend to our IHP community over the years and he has also helped us bring in corporate sponsors like UPS,” Steinberg concluded. “His presentation was amazing.” An animated public speaker, Chan also answered questions from the audience in the Ibrahim Theater. More than 75 ResidentMembers and guests attended his presentation.

Megan E. Watson and IHP Resident-Member Fumika Nakagawa (IHP 2014-2015, Japan)

LEADERSHIP B R E A K FA S T Equality in the workplace can be a challenge for women as they pursue careers, a leading Philadelphia lawyer told IHP residents at the Leadership Breakfast on February 18, 2015. Guest speaker Megan E. Watson, a partner at Berner, Klaw & Watson LLP, a women-owned firm that specializes in family law, shared her perspective on equality and other topics, including work/life balance and mentorship. Watson, a graduate of Temple University School of Law, joined the firm, formerly known as Berner & Klaw, in 1994 as a summer law clerk and became a partner in 2006. She has been recognized as a Pennsylvania “Super Lawyer” and has received numerous awards. IHP President and CEO Tanya Steinberg hosted the event, which included a question-and-answer session.

International House Philadelphia

IHP resident Lei Pei (IHP, resident, China) said she found the forum to be compelling and informative. “I think there are so many misconceptions about what women can do,” Pei said. “It got me thinking about what I can do to promote women’s equality in my field.” Pei, who is studying engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, added that she hopes to apply what she learned at the forum as she pursues her profession. Watson is passionate about children, family and civility and enjoys helping clients resolve legal issues. As a lawyer and as a mother of two children, she also gives back to the community through volunteer service and pro-bono work. IHP resident Naga Lakshmi Bhagavatula (IHP 2014-2015, India) said she “really appreciated” the Leadership Breakfast, which she found to be stimulating and thought-provoking. If you’re interested in serving as guest speaker, please contact the Alumni Relations Department at (215) 895-6598 or iworld@ihphilly.org.

A l um n i News Fabio Vilas-Boas MD, PhD, FACC (IHP 1988-1990, Brazil) Dr. Vilas-Boas was appointed Health Secretary of the State of Bahia in Brazil in January 2015. He is a leading cardiologist in Brazil and an internationally recognized opinion leader in the field of Cardiology. His research interests are in heart failure and atherosclerosis, particularly the role of inflammation and cardiac imaging. Over the last 10 years, he has presented or published more than 30 original papers, book chapters and books. He has worked as principal or co-investigator in more than 30 clinical trials and given lectures around the world. Dr. Vilas-Boas is a pioneer in the study of stem cells in Chagas Disease. In 2011, he was elected a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. In 2012, he became a Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology. In 2013, he became a Fellow of the Society of Cardiac Computed Tomography.

M. Fatih Akay (IHP 2001-2005, Turkey) Fatih and his research team attended the Second International Symposium on Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Applications, which was held last November at Girne American University in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Fatih chaired one of the technical sessions in the symposium. Members of his team presented papers about the applications of artificial intelligence in the medical and sports field.

Vitor Miranda (IHP 2008-2009, Brazil) Vitor married Janina Seubert (IHP 2008-2009, Germany) in 2013. They met in 2009 when they were both IHP residents. Vitor and Janina moved to Stockholm, Sweden almost a year ago after he completed his PhD and she received a job offer there. He says life in Sweden is great: “We love the city, especially its many lakes and green spaces, and we are even learning how to speak Swedish!”

Kejia Wu (IHP 2008-2012, China) Kejia Wu and Lan Mi married September 22, 2014 on Makena Beach, Maui Island, Hawaii. Kejia is currently working as a Financial Analyst at BlackRock in Philadelphia.

IHP Alumni – We Want to Hear From You! If you have news to share, please send your submissions to iworld@ihphilly.org, or contact Shekeya Watkins, Alumni Relations Manager, at (215) 895-6598. Include your name, the years you resided at IHP and the country where you’re from. Photos in JPEG format are welcome, with a caption. 14

A LU M N I V I S I TS A N D R EU N I O NS Jan Colijn (IHP 1970-1975, Netherlands) and his wife Sarah recently hosted a small, informal reunion of IHP residents and friends at their home in Philadelphia. The group had a wonderful evening of sharing remembrances and catching up with one another. “The years at IHP were among the best of our lives, but they also continue to bear fruit in the deep bonds we forged decades ago,” Jan told us. Left to right: Jan Colijn (IHP, 1970-1975, Netherlands); Jacqueline Yates; Fred Al-Nakib (IHP 1971, Iraq); Hussein El Sharkawy (IHP 1971, Egypt) retired Vice President of American University in Cairo; Andrzej Zlotnicki (standing); Ernest Yates (IHP 1972, Netherlands); and Johanna Nieuwland (IHP 1973-1975, Netherlands). Enrico Lamet, (IHP 1950s, Austria), author of “A Gift from the Enemy,” returned to IHP for the first time in more than 50 years. Enrico and his wife, Cookie, visited for more than two hours. Born in Vienna and raised in Italy, Enrico recounted stories of growing up in Italy as a young Jewish boy during World War II. He also shared old pictures and warm memories of living at the original International House on 3905 Spruce St. Enrico said he formed life-long friendships with 45 residents that he met at IHP. Left to right, front row: Carole Parker (IHP retired staff member); Cookie Lamet; Enrico L. Lamet; Sarvelia Peralta-Duran (IHP 1998-2002, Mexico) Back row: IHP President and CEO Tanya Steinberg; Jan Colijn (IHP 1970-1975, Netherlands). “I enjoyed meeting Nyles Grey (IHP 1990, United States) when he stopped in to visit us in March,” said Shekeya Watkins, Alumni Relations Manager.

IHP President and CEO Tanya Steinberg (right) welcomed some familiar faces back to IHP. From left: Jan Colijn (IHP 1970-1975, Netherlands); Carole Parker (retired IHP staff member); Hussein El Sharkawy (IHP 1971, Egypt); and Sarvelia Peralta-Duran (IHP 1998-2002, Mexico).

Shiomi Katsumori (IHP 2013, Japan) visited IHP recently. Left to Right: Michael T. Beachem, IV, Associate Director of Resident Life; IHP Resident Advisor Kalbillah Galmai (IHP 2012-2015, Chad); Shiomi Katsumori; and Shekeya Watkins, IHP Alumni Relations Manager.

International House Philadelphia

Charles Yoon (IHP 1990s, Korea) met with IHP President and CEO Tanya Steinberg (left), and Alumni Relations Manager Shekeya Watkins (right).

Minon Koshiji (IHP 1997-2000, Japan) visited IHP recently. Left to right: Hector Rosales, her husband; Minon Koshiji; and Shekeya Watkins, Alumni Relations Manager.

Nikolai Fomich, a former volunteer teacher for IHP and the son of IHP staff member Clara Fomich, visited IHP with his fiancĂŠe, Min Wang (IHP 2007, China), former Resident Adviser. They plan to get married this year.

Generations of IHP residents returned to the House for the 54th Global Gala: Korea, among them were Charles Yoon (IHP 1990s, Korea) and Ahlam Sabri, MD, MPH, (IHP 20102011, Morocco)

M. Fatih Akay (IHP 2001-2005, Turkey) got together with friends from his years in Philadelphia: Umut Yesilmen, (IHP 2003-2005, Turkey), who currently lives in Istanbul, and Mete Gozen, who resides in Izmir, Turkey. The trio met in Northern Cyprus, where Fatih was attending the Second International Symposium on Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Applications, where he chaired one of the technical sessions.

The Resident Activities and Advisory Center (RAAC) staff in May at the 54th Global Gala: Korea. From left to right: A House RA Niloofar Gholamrezaei (Iran); Associate Director of Resident Life – Michael T. Beachem, IV (USA); D House RA Anna Fortune Katenta (USA/Uganda); E House RA Saif H. Al Saudi (Iraq); C House RA Payal Jain (India); J House and Apts. RA Raghavendra “Raghu” Prasad Palle (India); G House RA Xiaolu “Lulu” Yuan (China); F House RA Gabrielle J. Mnkande (USA); H House RA Soheil Fakhrieh Kashan (Iran); and B House RA Kalbillah A. Galmai (USA/Chad/Niger)

A M E S S AG E F R O M R E S I D E N T L I F E As new apartment buildings continue to change the landscape of University City, International House Philadelphia continues to attract students and scholars from around the world by providing a diverse, welcoming community for them, as we have for more than a century. From my perspective, one of IHP’s greatest assets is our strong residential program. It sets us apart from neighboring facilities and makes our House an amazing place to live and learn. Through our Resident Activities and Advisory Center (R.A.A.C), we strive to help residents acclimate to their new environment and build long-lasting leadership skills that will complement their academic areas of study. We accomplish this with our strong and supportive residential services team and a great team of resident advisors (RAs), who are dedicated to helping others. This past year, our RAs were leaders and role models, and they made life better for the hundreds of residents who chose to stay at IHP. Our accomplished team of RAs included outstanding men and women from countries including Chad, China, India, Iran, Iraq, Niger, Uganda and the United States. In addition to enjoying myriad activities and programs, including free access to hundreds of international films and cultural events, our resident-members were inspired this year by several keynote speakers. The speakers included Todd Cohen at our September Welcome Reception and Osagi Imasogie, a former IHP Board Chair, at our Farewell and Awards ceremony in May. We were also happy to welcome James Chan prior to Lunar New Year to share International House Philadelphia

his perspectives on succeeding in a foreign environment. This issue of I-World featured stories on some of the many events that brought our mission to life in the past year – events ranging from the Lunar New Year Celebration to our Leadership Breakfast, a new initiative. Other new events included Nowruz, a Middle Eastern celebration of New Year. We also expanded L.G.B.T. Pride Day, which allowed many local college students to see IHP for the first time. As we prepare for the new academic year this fall, R.A.A.C. is moving into IHP’s programming office on the second floor of our building to enhance the alignment and development of programs for resident members. If you are in the Philadelphia area or planning to visit the city this month, I invite you to attend our second annual Resident and Alumni Art Show, which will be held on June 17, 2015 at 7 p.m. The show will be curated by our 2014 Resident Advisor of the Year, Niloofar Gholamrezaei, and resident member Chelsea Dombroskie. As always, I want to invite our alumni to visit us, or contact us if you’re interested in sharing your experience and your words of wisdom with our resident members. It means a lot to them and it’s a meaningful way for you to give back to IHP. Sincerely, Michael T. Beachem, IV Associate Director Resident Life

S TAY I N G C O NN E C T E D T O T H E WO R L D O F I H P A LU M N I I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading this issue of I-World. It’s one of many ways to stay connected with IHP. You can follow IHP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ihousephilly or visit our website at www.ihousephilly.org to get the latest news. You can reach out by phone or email to Shekeya Watkins, our Alumni Relations Manager, who shared her contact information with you in this issue. As someone who works very closely with Shekeya, I know she will be there for you if you need anything from us. If you enjoy building more personal connections, as I do, don’t hesitate to visit us whenever you’re in Philadelphia. Shekeya and I would love to meet you and learn more about what you’re doing. As an international student, I have a deep appreciation for all of

our alumni and your past, present and future stake in IHP. So I want to thank you for everything you’ve done over the years to make this House a special place that brings our international residents, members and alumni together. I hope to meet some of you at IHP’s Annual Alumni Reunion on Saturday, June 13, 2015, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. If you can’t attend, I look forward to connecting with you in the months and years to come. Until then, don’t be strangers. Stay in touch, and please keep sending your submissions and photos to I-World because you matter to everyone at IHP, The House Where The World Lives. Best regards, Margarita Queralt Mirkil Director of Development and Alumni Relations

U P CO M I NG I H P A LU M N I R EU N I O NS IHP’s Annual Alumni Reunion Saturday, June 13, 2015 • 12pm to 2pm For more information, visit www.ihousephilly.org/reunion2015 Joint Reunion and Reception for Alumni of International Houses Worldwide Saturday, June 27, 2015 • 5:30pm to 7:30pm Hosted by International House Berkeley at California Memorial Stadium 18

3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

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

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