News – International House

I-House Congratulates the 2025 Davis Projects for Peace Awardees

Written by International House on June 10, 2025. Posted in News, Resident News.

International House is proud to congratulate 11 residents who were awarded funding through the Projects for Peace program. The 2025 grantee cohort consists of 136 projects nominated by 93 partner institutions including I-House. Projects will take place this summer, with each grantee receiving $10,000 in funding to pursue innovative, community-centered, and scalable responses to the world’s most pressing issues. The I-House recipients are: Bunmi Adeloye — Fostering Community in Hokkaido: Encouraging Reconciliation and Cross-Cultural Communication Through Visual Novels (Japan) ...

Fareed Zakaria Discusses Today’s “Wild and Unruly World”

Written by International House on May 1, 2025. Posted in Events, News.

On April 3rd, the International House community went “Around the World with Fareed Zakaria,” as the CNN journalist and longtime Trustee described the current unraveling of a US-led international order that has prevailed since the end of World War II. The event drew a packed audience in Davis Hall eager to hear one of the world’s foremost commentators on international affairs. Speaking the day after US President Donald Trump proclaimed “Liberation Day,” announcing historic global tariffs, Zakaria delved deeply into the historical factors which have led to the current moment, and the...

Mark Morial: “Never Hesitate to Use Your Voice”

Written by International House on May 1, 2025. Posted in Events, News.

Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League and former Mayor of New Orleans, underscored the importance of coalition building and speaking out to I-House residents and alumni during an inspiring and very personal conversation on March 12. In a conversation that wove personal memory with national history, Morial reflected on his lifelong dedication to civil rights, social justice, and purpose-driven leadership. He recounted his experience as one of the first Black students to attend a newly integrated elementary school in New Orleans—a moment that shaped his understanding...

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...

Think Bigger: An Evening with Dr. Sheena Iyengar

Written by International House on December 4, 2024. Posted in Events, News.

Where Do Big Ideas Come From? The classic story of the Statue of Liberty focuses on the persistence, passion, teamwork, and technological ingenuity it took to create her. But where did the idea for Lady Liberty come from? In a recent Distinguished Speaker Series talk, Dr. Sheena Iyengar, the S.T. Lee Professor of Business at Columbia Business School and a renowned expert on choice, explored the creative process behind the iconic statue—a symbol that has resonated with her since age three when she arrived from India with her parents. Dr. Iyengar deconstructed Frédéric...

From Night Manager to Distinguished Speaker: Jelani Cobb’s Journey Back to I-House

Written by International House on November 18, 2024. Posted in Events, News.

The rumors are true: on his way to becoming an award-winning writer and producer, Jelani Cobb worked as a night manager at International House. Now Dean of Columbia Journalism School and a longtime writer for The New Yorker, Cobb returned to I-House on November 4, Election Day eve, to deliver a Distinguished Lecture Series talk in Davis Hall, where he discussed the election, political polarization, and the evolving role of journalism in America. But first, some memories. As Cobb was working toward his PhD in History, he staffed the Claremont reception, greeting residents as...