Announcements – International House

I-House New York Congratulates the International House Association

Written by International House on January 23, 2026. Posted in Announcements, News.

In October, a consortium of global International Houses announced the launch of a new International House Association (IHA), a nonprofit focused on advancing peacebuilding, global citizenship, and intercultural leadership. Current IHA membership includes representation from the International Houses at UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago, International House of Japan, and International Students House (ISH) in London. I-House New York is not a member of IHA at this time, as we are still evaluating how IHA complements the existing consortium, International Houses Worldwide (IHWW)....

I-House Welcomes Vreni Hommes ’89 and Gautam Shirhattikar ’05 to the Board of Trustees

Written by International House on December 4, 2025. Posted in Alumni News, Announcements, News.

At its October 29 meeting, the International House Board of Trustees elected alumni Vreni Hommes ’89 and Gautam Shirhattikar ’05 as its newest members. “We are thrilled to welcome two accomplished alumni to the Board of Trustees,” said Sebastian Fries, President & CEO. “Vreni and Gautam are passionate about our I-House community and deeply committed to our future success. Each brings a unique blend of experience and insight to the Board. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and strategic expertise as we prepare for I-House’s second century.” Hommes rejoins the board...

Remembering Kathleen Burns (1945-2025)

Written by International House on September 29, 2025. Posted in Announcements, News.

Kathleen Ingrid Burns, longtime International House Trustee and a beloved figure in the community for decades, died September 28 at New York-Presbyterian Hospital following a recent decline in health. “The I-House community is deeply saddened to learn of Kathy’s passing,” said William D. Rueckert, Interim Board Chair. “She was a devoted supporter of the House for 40 years, and an inspiration and friend to many on the Board, and among residents, alumni and staff. She will be greatly missed.” Her ties to International House were longstanding. Her uncle, L.W. “Bill” Frohlich ’37, was an...

Remembering Frank G. Wisner (1938-2025)

Written by International House on February 25, 2025. Posted in Announcements, News.

The International House community was saddened to learn of the death of Ambassador Frank G. Wisner, distinguished American diplomat and Chair of the Board of Trustees, on February 24 following a valiant battle with lung cancer. “Frank Wisner was a dedicated champion for I-House and a valued advisor,” said I-House President Sebastian Fries. “In times of global crises, from 9/11 to wars in Ukraine and Gaza, he was here to share his unique perspective and insights with generations of I-House residents. We will miss him greatly.” A full obituary ran in The New York Times here and The...

Alumni Gather to Celebrate I-House Centennial

Written by International House on October 23, 2024. Posted in Alumni News, Announcements, Events, News.

Hundreds of alumni from around the world converged in New York September 14-15 for a beautiful late summer weekend of activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International House’s opening in 1924. More than 450 former I-House residents from the 35 different countries from every corner of the globe returned to 500 Riverside Drive to re-connect, share memories, and celebrate the Centennial at a series of events tied together with the theme “100 Years of Common Ground.” The festivities began with a “strolling brunch” in the Hall of History and Davis Hall, where President...