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

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...

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Mark Morial: “Never Hesitate to Use Your Voice”

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...

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Remembering Frank G. Wisner (1938-2025)

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...

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Think Bigger: An Evening with Dr. Sheena Iyengar

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...

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

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...

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I-House Welcomes Shobhna Mohn ’95 to the Board

International House Board of Trustees Elects Shobhna Mohn ’95 to Join the Board At the recent meeting of the International House Board of Trustees on October 29, Shobhna Mohn ’95 (née Goyal) was elected to join the Board. A graduate of Columbia Business School and Delhi University, Mohn recently retired as Chief Strategy Officer from Bertelsmann Investments, an international network of funds and a division of the media, services and education company, Bertelsmann. Mohn began her career at Bertelsmann in the Corporate Development department in 1996. From 2002 to 2006, she headed the...

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