YEAR IN REVIEW 2017-2018
IH REVIEW TABLE OF CONTENTS 02
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
03
IHWW BUCHAREST
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IHSC PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
06
BROTHERHOOD BRUNCH
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ALUMNI REUNIONS
10
YURIKA’S BIG DAY
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HOUSIES AROUND THE WORLD
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U.S. EXCHANGER
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PEACE & UNDERSTANDING
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STUDENT AMBASSADORS
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ROTARY ROUNDUP
02
06
20 RENOVATIONS 22
SOIRÉE 2017
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IH FAST FACTS
25 FINANCE 26
SR TEAM BUILDING
27
COLLEGE LIFE
28
FOND FAREWELLS
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DIRECTOR’S REPORT
H O U S I E
Housies - a snapshot for 2017/8 100% occupancy | 35 nationalities 60 tutorials/week | 100 residents attending 66 residents with a GPA 6 + |7 with a GPA 7 Average GPA 5.5
Our old buildings have finally all been refurbished. At the end of last year we renovated the remaining G Tower rooms with all new sliding glass and screen doors. The stairwells and hallways have received a new floor treatment and the old louvres at the ends have been replaced by windows in line with the other towers. LED lighting and Wifi upgrades continue to be implemented. Our next project will be the Bathrooms in H and I Towers built in 1999. UQ continues to be a strong supporter of IH and we appreciate our involvement on various working parties and committees, being included in graduations and other ceremonies, being a preferred accommodation provider and by being included in UQ’s marketing and advancement opportunities. The UQ Senate sub-committee looking at a contemporary relationship between UQ and the residential colleges is a welcomed initiative. Sexual Misconduct within the university and residential college sector was highlighted in the Respect Now Always survey and report in 2017. A Zero Tolerance approach necessitated a cultural change supported by focussed policies and procedures, specialised training, education and professional development and by being trauma informed. IH embraces these initiatives as they are closely aligned with our value base of the IH Way. IHWW Inc. (International Houses Worldwide) had its Director’s Conference in Bucharest, Romania from 23rd June to 1 July. It is always an exceptional gathering of like-minded people. Bucharest is the newest member of the group and it is truly inspiring to witness an I-House emerge from such a different historical and political backdrop. Engaging with our IH Alumni is always a pleasure! For the alumni of my tenure at IH it is wonderful to see their positive journeys unfold with their developing professions and careers, their worldwide travels and connections (and IH Friendships), and their relationships and for some their growing families. Love Facebook for keeping in touch! Recently I enjoyed visiting Toowoomba, having a reunion at IH and travelling to Singapore to get re-acquainted.
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IHWW BUCHAREST 23 Jun - 1 July 2017
After a long and tiring 30 hours in transit the arrival at Bucharest airport could not have been warmer, literally and figuratively. With the summertime temperatures averaging around 34-37°C the first stop on the program was the ski resort town of Poiana Brasov. This breathtaking mountain locale provided a grateful respite from the heat as well as being an ideal base for touring within the region. Day one began early with Breakfast and the first of the Conference Sessions. Friends and partners then joined delegates for a trip to the beautiful Catacuzino Castle for a private lunch and classical music performance. The afternoon was spent touring Peles Castle and the town of Sinaia. Unveiling the heart of Transalvania, the second day saw a trip to Viscri complete with traditional wagon ride, tour of Sighisoara Medieval Fortress and dinner in Malancrav. The following day’s highlights included a guided tour of Rasnov Castle and of course, no trip to Transalvania would be complete without a private tour of the infamous Bran (a.k.a Dracula’s) Castle followed by lunch before returning to the hotel. Returning to the capital, after an action packed few days, the delegates were given the great honour of being the first to check into the new I-House Bucharest (Hotel). A brief tour of the city followed before it was time to get down to some serious business! Several days discussion on management, leadership and the resident experience wrapped up the conference for this year. The welcome extended by Ioan Bejan (IH Bucharest) made for a thoroughly enjoyable visit. The history, culture and the friendliness of the Romanian people exceeded all expectations and left a lasting impression on all who attended.
The Directors of the International Houses meet formally every 18 months. The global conference provides an opportunity for the Directors to participate in a variety of workshops and discuss emerging trends in best business practice in residential accommodation. 3
IH Student Club President’s Report 2017 This recap touches on the events of the year and highlights the best parts in my eyes. - George ‘Tarzan’ Britchford
in our time of need. At the pool, the players fought valiantly against not only the players but also the elements as it rained heavily at the games.
Bandfest this year was a spectacular event. Amazingly well organised by our Bandfest convenors Yurika and Lilli. The night progressed wonderfully: Drinks flowed, music blasted and everyone had a wonderful time listening to the musical stylings of the IH band with Mike Hua even practically jumping into the impassioned crowd! The night ended with the Bandfest Girls tossing shirts to the crowds of groupies below. What a night!
Our Sunday Supper convenors kept the auspicious IH tradition of a Sunday night feast alive this year with regular and timely desserts supplied to sleep-deprived and study-crammed residents. Throughout my 3 years at IH, this year’s Sunday Supper convenors Mitchelle Chigumira and Kai Lynn Choong were some of the most prolific and popular. Bravo!
Soirée 2017 was a resplendent display of food, dance and decoration. May and NuNu did an amazing job and I am immensely proud that the entire college banded together to make this event happen. Using the college as a backdrop, the girls wove a stunning tapestry of international drinks, foods, decorations, entertainment and costume. Pieter van der Have sang traditional Australian tunes, and we had the beautiful Keziah and Edith (Alumni) bellydance. African Dancing as well as a modern day rendition of the timeless Can-Can were performed. Down by Games Room, IH was visited by some furry and feathery friends and on B-lawn we had games from all around the world. All in all, it was an amazing event and my heart welled with pride to see every Housie contribute in some way.
The unsung heroes, the charity convenors raised money for Rotary Youth Foundation and at Peace & Understanding, a significant sum of money was donated to the Australian Red Cross. This is a huge achievement as everyone knows it’s no easy feat getting charity donations but I must say that Maya Reid was the most successful I’ve seen in years. My favourite moment this year however, would have had to be Brotherhood in O-week having all my exec around me while we led all the drenched, eager new Housies through this tradition was definitely the highlight of my week. Despite being exhausted, new and unsure of each other (both exec and freshers combined!) both parties pulled through, and made it one of the most successful O-weeks ever!
Sports: This year’s Swimming Carnival saw Chermaine Chan and Geetha Bheema really rise to the occasion with both ladies swimming in races which they had never competed in before! These two girls, in my eyes, really displayed the Housie spirit and gave it a good go. Even though neither of them placed, we couldn't be prouder of them.
Thank you all for an amazing year!
Volleyball - I love this sport. Every year, IH is in a league of its own when it comes to the skill and power of its volleyball players. If there’s ever a sport to watch IH play (and let’s be honest here, every sport is worth watching), then this is it. Brutal serves, accurate sets and digs lower than a snake’s belly this sport has it all and the way IH plays it is the way it was meant to be played! Normally Waterpolo isn’t a terribly popular sport however this year, after a call for aid, we had a surplus of players (a surplus!) who banded together 4
e t a i c o ass p i h s r e b m e m Not an International House resident? You can still be a part of our community through Associate Membership. Enjoy benefits such as full access to tutorials, college friendships, social events, cultural activities, use of IH facilities and pastoral care. Last year we had one Associate, Hannah Ferguson, who loved the experience so much she’s back in 2018 as a Senior Resident no less! Hannah spread the word about how awesome being a ‘Housie’ is and this year we have six Associate Members. Being an Associate Member really changed me as a person and allowed me to become more confident in myself and my abilities. Associate Membership for me was a great midpoint as affording college in my Fresher year just wasn’t really an option, but I still wanted to experience the lifestyle of college. I wanted to dip my toe in the water but by the end of 2017, it felt like I had fallen into the pool. Meeting people at University through classes and clubs is a great way to find people with similar interests to you which is great…but at college the best part is that you are able to live and learn and build such strong friendships with people vastly different to you.
Being an IH associate member is such great fun, from the start of orientation there have been so many activities organised for us which cannot be experienced elsewhere. This membership has given me a chance to make friends with people from all over the world, and the best part is simply chilling and enjoying time with them.
The day-to-day activities at college and the love you grow and develop for such a large group of people is an opportunity for learning and growth you just won’t find as a day student. At college the heart of the experience is in the small details of the day-to-day, running to the 'Ville' for Strawberry milk even though its 11.46pmon Tuesday or pulling an study all-nighter during SWOTVAC and enjoying a relaxing Sunday ‘chill sesh’ on G-Lawn. It’s these moments you remember forever.
Mengnan Duan - Associate Member 2018
Hannah Ferguson,
Associate Member 2017 | Senior Resident 2018 5
There were laughter and tears on a beautiful April day for the 2018 Brotherhood Brunch and IH Award Program ceremony. I-Plaza was the perfect setting for the annual brunch, a long formal table lining the timber deck glistening with posies of seasonal blooms and beaming smiles. Residents, current and former, compared notes about their Housie experience over a delicious meal. Later guests moved into I-House for the official proceedings, the Investiture of Honorary Fellows and the IH Award Program ceremony. Many Fellows, families, and friends travelled long distances, such as from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Byron Bay, to join the celebration. Director, Dr Carla Tromans formally presented the IH Award Program recipients with their Scholarships and Bursaries. The 2018 awardees include: Sofia Stewart and Pieter van der Have - IH Way Bursary Benjamin Wiesner - Director’s Recommendation Scholarship Hannah Ferguson - Equity Scholarship Léa Lai Van - Jarrah Young Scholarship. Co-Sports Convenor, Sean Wong, presented Meryl McKenzie with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of current residents to thank her for the McKenzie Sports Bursary.
I am eternally grateful for the I am eternally grateful for the generous financial assistance my generous financial assistance my Scholarship provides, as it means Scholarship provides, as it means that I can concentrate more on my that I can concentrate more on my involvement at IH and on my studies. involvement at out IH and my studies. Being selected of aoncommunity of Being selected out Housies of a community such exceptional is a trulyof suchgreat exceptional Housies is athis truly feeling and I believe great feeling and I believe this Scholarship will help me grow Scholarship will help me grow personally and professionally, because personally because it is only and whenprofessionally, one is shown what he it isiscapable only when one is whathis he of that he shown can develop is capable oftrue thatpotential. he can develop his Benjamin Wiesner, Director’s true potential. Recommendation Scholarship 2018 Benjamin Wiesner, Director’s Recommendation Scholarship 2018
The investiture of the 2018 Honorary Fellows followed, with Meryl McKenzie (former IH Foundation Chair and President IH Board), Graham Redding (1968-1971) and Grant Vinning (Alumni 1965-1971) being inducted for their stellar contributions to International House. An emotional Graham and Grant recalled their years at IH with fondness, with Grant urging young residents to embrace the “give it a go” life approach, a long standing principle of the IH Way. Graham applauded the ongoing Housie themes of “acceptance” and “diversity”, advocating “tolerance” as a powerful antidote to the increasing “us and them” attitude rapidly infecting a social media driven modern society.
IH Fellows Back Row (L-R) Hon Justice Jeffrey Spender, Grant Vinning, John Boyd, Dr John Morrison, Meryl McKenzie Front Row (L-R) Graham Redding, Helen Whitehead, Graham Thomson AM, Dr Brian Hirschfeld
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ALUMNI REUNIONS Singapore This year it was Singapore’s turn for a reunion. With IH Director, Dr Carla Tromans as host, Dinner One was held at Buffet Town where Housies swapped stories and took a trip down memory lane. Dinner Two was a more intimate gathering in Singapore’s charming colonial district. KY, whose son Sean currently lives in IH says:
“It was great to catch up with old friends. Sharan Sambhi traveled from Johor (some 50km away in Malaysia) to be with us! And I have not seen Illka Gobius since my IH days!”
Dinner one held at Buffet Town, Singapore
Amra Naidoo (2009) and Michael Brown (2007)
Dinner two: joining Carla were Housies, Sharan Sambhi (1986), KY Wong (1988), Susan Hah (1986), and Illka Gobius (1988).
Dr Bee Sim Ong (1984) and Geoffrey Forday (1984)
Ru Chern Chong (2016), Wen Shuan Tan (2015), Yi Sheng Lee (2016), Dr Hon Fatt Ho (1970)
Housies from 2014 swap memories
Darling Downs TOOWOOMBA IH Director, Dr Carla Tromans welcomed Housie Alumni living on the Darling Downs to lunch at Toowoomba Middle Ridge Golf Club. IH Alumni from 1966, 1970, 1975,1977, and 1979 gathered, swapping stories about Housie life last century. Ivor Cribb was remembered as a strong and dedicated Warden. All the Alumni mentioned the multicultural experience and friendships (many lifelong) as the standout attributes of Housie college life. 8
Front Row: Rod Wilson, Dr Ian Keys, Jeanie Warby, Sue Dowe. Back Row: John Pearson, Dr Carla Tromans, Sally Keys, Ross Ole
n o i n u e R Special Glenice Spender, The Hon Justice Jeffrey Spender (IH Master), Nguyen Duc, Rod Wilson, and Neil Strutton
Great company, delicious food, and plenty of laughter, as keen Alumni returned 'home' for a special reunion in Ivor Cribb, on Friday 24 November, 2017. Housies spanning multiple decades gathered for festive holiday drinks and a chance to reminisce about their favourite memories of living in the towers. Alumni were invited to share 'a story or something' from their IH experience and in the indelible spirit of Housie enthusiasm, a display table was soon brimming with polaroids, vintage event programs, Kanyanas, and even student SR badges. The "Best Memorabilia" prize was a tie between Seb Patane (alumnus 2005-07) for wearing his O-Week T-shirt; and Nguyen Duc (alumnus 1965-72 - affectionately known as ‘Duc’) for sharing
stories and snapshots from his personal college photo album. Duc explained how the original Shop was one of the very first IH exercises in teamwork, and some B/W images taken in 1966 depict a proud group of Housies posing in front of the newly opened shop, while another photo reveals shelves neatly stocked with items including iconic Milo tins, Campbell’s Soup, and Jatz. The “Best Roll Call” prize was awarded to our Foundation residents - heading the Alumni 1965 table was Master of the College, The Honourable Justice Jeffrey Spender (1965-68), accompanied by John Boyd (1965-68), Frank Rodney Wilson (1965-66), Nguyen Duc (1965-
And our final prize for “First Reunion RSVP” went to Jess Demnar (2012-14), an awesome alumna who is routinely number one to register for IH events! Anecdotes of life across the IH ages included tales about 8-legged races, first dates at Soirée, 3am fire alarms, the ‘black and gold’ losing big but cheering even bigger at ICC sports, resonating with an inspiring message. Times may change but IH stays the same, committed to enduring friendships in an inclusive, multicultural environment. We thank all reunion Housies for coming home and for those who couldn’t make it this time, you were with us in spirit.
72), and Neil Strutton (1966). Thank you, gentlemen, for your ongoing support. 9
See you in 2018!
Yurika’s Big Day… One of the unique benefits of being a Housie is learning about the different cultures and customs of your College mates. Sharing in their traditions either through cultural evenings at IH or by celebrating with them as they journey through their special moments in life, is a privilege that personifies brotherhood. Coming of Age Day (成人の日 Seijin no Hi) is a Japanese public holiday falling on the 2nd Monday of January. Festivities include ‘coming of age’ ceremonies’ held at local and prefectural offices, plus after-parties among family and friends.’ Housie Yurika Yamamura was living at IH Brisbane in 2017 when she turned 20 and had to delay some of her special ceremony preparations until she flew back home to Japan, after finishing Semester 2 exams. The popular Housie shared this beautiful image from her pre-ceremony photo-shoot. Coming of age’ ceremonies have been customary in Japan since at least 714 AD, when a young prince donned new robes and a hairstyle to mark his passage into adulthood. Many Japanese women celebrate this day by wearing traditional furisode, a special type of kimono for single women with extra-long hanging sleeves and elaborate designs, and zóri sandals Congratulations Yurika and thank you for sharing your special moment with IH.
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Housie Yurika Yamamura 11
Singapore Reunion
HOUSIES
Georgia Esplin Jaipur, India Jodhpur City, India
Osaka, Japan Top Left: A fun photo sent in by Giri Subramaniam (2006) of a mini IH reunion held in Singapore. Giri was a Senior Resident, Kanyana 2004 editor, and IHSC Charity Convenor during his time at IH.
Paris, France
Top Left (Middle): Georgia Esplin in India Top Middle: Housies around the world in Osaka, Japan. Top Right: 2015 Alum catch up in London. Bottom Left: Yurika Yamamura in Paris Bottom Middle: Current housies enjoy Singapore during summer break.
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Bottom Right: Foundation Board Director Joss Douglas hiking his way around the Swiss Alps.
London, England
a Whoever finds a friend, finds treasure...
Summer in Singapore 13
Welcome to my (International) House March 15, 2018 / brittxtaylor15
Every pamphlet and student testimony will tell you that studying in another country is a grand gateway for engaging in a culture foreign from your own. Each travel blog post will inform you of which landmarks and attractions are worth seeing. TripAdvisor will recommend the best authentic foods you can find in the area, and Instagram will stress your need to show the world you’re doing cool things in another country.
She informed me that IH is home to students from all over the world who are studying in Brisbane, and that it is one of the UQ’s residential colleges, or dorms as Americans call them. At UQ, you must complete an application process to be accepted into a residential college. At first, I was confused as to why my character had to be evaluated to find a place to keep my belongings and sleep, but when I arrived, I instantly realized IH is much more than a rest stop.
However, I’m here to tell you that the places you go, treats you munch on, and pictures you post are not the means of measuring your cultural immersion. It’s not necessarily about what you do, but essentially who you meet.
It is a thriving global community with a purpose to “provide students of diverse cultures and backgrounds with opportunities to live and learn together with respect, empathy, and international friendship”, a principle known as the “IH Way.”
When considering housing options (accommodation as Aussies call it) for my Australian exchange, I originally believed I wanted to live with other Americans who I could come home and relate to after a long day of being an international student. But my mind was immediately changed when I met with a fellow UF student who studied at the University of Queensland (UQ) last semester and discussed her stay at International House (IH) Brisbane.
All new IH residents, referred to as “Freshers”, were summoned to move in a full week prior to the commencement of UQ classes for Orientation Week (nicknamed O-Week). Throughout the week, we engaged in activities that helped us to meet our fellow “Housies”, with great emphasis placed on befriending those from different countries. IH is quite similar to a sorority or fraternity in that it works to create a lifelong bond between members based on a set of values, as reflected by its slogan, “That Brotherhood May Prevail.”
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world?” Although I came across many Americans throughout my friend search who I can turn to when I’m missing home, the international Housies are still my best friends at IH today, and that has made all the difference. At our first Bara Khana, a semi-formal dinner that occurs each month I truly felt like a member of a world much larger than the one I knew. All Housies were encouraged to wear their home country’s traditional dress to embody IH’s incredibly diverse spirit. We then had an enchanting candle lighting ceremony led by representatives of each of the 40 countries Housies call home. Table by table, we illuminated the room in a circular pattern, symbolizing the light our cultural interconnectedness was going to bring to the world. With each pass of the candle, a border was bypassed, a language barrier was torn down, a rivalry was put to rest. It didn’t matter where we came from, but where we could go together. Since that night, I’ve found true cultural immersion at International House. It flows through the hallways, it explodes in your mouth with each meal, and it gleams from 220 smiling faces with unique stories behind them greeting you everyday. I understand why it is the only residential college called a house, because we are all one massive Housie family comprised of brothers and sisters who will grow together and protect one another under the same roof and beyond, no matter where in the world we are.
Being woken up everyday at sunrise to practice our routine for the Inter-College Council Fresher dance competition definitely instilled a deep bond between our jet lagged, sleep deprived selves. Through a combination of a random seating policy and the prohibition of cell phones at mealtime, by the first day, I became acquainted with students from Singapore, Malaysia, Italy, Canada, India, Japan, Kenya, and Australia, to name a few. Some are on exchange for a semester like myself who were seeking a slice of the Aussie life, and others are pursuing their whole degree here and haven’t seen their families in months. We were able to quickly move past the surface level questions of “where are you from?” or “what are you studying?” and dive into more profound queries like “how has growing up in a war-torn country affected your outlook on the 15
Peace and Understanding Lecture 2017
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Ms. Ruth Jebb
Florence Nightingale Medal Recipient, Humanitarian and Nurse
Housies and guests raised $1,215 to support the Australian Red Cross at our 2017 Peace & Understanding Dinner/Lecture. Brisbane emergency nurse, midwife, humanitarian, and Florence Nightingale Medal recipient, Ms Ruth Jebb was our inspirational guest speaker. Reflecting on her experience as a Red Cross aid worker in the world’s worst conflict zones, she told the audience - “I have so much more to gain and learn than what I have to offer”. Ruth embodies the IH mission, ‘That brotherhood will prevail’, and is an outstanding example of how we can all ‘embrace the responsibility of placing value upon humanity’ to improve Peace and Understanding in our world. Ruth has been carjacked at gunpoint, seen starving kids die and worked in war zones, yet she always answers the Red Cross’ call. The mother of one has devoted her career to saving lives, no matter the personal risks involved. She lives in Brisbane and is a Registered Nurse and Midwife with 18 years’ experience in hospital and pre-hospital care settings including managerial roles as Emergency Department Clinical Nurse Consultant, Senior Hospital Bed Manager and senior project lead.
“I have so much more to gain and learn than what I have to offer”.
Ruth is an Australian Red Cross International Health Delegate, Disaster Response Team member and FACT delegate with 12 years experience, and has completed both long-term and short-term deployments, including Kenya, Darfur, Cambodia, Haiti, Chad, Philippines and South Sudan. Ruth is an experienced mentor, including Course Facilitator for IFRC in Zimbabwe, focusing on training specialists in Community Health and Psychosocial support and Course Coordinator for a Maternal, Neonatal and Child health residential short course in Tanzania, as part of the Australian government (DFAT) supported Australia Awards program. In 2011 Ruth went to Christchurch, New Zealand where she worked as a member of the AusMAT team, supporting and providing medical care to those affected by the earthquake. Twelve years after beginning her humanitarian career in Northern Kenya, Ruth received the prestigious Florence Nightingale Medal in 2017. It is the highest award given to aid workers by the International Red Cross, and acknowledges “exceptional courage and devotion to the sick, wounded or disabled in conflict or disaster zones.” International House was honoured to present Ruth as our guest speaker at ‘Peace & Understanding’ 2017. “Every mission I come away from it thinking I’ve left a piece of myself,” says Ruth. P&U is a free event hosted by IH to celebrate the United Nations ‘International Day of Peace’, devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. We thank Housies, IH staff, alumni, Rotarians, and IH friends who gave so generously to support Red Cross. 17
Brisbane International Student Ambassadors “I chose IH because I simply wanted to make many friends at university however I was not expecting the huge variety of leadership opportunities Housie life offers. IH has strongly influenced me to be independent, responsible, challenging, and confident. There’s no doubt my IH experience helped me stand out and gain an ambassadorship.”
Daiki grew up on the beaches of Japan. The Bachelor of Information Technology student says he’s looking forward to broadening his global connections and representing Japan.
Léa Laï Van (far left) standing next to Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, with Daiki Suzuki (far right)
The Brisbane International Student Ambassador Program (BISA) adopts students from all over the world to tell their real-life Brisbane stories to their home country networks via social media.
“It’s a great honour to share my culture. I was literally jumping for joy when I found out I was going to be an ambassador, and I immediately called my entire family back in Nouméa. I hope to motivate international and future students to study in Brisbane and experience what this city has offered me. I’ve enjoyed the best years of my life in Brisbane and Housies have become a second family to me.”
Each year, 40 students from around the world are formally appointed by Lord Mayor Graham Quirk in a ceremony at Brisbane City Hall. The 2018 Brisbane International Student Ambassadors represent 30 countries and study at 21 Brisbane institutions. IH is extremely proud of Housies, Léa Laï Van and Daiki Suzuki, the only College residents selected to represent the 2018 BISA program. The dynamic duo, both Senior Residents (SRs) are thrilled and believe their appointment is partly a reflection of living the Housie experience.
Léa has the distinction of being the first New Caledonian to ever represent BISA.
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ROTARY ROUNDUP
Soirée Fundraising
International House was delighted to host the Rotary Club of Hamilton for dinner in August 2017 Club Members dined with four of our amazing residents, James Vaissiere, Isabella Sharpe, Yurika Yamamura and Pieter van der Have, in I-House. The Housies also served as guest speakers and later shared their personal experiences of IH life with the Rotarians. ♥ Asked to sum up International House in one word our residents responded: Yurika: Multicultural, James: Brilliant, Pieter: Inclusive, Isabella: Welcoming. At the end of the evening Hamilton Club Rotary President, Travis Pullen presented International House with a cheque for $2,000 towards the room refurbishment of G312 in The Sir Clem Renouf Building (G Tower). The cheque was the final instalment in a 3-year donation plan totaling $5,000.
Housies team up with Rotarians at Soirée putting the fun back into fundraising
We thank Hamilton Club Rotary members for their generous gift, your support is crucial in the legacy International House has built providing an inclusive, multicultural and diverse environment for students. Hamilton Rotary President, Travis Pullen also recognised club member Rutian Mi as a Paul Harris Fellow, and his outstanding commitment to the Club. We can’t wait to welcome Hamilton Rotary Club back in the near future.
Rotary District Governor (DG) John Lane and his wife Bo joined fellow Rotary Presidents and Housies for morning tea at IH. IHSC Treasurer, Pieter van Der Have, presented Darryl Iseppi (District Rotary Foundation Chair) with a cheque for $500, on behalf of the IH Student Club and International House. The donation was raised in large part earlier this year during Soirée 2017 - through fundraising in ‘Rotary Sideshow Alley’
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o Y k n a h T sidents’
a e T g n i Morn
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IH Student Club is delighted to support The Rotary Foundation with the donation, a modest reflection of IH gratitude and thanks towards our local Rotary Clubs and their longstanding commitment to our College.
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ROOM RENOVATIONS International House stands firm in the belief that nothing can compete with the core values of the ‘Housie experience’, living in a safe and welcoming multicultural environment, with academic, cultural, sporting and leadership opportunities. However, the college must combat increased market competition from both on-campus and independent residential accommodation suppliers. Over the past 5 years IH has engaged in an extensive renovation campaign to modernise the towers and update facilities, in addition to annually scheduled lifecycle maintenance. When Housies moved out over the 2016/17 summer break, heavy duty trucks rolled in with construction crews to carry out major renovations to The Sir Clem Renouf Building (G Tower). The upgrades included: • 22 rooms renovated in G Tower, on levels 4 and 5 • upgrading of 12 partially renovated rooms in G1 • 59 exterior, sliding glass doors and screens fitted • the west and east gable ends of G tower • epoxy flooring of hallways, stairwells and landings • new carpet in 34 rooms • interior painting in 34 rooms/common areas • installation of new modular furniture, including king single beds • LED lighting • new curtains where required • VOIP and WIFI including cabling • installation of ventilation systems and LED lighting in bathrooms • the staff bathroom/guest toilets received a full modern make-over
International House thanks generous donors such as, International House Foundation and Rotary International for their support.
“My new room is so much lighter and brighter. It makes such a difference” May
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“Coming from the States I didn’t know what to expect but my room is huge and I get it all to myself I love it!”
Soncy
1960’S
New sliding doors in 57 rooms
2018
New modular furniture in 34 rooms
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e é r i So 22
The International House annual cultural festival, Soirée, is a time of great creativity when the college presents aspects of its cultural life to the University and Brisbane residents. Soirée is a French word meaning ‘a party or reception held in the evening’. From its inception, Soirée was the annual open day for International House. It was a time when residents presented the college to the wider community through their talents and their cultures. Food, song, dance, displays and decoration feature strongly within the multicultural festival which has grown and changed and evolved since its beginnings in 1968. Soirée showcases food from all around the world cooked by the residents. The whole college comes together in the build-up to the day itself, cooking, decorating and helping any way they can to celebrate diversity. Equally as popular is the entertainment featuring perennial favourites including Can-Can Girls, Cultural Performances and talent show. This year’s highlights included a wildlife exhibit showcasing unique Australian fauna such as wombats, an owl, frogs and snakes. This was a favourite with guests, particularly the wombat. Soirée is a great family day out and the perfect way for Housies to display their talent. We look forward to seeing you all in September.
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FAST FACTS 35 Nations Represented 6 Different Continents 242 Residents, 2 Staff & 5050 Stingless Native Bees call IH Home
30% Residents attend free tutorials 66 Residents with a GPA of 6+ 7 Residents with a GPA of 7 Average GPA of 5.5
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60 Tutorials offered per Semester
K
Tower won the Inter-Tower Academic Award for the highest average GPA of 5.72 in Semester 1, 2017
Tower won the Inter-Tower Academic Award for the highest average GPA of 5.66 in Semester 2, 2017
$500 Donated to the Rotary Foundation from SoirĂŠe fundraising
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$1200 Donated to Australian Red Cross through the Peace & Understanding Lecture
School Visits conducted for prospective residents Food Consumed / Year 43 200 Eggs 6400kg of Fresh Chicken 2800kg of Red Apples 1400kg Greek Yoghurt
1000 800 600 400 200
5 Eat Safe Rating 24
1 litre of worm juice is made everyday from recycled kitchen scraps
Top 5 Countries
FINANCE
Australian
Audited Financial Reports Calendar Year 2017
Chinese
Resident Operations American
Income Expenditure
$5, 214, 971 $4, 025, 772
Japanese
Conference Operations Income Expenditure
Singaporean
$ $
90, 571 36, 732
College Refurbishments
$ 768, 753
IH Foundation Limited
55% Female Residents
Calendar Year 2017 Income $ 137, 392 Expenditure $ 52, 224 Net Assets $ 523, 990
45% Male Residents
The Sir Clem Renouf Tower (G Tower) rooms refurbished 57 new sliding glass doors installed 34 rooms fitted with new modular furniture
IH Expenses as % of Resident Fees Calendar Year 2017
Other 11.3
Catering 19.9
1.7
%
4.6 3.8 5
$ 2000 worth of scrap metal recycled in 2017
2.5
Interest & Finance Cleaning
Residents tear through over 250 toilets rolls per week Maintenance Pete steps per week
Depreciation 9.8
Repairs & Maintenance Electricity, Gas & Water
60 000 Steps/Wk
IT Expenses
25
Wages & On-Costs 21.5
Mini P Week
SR Team Building Exercise Our 2018 Senior Residents faced the ultimate pressure test. Using a role reversal technique, Housies gathered in the kitchen to prepare and cook lunch for IH admin and support staff. Under the watchful eye of Chef Mandy Anderson, Housies had to practice their skill sets and coordinate their efforts to deliver the meal on time. The results were outstanding - a delicious menu of sushi, gourmet pizza, fresh feta salad, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, pesto infused Salami pasta, juicy fillet steaks and crisp golden wedges.
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COLLEGE LIFE sport uniform shot another cultural fancy bara khana
Clockwise L-R: Swimming Sean Wong; Men’s Touch Team; ICC Sports Awards for Men’s Badminton & Women’s Table Tennis; Japanese Cultural night, Mid Autumn Festival dragon dance.
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FOND FAREWELLS
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
L-R: Ben Kurzman (2015) Kazuki Izumi (2017) with proud parents Mr Yasuo Izumi and Mrs Michie Izumi Maddie Reynolds (2015) Photobomb courtesy of little sister current resident and Senior Resident Audrey Reynolds Carlos Fitzgerald Grandes Reyes (2017) and mum Dr My-Lai Reyes Dr Carla Tromans with Mr Hidenori “Zats” Yamada (2017) and Mr Yohan Nair.
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
CONTACT
President: Mr Chris Leon
1/5 Rock Street St Lucia QLD 4067
Deputy President: Mr Peter Gibson Honorary Secretary: Mr Jaya Ganasan Honorary Treasurer: Karen Gibson UQ Senate Representative: Mr Rob Moffatt AM
T: +61 7 3721 2480 E: ihrecep@inthouse.uq.edu.au W: inthouse.uq.edu.au ihbris
Members: Dr Carla Tromans; Mr Ross Landsberg; Ms Peta Irvine; Mrs Terry Woodcroft; Mr David Jackson
www.facebook.com/ihbrisbane
IHSC President 2017: Mr George Britchford
www.linkedin.com/school/ihbrisbane
BOM Representative: Mr Sharif Nada
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE FOUNDATION LTD. Chair: Ms Peta Irvine Secretary: Ms Tarli Young Treasurer: Mr Mark Fenton
Director: Dr Carla Tromans; Mr Mark Vincent; Mr Joss Douglas; Ms Kristie Fankhauser 1
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