iWorld Alumni Newsletter
Message from Simone Jeffers, Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Dear IHP Alumni and Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board of Delegates and staff of International House Philadelphia, thank you for your unwavering support. It is your energy and willingness to participate in our alumni program and share your experiences while here at the House and around the world that motivates our IHP community.
IHP is committed to making our alumni program, the iWorld community, a robust group of involved and enthusiastic alumni and friends, committed to the success of IHP. We have a number of exciting initiatives planned for 2011 and beyond, among them the creation of alumni chapters in various regions of the US and cities around the world, the establishment of an on-line directory so that you can look up the contact information of former residents, the introduction of a mascot for the residential and alumni populations and beginning in October, a monthly “induction ceremony” for residents who leave the House and become IHP alumni. Look out for iWorld souvenir items for sale on our website soon – cups, tee-shirts, umbrellas and more!
As we begin a new chapter in the iWorld community, your alumni community, I hope you’ll consider how IHP can contribute to your own success. Many of you volunteer and serve others in your personal and professional lives. We’d like to hear from you to share how IHP can be of service to you. Please take 5 minutes to fill out the alumni survey, and if you update your contact information with us, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $100 Barnes and Noble gift certificate, which can be redeemed in person and online. Many university bookstores are Barnes and Noble outlets, so this is a great opportunity to stock up on alumni regalia from your college alma mater!
Consider iWorld your gateway to a professional network of fellow alumni who can serve as collaborators, mentors, clients, and even potential employers and employees. The iWorld community can connect you with a host of exciting opportunities and resources as well, including being involved in an IHP community both here in the US and abroad.
As we celebrate the centennial of International House, and recognize the alumni community which we estimate comprises 45,000+, I look forward to meeting more of you, learning about your latest achievements, and promoting them within this community. The iWorld magazine will be published four times a year, so continue to send us your updates, births, marriages, moves and accomplishments. Each issue features alumni benefits, resources or continued learning and networking opportunities. Join us on facebook and on twitter to get up to date information from IHP and interact with your fellow alumni.
Look out for notifications of alumni reunion events throughout the year in your part of the world; for those in the greater Philadelphia area, we will be planning various events during the Fall. Please save the date and RSVP for Alumni Homecoming Reunion 2012, which will take place on Saturday May 13, 2012 in Philadelphia.
To find out more about the initiatives mentioned above and to learn more about the iWorld community, feel free to contact the Alumni Relations office at 215-895-6543 or email iworldihp@ihphilly.org. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Warmest regards,
Simone S Jeffers
Office of Alumni Relations
Message from the Editor, M. Fatih Akay
As you may remember, the first issue of iWorld was released in August 2006 and the last issue was released in April 2009. Although the production team of iWorld changed over the years, I have been lucky enough to serve as an Editor-in-Chief of all the issues.
Recently, I got an e-mail from Simone Jeffers at IHP. Simone told me that she wanted to revive the spirit of iWorld and asked me to serve as an Editor-in-Chief of the newsletter. I accepted her offer without hesitation and after exhanging a couple of e-mails, we agreed on the contents of the newsletter and started working on it.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to a new edition of iWorld. I hope everyone enjoys reading this issue. I would like to thank all alumni who shared their stories with us. Please keep in touch by contributing to iWorld.
Best regards from Turkey,
M. Fatih AKAY (2001-2005)
Dear Alumni and Friends,
For over 100 years, International House Philadelphia (IHP) has been fostering global connections one person at a time through our residential, international arts and humanities programs. The experience at IHP enhances cross cultural communication and multicultural understanding within our international residential community and the world. International House provides a place for people from all walks of life to learn, grow, and evolve both intellectually and socially.
We’ve been contacting alumni in order to rebuild old connections and foster new relationships. We are proud of you and we know that many of you, our former residents, are doing valuable things for society and working in exciting places. It is important to find out about our residents’ accomplishments and achievements and share this information with others. Your accomplishments serve as an example to our current residents. Please check out our website regularly, particularly the alumni page. Sharing of information will help you to network and to continue to build global relationships within our worldwide community. Join the alumni facebook group and follow us on twitter.
IHP is committed to providing a first-class facility capable of handling its community’s wants and needs. This commitment has earned IHP a great reputation among our residents, alumni, and audiences. With this success and growth come both challenges and opportunities, and IHP needs your help to make sure we are prepared to meet them. If we are to continue to serve our residents, our phenomenal growth in programs must be matched by enhanced technology, facilities, and staff recruitment. We must begin preparing for the future now.
I leave you with a quote by Margaret Mead, an American scientist who was born over a decade before IHP was conceived. She said “”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” We can borrow her quote as we strive to define ourselves in our ever changing world.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Tanya Steinberg, Executive Director
President, International Houses World Wide Association
Message from Glenn Martin, Director of Admissions
Hi Everyone,
I am glad to have this opportunity say hello and wish everyone well!
We are very busy here at IHP, with the months of August and September containing Resident Advisor Training, coffee hours and Welcome Back Week, which is a week long program of events for new and returning residents.
There has and continues to be a lot going on at IHP as residents continue to get more and more involved. Our annual events keep growing and changing yearly. During the past month we had our traditional resident potluck, and because of the number of countries represented this year, we will had a taste of different foods from around the world.
Our Resident Advisors are busy getting to know the new residents, planning their own socials and other activities in the House. I know many of you remember this period in the fall when many of the residents were moving in and the lobby and courtyard where busy with people moving in and people moving out. The quote I remember the most from residents is “here at IHP you say welcome and good bye, so many times, because you make friends and meet so many people who come and go”. Many of our fun and most involved residents are leaving, and we are now welcoming a new batch.
Each year we are excited about the new groups, countries, and institutions represented in the House. It is never the same. It is for this reason that things are ever changing. It is also part of what makes us different and unique.
Some our goals this year are:
• To evaluate the current services and programs we provide to our residents to see how we can improve or if we are meeting theirs needs.
• Create and offer quality programs that include, engage, and position residents to take the lead, giving them more opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in leading and presenting.
• Evaluate the quality of life services/amenities offered to residents in the building and in their room (furniture, lighting, technology package, etc.) to stay relevant in the future.
I hope you will continue to follow iWorld to see how are doing and what is occurring here at IHP. We want to hear from you – your ideas, thoughts, and suggestions. You were here, and now you are there, and we welcome hearing from you!
Wishing you all the best,
Glenn Martin
Director of Admissions and Resident Services
The Alumni Council is a group of alumni volunteers representing alumni from different generations and cultures, who give their time and provide leadership to expand IHP alumni network around the world.
Alumni Council members perform the following duties:
•Develop and establish long-range plans for the Alumni Association and provide leadership for their implementation.
•Develop and advise on programs and services that benefit alumni, residents, and IHP.
•Reach out to alumni and engage them in IHP activities.
•Promote the development of national and international alumni networks.
•Contribute to the Alumni Annual Fund and assist in raising funds from other alumni.
•Participate in Alumni Council meetings and alumni programs.
•Assist in selecting new Alumni Council members.
•2-year term position.
With capacity for up to 10 members, IHP is currently forming the Council which will serve for a 2 year term through June 2013. The council meets quarterly, with meetings held via skype for those who physically cannot be at IHP for the meeting. If you are interested in being a member of the Council, please email us at iworldihp@ihphilly.org for more information.
Current members of the Alumni Council include:
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| M. Fatih Akay (2001-2005) | G. Jan Colijn (1970-1975) |
| Country of Origin: Turkey | Country of Origin: Netherlands |
| Current Residency: Turkey | Current Residency: Port Republic, NJ |
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| Heba Fadel (2010-2011) | Chuck Gupta (member since1956) |
| Country of Origin: Egypt | Country of Origin: India |
| Current Residency: Egypt | Current Residency: Philadelphia, PA |
Cenk Bilge (2003-2004) returned to Istanbul, Turkey after studying in the ELP (English Language Program) at The University of Pennsylvania. After his return, he began a MARC (Master of Architecture) program at Istanbul Technical University. At that time he also began his carrier as an architect at his own office `2architects` at Beyoglu, Istanbul. After finishing the MARC program at ITU he began pursuit of a PhD in the same architectural department. While in the PhD program, he designed many kinds of different buildings and spaces around Istanbul and also designed for exhibitions. During the second year of his PhD, he owned his own construction company in the city of Tekirdag, (an hour away from Istanbul) and started to do housing construction. From that time he designed and constructed nearly 500 houses around Tekirdag until 2011. During his tenure as an architect, he created his own style at his architecture office and in housing developments.
Christopher Hearsey (2002-05) moved to Washington, D.C. after graduating from Temple University with his B.A. in Mathematical Economics in 2006. He currently attends law school at the University of Mississippi specializing in space and aviation law. During the summer of 2011, he finally experienced what it was like to be an international student while attending an international law program at Downing College, Cambridge University. Since graduating from Temple, Chris has completed two masters degrees, worked in the U.S. Senate, at the U.S. Department of State, and at the National Air and Space Museum. He is currently the Deputy Executive Officer of the Astrosociology Research Institute, a non-profit research institute based in California. He has published several articles on space law and policy issues and served as a guest editor for the prestigious journal Astropolitics. More importantly, Chris will be getting married on August 5, 2012 to his wonderful fiancée Suzanne.
Stefan Kratounov (2000-02) received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in June 2004. Later that year he moved to South Central Pennsylvania to begin his first full time job in a small machine shop. In 2007 he started working as a Manufacturing Engineer at Volvo Powertrain, a division of the Volvo Group, in Hagerstown, MD. In August 2009 he purchased a house in Greencastle, PA where he is currently residing.
Mr. Nir Praizner (2000-06), returned to his home town Kiriat Motzkin, Israel after getting his BSc degree in the CS Department of Drexel University in September 2004. He opened his own business as an IT consultant and installing video surveillance camera systems. He is currently working as an IT system person in the international firm Frutarom.
Raul Vergara married Korean musical actress Yeon Kyeong Lee in Korea in September of this year. He is starting his 4th year as Associate Principal Percussionist at the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. He is the leader of Latin American Ensemble CHIKO and the Director of the Art of Giving, an organization that serves as a platform for artists to share their talent with the community at non-profitable events. More recently he has been appointed Music Director at the Yonsei University International Campus Performing Arts Series.
Umut Yesilmen (2003-05) got his M.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering from Drexel University in the summer of ‘03 and returned to Istanbul, Turkey. He started his own company after working 4 years in Germany and Turkey as a software engineer. His company is focused on software and hardware development for telecommunication, industrial automation and healthcare.
Batuhan Yukselen held a contract-based programming job in the US for 9 months after earning his undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering and graduate degree in Software Engineering from Drexel University in June 2009. After having been away from his family more than 5.5 years in the US, he decided to return to Turkey and continue his life alongside his family. He has been working as an implementation engineer as part of a European implementation team at Siemens Healthcare based in Istanbul for more than a year, while gaining professional experience through large-scale high-tech implementation projects at prestigious hospital customers. He’s planning to secure a job in an overseas country and apply for an internationally recognized MBA program in the near future.
John Tom
IHP Member since 1952
Producer of IHP’s first black tie fundraiser in 1959.
Where I am from:
I was born in New York, and came to the South Jersey/Philadelphia area in 1952 after graduating from Pratt Institute. Soon after starting a job at RCA as an Engineer, I was introduced to International House by a co-worker.
My time at International House:
My years at International House started at the first location at 3905 Spruce Street. IHP has always been a special place for me – I attended dances every Friday, and fondly remember going to the Jersey shore in Avalon with my fellow members. I was quite involved in activities in the House as a member.
I became the President of the Student Council and this led to the opportunity to become the producer of the first black tie gala. Though it was titled the Ninth Annual Festival of Nations, it was the first fundraising gala, today known as The Global Gala. Giles Zimmerman, Executive Director of the House at the time, was following the trends in the city and realized that patrons were quite interested in black tie events in the city. Our Festival of Nations, which for the preceding eight years was really a student talent show, with the last one being held at the Irvine Auditorium at the University of Pennsylvania.
Our Women’s Committee were not as interested in the talent show as we had hoped, so to raise the profile of the event and at the same time raise money for the House, the first ball was held at the Bellvue Straffod Hotel, with the renowned Louis Chaiken and his orchestra playing for 150 people who danced the night away to Latin American ballroom music.
Fondest memories of the House:
I remember many of the activities at the House, but mostly I remember the leadership of Giles Zimmerman. He and his family lived at the top floor of International House. It was a very small house, so he was able to interact with each Resident daily, listening to their daily stories of life and sometimes the challenges of being an international student in the United States.
It was here in 1963 that I met my wife Geraldine Tom, nee Silfer. We married in 1966 at the home of the British Consul General at the time.
Today, I am retired and living in Center City. I am still good friends with those I met when I first joined International House. My good friend Chuck Gupta keeps me up to date with activities going on at the House. I am happy to have been able to recently attend the Centennial Gala with Chuck, and as I remember the first gala so many years ago, I am pleased that I am able to congratulate International House on its Centennial.
Davis Peace Project Award Recipients
Upon the occasion of her 100th birthday, international philanthropist and former International House New York resident Kathryn W. Davis chose to celebrate by committing $1 million to 100 Projects for Peace.
Now in its fourth year, The Davis Projects for Peace continues to support and encourage today’s motivated youth to create and tryout their own ideas for building peace. This program is an invitation to undergraduates at the American college and universities in the Davis United World College Scholars Program to design grassroots projects that they will implement during the summer. As you may remember from previous iWorld issues, IHP’s residents were the proud recipients of the Davis Foundation grants, awarded each year to successful International House World Wide residents, also eligible for the grants, who submitted projects promoting peace around the world. The projects judged to be the most promising and do-able will be funded at $10,000 each.
Nana Sarpong Agyemang-Mensah and Katie J. Hickerson were IHP’s recipients in 2011. Both young ladies, who left the House during the summer, returned to give a presentation on their work.
Nana’s project took her back to her native country, Ghana to help empower women in the Northern region, who have seen years of conflict and disorder. She, with a team from The Hunger Project interviewed women to find out how the years of conflict has affected them, and these women also attended several workshops to help them learn to become leaders in their household and in their community, reproductive heath and Ghanaian laws.
Alumni Giving Back: Jonathan Gaev
When I lived at IHP many years ago, I felt that it was a special experience. I paid rent of course, but I got so much back in terms of fun and friendship that later in life I looked for ways to stay involved. Recently, I gave my workshop on project management to 10 members of the IHP staff (you can find details of the course on my website).
Projects are the things we need to do that aren’t really part of the regular operations at our workplace. At IHP, selecting new software to manage Alumni information was a project; however,renting rooms is not a project since it’s part of their normal business. The course was given in the morning on two days and included time for discussion, classroom exercises and homework. The staff learned how to organize a project, identify and manage risks, measure performance and manage changes. I designed the program so that no special software is needed to implement these project management techniques. It was very rewarding for me to learn that the attendees were able to apply what they learned right away. Tanya Steinberg, the Executive Director of IHP, told me that she noticed that that communications were more effective after the course and that the staff enjoyed the opportunity to learn new techniques. I’m very glad that IHP was receptive to the messages that I taught and I’m thankful for the opportunity to meet more of the wonderful people who make it such a great institution.
How Can You Give Back?
Postcards from Around the World
There are many ways for Alumni and friends to give back to the House. One way to leave a lasting impression for the current residents and those who walk through the doors of International House is to ‘send’ a postcard with an inspirational message to our residents and visitors. These postcard plaques, pictured below, will be displayed in IHP’s lobby. Proceeds raised will be recognized in the Alumni Fund Campaign of International House.
Contribution: $100.00
Resident Advisor Fellowship Program
IHP’s alumni and friends support resident fellowships which enable students in financial need to afford the opportunity to live at International House. Awards are granted to students regardless of national or ethnic background.
The Residential Advisory and Activities Center (RAAC) experience is at the heart of IHP. Resident Advisors (RAs) take the lead in developing and conducting programs that create a warm and supportive “home away from home” for our residents. RAs create a unique living/learning experience for our residents that few environments can duplicate.
Tomorrow’s world leaders, Resident Advisors are among the most special and talented residents at IHP, an extension of our staff, and are selected with leadership characteristics in mind. In addition to being “mature, outgoing, warm, compassionate, perceptive, inclusive, and proactive,” as outlined in the Resident Assistant application, RAs are expected to “have excellent judgment, problem solving, and listening skills.”
IHP’s Resident Advisors will be afforded the opportunity to live at the House free of charge, while attending their college or university. These fellowships are renewable each year.
To bestow an RA fellowship in your name or the name of a loved one, or to hear more about this program, please contact Alumni Relations at 215-895-6543 or iworldihp@ihphilly.org.
Room Dedications
IHP is proud to recognize our alumni and supporters who participate in our Resident Room Naming opportunities. You can leave your legacy on the door of one of our 379 rooms and apartments. To reserve a room or to hear more about this program, please contact Alumni Relations at 215-895-6543 or iworldihp@ihphilly.org.
Resident Room Naming gifts are fully tax-deductible and funds raised are used towards our Residential Life program and improvements on our building, which includes upgrades to residential apartments, suites and funding of residential educational and social activities.
Donors are recognized with a plaque mounted outside the resident room doorway, and in a listing on IHP’s soon to be installed donor wall, mounted in the IHP Galleria.
Suite Dedications
IHP is proud to recognize our alumni and supporters who participate in our Resident Suite Naming opportunities. You can leave your legacy in one of our 32 suites. To reserve a suite or to hear more about this program, please contact Alumni Relations at 215-895-6543 or iworldihp@ihphilly.org.
Suite Naming gifts are fully tax-deductible and funds raised are used towards our Residential Life program and improvements on our building, which includes upgrades to residential apartments, suites and funding of residential educational and social activities.
Donors are recognized with a plaque mounted inside the suite, and in a listing on IHP’s soon to be installed donor wall, mounted in the IHP Galleria.
In addition to rooms and suites, IHP also has opportunities for you to participate in our naming program and leaving your legacy at International House Philadelphia.
Other naming opportunities include:
Music rooms
Lounges
Study areas
Game room
TV Room
Student Café
Lobby
Conference Rooms
Patio Area
Theater seats
Class Gifts
The Class Gift is a great way for you to support IHP. You and your friends who left the House in a particular year, for example 1989, can get together and create a gift to IHP. By organizing and financing an improvement project or fellowship, you and your fellow IHP alumni leave behind a bit of your own legacy.
Corporate Matching Gifts
Many corporations match gifts to charitable institutions made by employees and directors; some will match the gifts of employee spouses and retired employees as well. Contact your personnel office for information about your employer’s matching-gift program. A donor must secure the proper matching-gift forms from the corporation and submit them to International House Philadelphia to receive the matching gifts.
Making Monthly Gifts
Some donors elect to spread their payments over a period of months, or choose to give a monthly amount year round. This allows you to more easily budget the gift you wish to make. Payments may also be scheduled every other month, or quarterly.
Giving Electronically
IHP’s secure web server allows you to make on-line gifts day or night using a credit card (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover). Gifts are processed immediately, and posted to our records within a few days.
Please contact Alumni Relations at 215-895-6543 or iworldihp@ihphilly.org for more information.
When in the area, please feel free to drop by the House to visit. IHP will staff will be happy to have you!
Wissam Raji and Glenn Martin
Pranam Shetty and IHP Staff
Save the Date!
Our next reunion at IHP is set for May 12, 2012. Don’t miss it!
This past summer, we welcomed alumni, friends and family to the annual reunion BBQ at IHP and had a wonderful celebration! Here are some photos from the event:
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Alumni with current residents | Aous Abbas & IHP Alumni Director, Simone Jeffers |
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Chris Heasey, Tanya Steinberg, and Jim Papada, IHP Board Chair | Current residents enjoy the BBQ! |
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| Sarto Schickel & IHP Alumni Director, Simone Jeffers | Temple University Jazz Ensemble |
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| Alumnus Victor Olufesu has his hands full! | Erik Nordgren and his daughter |
IHP Alumni Reunions Around the World
From Muhammad Kamran Anis:
In April and May of 2011, I took time off to visit Europe and connect with some of the closest friends I made at International House Philadelphia. Here are some of the pictures from the trip. I made it to 20 cities and regions of Europe on plane, train, buses and ferry and foot. One of the things I am planning to do is make a round the world trip and stop in each country on the globe and spend a week with an International House Alumni. I want to explore and understand their country better and document my thoughts about it and publish it. If you want me to visit you on my next trip, please drop me an email: kamrananis@gmail.com.
I would love to stop by!
“I may no longer live at I-House, but I-House will always live in me” A. Riggle
Here are some pictures of my trip. Enjoy!
Muhammad Kamran Anis
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| Emmanuelle Henry (engagement ring!) and Fannie Hersen | Bertrand Vernard and his wife in Nantes, France |
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| Erasmo & family enjoying home-made seafood pasta by Mom, Capri, Italy | Family meal with the Boussacs, Vendee, France |
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| Erasmo Miele, Capri, Italy | Igaal and Jennifer Levy, Paris, France |
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| Omar Hasan came from Lyon to Paris to visit me! | Paula Gomez and Laia Vidal, Valencia, Spain |
In Memoriam
John C. Haas
In April 2011, we were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John C. Haas, Honorary Trustee of IHP. We are grateful for his tireless support of not only this organization, but his work with numerous charities in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Mr. Haas was a kind and gentle soul, and we remember him for his continuous support and service on behalf of IHP. During his last visit here, in April 2009, he shared with us his love for the organization, and recounted in detail his role in the construction of our current site at 3701 Chestnut Street.
Mr. Haas will be missed, and will always be remembered by the International House Philadelphia family.
Klaus “Bob” Lange
The IHP family learned of the passing of Klaus “Bob” Lange, who served on the IHP Alumni Council for many years along with his wife Sylvia (pictured, at left). Originally from Berlin, Mr. Lange worked at Quaker Chemical Company before retiring in 1990. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he was first introduced to IHP in the early 1950s. We remember Bob and extend our condolences to his family.
Veerasamy S. Naiken
IHP alumnus Veerasamy S. Naiken, 83, a retired pathologist Albert Einstein Medical Center from 1957 until he retired in 1987, died in June 2011, at the St. Ignatius Nursing Home in West Philadelphia of complications from a stroke. Known as Samy by those who knew him well, Dr. Naiken was born on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, and after graduating from the Cambridge School, a kindergarten-through-12th-grade school in Calcutta, India, he won a scholarship to the University of Leeds School of Medicine in England and qualified as a physician in 1955. He arrived in the US in 1957 and became a member of IHP at that time, and was still involved with the House from then as a regular visitor and contributor, until the time of his death. A friend of many, including alumnus Chuck Gupta, Samy will be remembered by the IHP family.
Lewis and Elizabeth Somers
In August 2011, International House Philadelphia lost two of its longtime friends and supporters. Lewis S. Somers III and his wife Elizabeth, fondly known as Lew and Betty, were generous benefactors of IHP. For many years, the Somers endowed fellowships for IHP residents. The couple died in their Raymond, Maine summer home, likely the result of carbon monoxide poisoning. The IHP family extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Lew and Betty Somers.
