Issuu

| house world newslette STIONZA

vol. 2 no. 1

a letter for former members of International House, 500 Riverside

Drive, New York, NY 10027

Interim Report—

Harry Edmonds’s World Trip, January 5-April 19 First reports are in—with photographs and a shower of press clippings — showing that Harry Edmonds'’s visits with alumni have gathered large numbers of former residents and members of the House wherever he has gone. The trip started on a blowy January morning here at International House, and as we go to press, it finds him in tropical, exotic Bangkok, guest of Phya Vidura Tharmabinet (’21-'23) whose original invitation sparked the plan for Harry’s trip. On April 19, after visiting about 20 cities in the Far and

Near East and in Europe, the Skipper will touch down again at Kennedy International York City.

Airport

in New

Harry Edmonds’s World Trip John J. McCloy Speaks on I. House in Philadelphia

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8 New Council Members Appointed—

Site of First Meeting Chosen 1966 Festival of the Arts Announced President Cook Participates in White House Conference,

Washington, D.C. Alumni Fund Half-Way Report

Alumni StudentHospitality Program

Of his first alumni welcome th founder and first director of |. House said: “If all stops respond like Honolulu, my alumni mission will be a huge success.” Hostess for Mr. Edmonds was Beatrice

Chang

(’39-'40), past President of

the disbanded |.H.A. Chapter and now Chairman of the Alumni Committee re-forming in response to the new program of the House. Working with other alumni she arranged to have, in Mr. Edmonds’s honor, a traditional Sunday Supper complete with the Candlelight Ceremony. About 70 alumni attended.

paper, the Skipper stated the purpose of his current trip: “I think the human race today is facing the fateful moment in history and that any group that has lived in the International House, whether in New York or in any other place, should fully realize this.... “Many of them have influence— are in positions to exercise their influence for world peace. | am trying to awaken them to work with the spirit with which they had lived while staying at the International

Houses —to

continue their affilia-

tion with the idea tional House.”

of the

Interna-

I. House

Edmonds

film,

which

is carrying

his luggage

Harry

with him

(the only way it could

keep up with him on this flying trip). Mr. Edmonds was the guest

of the Changs in their apartment hotel. All three Changs are alumni — Beatrice, son /rving ('58-’60), and daughter En (’56-’60).

licity which

alumni

organized

their cities to announce his arrival and to cover his visit. Tokyo was no exception, where Harry says “A truckload of reporters and photographers were present” at a dinner in his honor held at the International House of Japan. Hosts for the event were Namiji Itabashi, Council Member, and other members of the alumni group in Japan.

Mr. Edmonds was a guest at Inter-

national House of Japan

(Dr. Mat-

sumoto, Director) during his stay. In an

interview

columnist of The

in Tokyo

with a

Yomiuri news-

paper. Working with an organizational committee of Philippine

alumni, Council Member Jose Con-

cepcion (’20-’21) had arranged a program including a courtesy call on President Marcos; a visit with Carlos P. Romulo ('21), President of the University of the Philippines;

a reception at the airport; a dinner about

Bank

& Trust

the

Commercial

Co.

Building;

visit to the International Rice Research Institute Los Banos Col-

lege, College of Agriculture; and a farewell party. Mr. Concepcion has just undertaken the development

of a Philippine Alumni Committee Next step for Mr. Edmonds was Taipei, where Mrs. Mary Sun, Secretary-General of the International

House

of Taipei

and

George

('34), newly-appointed Council Member, were in charge of ar-

rangements.

luncheon,

hosted

and Harry Edmonds’s trip provided them with a valuable first project.

One of the major goals Mr. Edmonds hopes his visits will achieve is the recovering of about 1000 current addresses of numbers of over-

seas alumni who have lost touch with the House. Socorro Sala-

by George Wu, Lt. General Wego Chiang and James Shen with members of the Board of International House of Taipei and community leaders, was held in his honor at the Penthouse of the Central Trust

manca Diaz (’22-'23), just appointed by Mr. Concepcion as Acting Executive Secretary, has undertaken to collect lists of the Philippine alumni for this purpose. The last stop on which we have

all alumni in the area was held at International House. Of this George Wu says: “Many former members and residents of International House in New York turned out to welcome him—a great reunion after so many years.”

Kong, a visit according to the Skip-

of China. A large tea reception for

Especially valuable to Mr. Edmonds'’s trip is the abundant pub-

the need for a binding tie, like the

alumni work.” Pre-arrival publicity for Harry Edmonds'’s visit to Manila appeared with pictures and story in the Sunday as well as a daily

for

A highlight of the evening was the new

their memories and affection for |. House. Most of them until now, had not seen one another since student days, which well illustrates

On to Manila, where the Skipper writes: “Here in Manila, 28 alumni came to the Airport and they came to my hotel individually and in

groups into the night. It is very touching how my visit has stirred

had

word

at press

time

is Hong

per that “has been all too short.”

He arrived in the middle of the Chinese New Year festivities, but de-

spite this the attendance at the dinner in his honor was good. Of

this

visit we

hear

from

William

Choy (’36-’38), Council Member of Hong Kong “On the evening of the 25th (of January) the I. House group here gave him a dinner at the Wing On Hall with an attendance close to 60 with members H. M. Tao ('24-’25), one of the first residents, and Mary Chan (’44), the most recent arrival. Mr. Edmonds gave an inspired talk, and the film

following was brought back

enjoyed by all. It happy memories

which we shared at the House.” There will be much more on this “Triumphal Progress” of Harry Edmonds in the next newsletter.

Chairman of the Board of I. House points to goal for all alumni Chairman

John J. McCloy,

of the

Board of Trustees of |. House, gave the keynote address in Philadel-

eon y at alunch phia, Pa. on Jan5uar marking the opening of a drive for the Philadelphia International House. Mr. McCloy outlined the

goals of |. House and spoke of the

continuing part the House plays in

the world

through

its alumni.

Fol-

lowing are two brief excerpts that deserve the attention of all who

feel they understand the House and its raison d’etre in today’s world. “It is something of a paradox that as man arrives at a point where he can circumnavigate the earth 206 times in less than fourteen days, nationalism and national prejudices seem to be in-

creasing rather than diminishing. Commentators, seeking contro-

versy and sharpened issues, are constantly stressing differences of viewpoints; international demagogues still berate their audiences with hostile references to other nations’ motives, and if ever a situation justified the maintenance of congenial living places where students of all nations can communicate and exchange ideas, the present world situation not only justifies, but demands, it!

“| have spent a good part of my

affairs of one

life in international

sort or another in times both of war

spective

countries

more will be made before April of this year. In addition to the Hong Kong, India, Japan, and Lebanon

do go through

the sometimes quite difficult business of understanding, of toleration and of joint effort, which is the concomitant of such living. “1 do not need to dwell on the

issue, the eight new

importance of youth communing with youth on an international

Germany, Nigeria, Philippines, Sweden, and Thailand.

basis. Youth is more impressionable than age, and if the contact is made in the course of study, where thoughts and ideas are concurrently being weighed and ana-

lyzed, the interchange is bound to be fruitful... “If, as is often the case, some of these students, who have had this experience, return to their own country and assume a responsible position in their own government, the potential of good understanding and improved relations is im-

increased.

measurably

Now,

Dr. Joseph

could give you some statistics and the names of those who have moved from the House in New York to such positions, and | could give you testimonials from those who, over the years, have lived at International House, but | believe you can accept the principle of the

value of such an institution without specifying a few of those who have held conspicuous positions in their

respective governments. Most of the alumni certainly will hold significant positions in their own com-

munities

and, with the wells of

information so widely poisoned today by propaganda and special pleadings, such people may play

ences at governmental and business levels, but | have frequently

international meetings and confer-

ment.”

had the feeling that at an institu-

8 new Council members

lasting

basis

than

these

intermit-

tent official exchanges which frequently accent a difference rather

than remove it. The International House, whether in Philadelphia or New York, is no longer an experiment

in international

ing. It has become

well-established

understand-

a concrete,

experience

in in-

ternational living where young people of promise from their re-

Adegbite,

O.B.E.,

Principal of the Baptist Academy in Lagos, Nigeria, was a member

as useful a part in the advance of international understanding as those who participate in govern-

almost hour after hour, the actual process of good international relations on a more significant and

in the last

areas to be

represented are Australia, TaiwanRepublic of China, Denmark,

and peace. | have engaged in aid programs, diplomatic exchanges,

tion such as the International House in New York there goes on day after day, month after month,

announced

members

of the House from 1950-1952. His wife Adeola was also a member during that period. In 1960, he was

appointed

an Officer of the Most

Noble Order of the British Empire

by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I

for valuable services to education and to voluntary organizations in

Nigeria. He has served as Commis-

sioner for Trade and Industry in Western Nigeria and on the Pro-

visional Council for the University of Ife.

Dr. Adegbite is currently a member of the Federal Electoral Commission and Vice-Chairman of the Youth Committee of the Baptist World Alliance 1965-1970.

appointed— site of first Council

Lake Como

In September, 1966, the first Alumni Council

meeting

will be held in

Italy at Villa Serbelloni, maintained

by The Rockefeller Foundation as an international study and confer-

ence center. Council members from all over the world, men of prominence

in their homelands,

will meet together to formulate the

Mr. Walther Casper lived at the House

in 1936-1937 and, as we re-

ported to you in the last issue, was recently awarded the German Dis-

tinguished Service Cross and an honorary doctorate at Marquette

University in Wisconsin in recognition of his services in the creation of the German

Ser-

Development

methods for alumni and their com-

vice (“German Peace Corps”).

pointments so far, and at least six

Development Policy Council of the German Government; of the Board of Carl-Duisberg-Gesellschaft, de-

mittees to participate locally in achieving |. House goals. Mr. McCloy has made 12 ap-

Mr.

Casper

is a member

of the

voting itself to the care of trainees from the developing countries. He is a Director of the Metallgesellschaft.

Mr. Jose

Concepcion,

repre-

senting the Philippines, lived at I. House in 1929 when he attended New York University. He is Chairman of the Board of Concepcion Industries, Inc. and of Philippine Fiberglas Corporation; President of Republic Commodities Corporation; former Chairman of Philippine General Electric Co.; first President and now a Director of Republic Flour Mills. Mr. Concepcion was named Businessman of the Year in 1963 by Business Writers’ Association of the Philippines. He is Board member of the Philippine Cancer Society, Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Industries, Director of

Danish Milk Company and of Coca Cola Bottling Co.

Mr. Sven Malmberg, Alumni Councilor of Sweden, was educated in London, Paris, New York, and

Rio de Janeiro.

It was during his

study in New York in 1938-1939 that he became a member of International House. Mr. Malmberg is Vice-President and Foreign Manager of Skandinaviska Banken, a writer on Swed-

ish

and

foreign

banking

matters

and Swedish foreign trade. He is a member of the Board of Goodrich Svenska Gummi, Corn Products, and other firms. He is Chairman of the Swedish American Society.

Association of Makati Industries.

Councilor from Thailand is Phya Vidura Tharmabinet, who was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club

in 1921-1923 while studying pollitical science and public law at Columbia, and was a member of the

Mr. P. H. Kjaer-Hansen, was a member of |. House in 1936-1937 and has for many years been a leader in House alumni activities

Building Committee for |. House. Luang Nathanbanja was given the title and name Phya Vidura Tharmabinet by the Crown in 1929,

and has served as Judge of Inter-

in Copenhagen as President of the former |. H. A. Chapter. He is

national Court, Director-General of Legal and Petition Department of

founder and director of his own firm, President of Wholesalers Association, and member of the Representative Committee of the Chamber of Commerce.

the Ministry of Privy Seals; ber and Vice-President

Mr. Kjaer-Hansen, working with Karl Larsen (’40, '46-’47), alternate Council Member, has undertaken to reconstitute the former

|. H. A.

Chapter in Copenhagen under the new program of the Council. Mr. Larsen is managing Director of the

a memof the

National Assembly for several periods. He is currently in the real estate business and practicing law. It was as a result of correspon-

dence between Phya Tharmabinet and Harry Edmonds that the idea for Mr. Edmonds’s current trip was

evolved. He is spending two weeks visiting this honored alumnus. Most recently appointed by Mr.

McCloy, Mr. George Y. C. Wu, Council Member of Taiwan-Republic of China, is Deputy Director of the Central Trust of China, Chairman of the Board of Directors of International House of Taipei. He is also President of the American University Club and Cosmo Club in Taipei. Mr. Wu is former Chinese Consul General of New York, former Secretary of the Chinese Delagation to the U.N. General Assembly. bieak,

Council Member of Australia is Dr. Harold Wyndham, DirectorGeneral of Education for New South Wales. Dr. Wyndham was a member of the House in 1933 when he was in New York as N.S.W. Teachers’ Federation Travelling Scholar with a Carnegie Corporation Grant. As Director-General, Dr. Wyndham serves ex officio on the boards of four universities. He is Chairman of the State Library

Board, the Archives Authority of New South Wales and of the Syd-

ney Symphony Orchestra Advisory Committee.

President Cook participates in White House Conference on International Cooperation Howard Cook was a committee member for the November 28-December 1 White House Conference. This conference was the culmination of a year of activity on the part

of 30 working committees of a Na-

tional Citizens Commission appointed by President Johnson

early in 1965 to participate in the

5 International Cooperation Year. Mr. Cook was a member of the Youth Activities Committee and was called upon to summarize in plenary session the work of five of the committees. Speaking of the Youth Activities Committee he said: “When youconsider international cooperation among youth, you are immediately confronted with the fact that the costs of travel and accommodations are prohibitive for youth coming to the United States from around the world. Since planes and ships are the prime instruments for bringing about exchange, the thousands of empty seats and berths in carriers going and coming daily from and to our shores must be thought of as wasted national assets and should be put to use for qualified young people. If the costs were shared equally by the student, the Government, and the carriers, all would benefit, and what is important, an existing resource would be tapped for international cooperation.” Editor's Note: It is interesting that the U. S. airlines have just initiated domestically a program similar to the one recommended by Mr. Cook in committee and reported above. The program allows half-fare on astandby basis for anyone between the ages of 12 and 22. What’s going on at International House 235 alumni gathered at |. House on November 4 for the traditional alumni dinner. Chairman this year was Eleanor Clark French (’36-’37) with 36 patrons and 25 invitation committee members working with her for the success of the evening. Harry and Marguerite Edmonds were on hand for the festivities as well as Council Chairman Bil! Frohlich ('35-’37) and Fund Chair-

man

Ken

Spang

(’36-’37) and

his

wife. President Howard Cook and Mrs. Cook and Dr. Richard Taylor were hosts for the House. The evening included a musical program by students in the House, followed by the new |. House film, produced by Dan Wolman (’63-’65) working with audio-visual expert and alumna volunteer Gertrude

Jacobs

('33-'34).

music

for the film was

The

original composed

by Richard Kimball (’62-’64). Also on the program was a panel discussion of the areas of the

House

which

could

use

local

alumni aid. The channeling of alumni volunteers into the area of need in which they are interested has been the most difficult task for

the Alumni Office to date, mainly because no administration now exists to handle such large numbers of alumni as have volunteered. We apologize to those of you who have been generous enough to offer your hospitality and aid, and ask your patience while we move toward establishing these programs. (At right) a collection of some of the happy faces of November 4. You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Festival of the Arts April 20-30 International House, N.Y. 500 Riverside Drive

Cabaret Night, April 20—8:30 PM Opera and Dance Night, April 24—4:00 PM Chamber Music Concert, April 27 —8:30 PM Night of Nations, April 30—5:00 PM Art Exhibit, April 20-30 inclusive Net proceeds from the Festival go to the Scholarship Fund. PLEASE NOTE-—tickets will be available without reservations at the door for Night of Nations, Opera and Dance Night and for Chamber Music Concert; advance reservations are requested for the Cabaret. (Last year over 100 people were turned away from Cabaret!) Anyone who wishes to make advance reservations or would like an invitation to share with friends,

please be sure to fill in the mailing label on page 8 of this newsletter, and return it to us.

It looks like the greatest Festival ever—be sure to come! Pilot Project 1.H.A.F. (“International House Alumni Friends’’) has gone into operation. Designed specifically to strengthen the experience of the resident and nonresident foreign members of the House, this program will study the value of assigning to each foreign student, as he enters, an |. House Alumni Friend, who would aid him in getting acquainted profession-

ally and becoming part of the cultural life of the city. The pilot project involves 24 students and 24 New York area alumni who have volunteered student hospitality. This project is under the direction of Resident Adviser Esther Dekker and the Alumni Secretary.

izing that they might travel with other students, in some places visit and stay in the homes of American

William C. Witherspoon centralizes controller and business manager responsibilities

families, get a better feeling of American

life, and

more economical

make

the trip

for them. The

program, | feel, has a self-perpetu-

ating force to it. As | stayed European

| kept hearing

hopes

to develop

correspondent

one

in each

the major cities who will arrange for student hospitality — not neces-

sarily in his own home, but drawn

the task

retirement of “Van” van Duyn reported in the last issue of the newsletter. Bill, active in community

Allen

night,

(’55-’57), Nam-

Clough ('49-’50), Carolyn Comfort (44-45), Thomas Gardner (’49-’50,

centralizing the Controller and Business Manager duties with the

took

up the volunteers for each were Angela

the wonderful hospitality that had been extended to them in the U.S.”

in 1954

ment as they chimed in with their cowbells. Captains, who rounded

bath (Bal) Balachandran (’61-’65), Lucie Benedikt (’45-’46), Donald Joe Brown (’62-’65), Elinor Nelson

Frank staff

Nearly all campaigners enjoyed

themselves after that initial hurdle of picking up the phone. There was a growing feeling of accomplish-

expressions of gratitude that finally these people were getting an opportunity to repay some of

alumni

Bill Witherspoon who joined the

homes,

gift per person—average $16.

from alist of volunteers in the area. If you are interested in this pro-

’53), Bob Grier ('42-’51), Jag Jayaswal ('61-’63), Bob Kirkwood (’4951), Vera Kwochka (’60-’62), Dave Murray (’64-’65), Bob Myhr (’60-’63), Mr. & Mrs. Erling Rohde (’52-’53), Ruth Spalding (\.H. Friend), H. Clay Simpson (’61-’62), Harold Weissman

affairs in Teaneck, New Jersey, is

gram, we urge you to write to the Alumni Office about it. Indicate your business address, your pro-

Board

fession, your home phone number.

('59-’65), Brenda

('63-’63). Unsung

heroine

Workman

of this cam-

Community Chest and the Blood

Editor’s Note: The 1500 alumni

paign was Marie Hatch Mengel ('37-’39) who spent many hours re-

Bank. A lawyer, he also serves on

who indicated such interest on the

searching the thousands of num-

the Adjustment Committee of the

return card sent out with the first newsletter are on Frank’s hospitality lists already—no need for

member

of the Teaneck

was contract officer for the U. S. Dept. of State, New York Branch. The House is fortunate to have the benefit of Bill’s talents and his magical ability to unsnarl knotty problems—whether in finance,

them to send another note.

bers needed for the campaign. Incidentally, any phone campaigner who would like to know how much he or she personally

Telephone Campaign brings in

‘raised can get this information by calling the Alumni Office.

building maintenance and improve-

On five nights last fall, two nights unfortunately involved in the massive Eastern seaboard power blackout, some 92 alumni volunteers of New York took part in a

Youth

Guidance

Council

of that

city. Prior to joining the staff, Bill

ment, or in the ruffled-feathers department.

Alumni welcome for

over $2300 from 300 alumni for Alumni Fund

telephone campaign for the Fund. Co-chairmen of the campaign

traveling students — Program starts second summer

were

James

L. Davis

('62-’64),

The alumni hospitality program for traveling students worked so well

Steering Committee member,

and

Joseph

New

in its experimental stages last summer that participating alumni

York Chapter President. Averaging 11 calls an hour, the

and students

heartily recommend

volunteer dialed from 6:30 to 9:30

its continuance. 31 students were

p.m.; reaching 60% of the alumni they called and getting the nod to

serviced with 87 homestays. Typical comments on the

project:

“I should

pilot

mention that |

am an enthusiastic supporter of

your project, and enjoyed participating in the first year trial.” “I think the program is great and as rewarding to the ‘visitee’ as the visitor.” In the evaluation of the program, Frank Taylor, Travel Fellow of the

House, “‘...the program stimulated more foreign students to see the U.S. while they were still here real-

send

Wyman

contribution

(’54-’56),

envelopes

63°o of those they reached. Everytime a contribution was offered a cowbell was rung. Champion phone personalities, as shown

in the contributions

ac-

tually received to date, were Jag Jayaswal (’61-’63) who raised the most money—$110, Mary Jane Rogers (’34) who got the greatest number of positive responses— 100°, and Hjordis Andersen (’52) who achieved the largest average

Alumni Fund Report: Goal $12,000 Total received to date

$6,400 from 832 alumni

7 Reading the mail

from Germany,

two from

Indo-

his

nesia, and one from Japan. We enjoy the contacts with these persons and are happy to share our home with them.”

wife Ingeborg, describing their own extension of |. House ideals in a very exciting program.

pest, Hungary, expresses his appreciation: “Thank you for your

mid-November,

received

some most interesting literature from

Robert

In 1953,

Jones

they

(’43),

moved

and

to Mexico

City from the U. S. and opened their home, called Villa Jones, to Americans North and South. At every Tuesday evening ‘‘open house’ noted speakers address visitors and local residents.

Villa Jones, a non-profit organization, has been host to more than 10,000 visitors; aiding in orientation, short-term hospitality, counsel on technical assistance projects for scholars’ research, introduction of visitors to Mexicans with similar interests. Malcolm A. Davis (’47-’49), Professor in the Department of Eng-

lish at Grambling College in Louisiana sent “...just a brief note to thank whoever is responsible for my receiving the |.. House News-

letter. It came this morning and | immediately

read

it from

cover to

cover. It was so GOOD to get news about ‘The I. House’ where | spent three summers while working on a doctorate at N. Y. University.... | plan requesting use of the film on ‘The |. House’. | would like to show

it to our English and foreign language majors for it might inspire some of them to study in N. Y. and

to live at ‘The |. House.’ Helene Hansen (’23-’26, ’28-’29) of Horten, Norway, writes “Since 1952 | have been spending every winter in America, lecturing in any

number of private high schools on Norway. | have also arranged for American girls to come and spend their summer in Norway. “My later work has always been inspired by the words cut in stone over the entrance door to International

House:

THAT

BROTHER-

HOOD MAY PREVAIL....1 am most grateful for the Worldwide Passport to International House Friends.” Isabelle S. Purnell ('48) of Mahomet, Illinois, writes, ‘‘We have many foreign students here on our

Illinois Campus. We are having a sizeable group as dinner guests this next Monday—two from the States, two from Formosa, one

work of the Club, and later provided the money to build the House.

“Following that, as Committee,

Gyorgy Szepe (’64-’65) of Buda-

plans for the House itself, though, as

Passport to International House Friends....| had a very good time in the I. House. | should like to show somehow my gratitude. “In the country where | live there

to Scotland

do is to express

are very strict currency restrictions, so | cannot send you any contributions either in dollars, or in forints (i.e. Hungarian money). | am exploring the chances to send you something else which would be useful for you. Maybe some journals published in Hungary but on languages other than Hungarian, mainly English....1 wish to express my sincere greeting both to you, and the actual membership of the International House.”

“| received with great pleasure

in May

my deep

interest

in its grand work in the cause of international and inter-racial friendship, that it may go from strength to strength.” “This is just to say’’ writes K. Mukerji ('50) of Serampore, India, “that the Alumni Bulletins

that

come

periodically

are

“Those who gave shape to the idea of the YMCA and later the International House did priceless service to youth stretching out for light and discovery of the self....”

Elisabethville, the Congo,

Dr. Scherer Adrien writes: “| was very glad to receive the first

‘Newsletter’; as an old resident at International House in New York, |

am always interested to hear about |

the activities of this institution where | spent several happy months as a student in 1949-1950.” A holiday card brought 1966

greetings and a thank you for the Passport from Ryszard Dabrowski (63) in Gdansk, Poland. His card

will have to represent in this col-. umn the hundreds that have come to the House this past holiday season.

participate in any of your international

activities

cooperating “It

may

active

and

To the many alumni who sent

know”

greetings to me and to other members of the staff— All of us wish we could an-

alumnus.” interest

you

writes D. A. Duncan, Retired Minister of the Church of Scotland, “that while a holder of a Scottish Fellow-

ship at Union Theological Seminary in the years 1920-1922. | not only was an interested member of the Intercollegiate Cosmopolitan Club, but during my second year was on its staff as secretary for British Commonwealth students. In

that capacity | therefore shared in the very beginnings of International House.

| was present at the

Sunday Supper when feller

paid

his fine

Mr. Rocke-

tribute

to the

source of great joy.

From

the 2nd number of your handsome newsletter,” writes Dr. Aly Raafat (52-57), Asst.Professor in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cairo. He goes on to say, “It was a welcomed flashback spent there—on and off—some of the best years of my life.... “Not once did | hear any national dispute or witness any hate based on race, creed or religion. | think the spirit is an ideal example of world cooperation and brotherhood. Please keep me in touch with your news. | will be glad to

| returned

1922, | did not see their fruition in the building later erected, nor have | had the joy. or privilege of returning to the United States at any time, when | could have crossed its threshold. So all | can

letter of November 1965. | am also grateful for the booklet Worldwide

to my old days at the |. House.

a member of

| had a part in passing

swer each card and note per-

sonally. But since this is impossible, | am using this newsletter to extend our warm thanks for your thoughtfulness in remembering us. To say that the House draws strength from your en-

couragement is an understatement. It is letters and cards like these that prove the lasting value of what we are trying to do from day to day.

Kirfand Cook

izing that they

William C. Witherspoon centralizes controller and business manager responsibilities

might

travel

gift per person—average $16.

with

Nearly all campaigners enjoyed

other students, in some places visit and stay in the homes of American families, get a better feeling of American life, and make the trip

more economical

themselves after that initial hurdle of picking up the phone. There was a growing feeling of accomplishment as they chimed in with their

for them. The

cowbells. Captains, who rounded up the volunteers for each night,

program, | feel, has a self-perpetu-

ating force to it. As | stayed in European homes, | kept hearing expressions of gratitude that

were Angela

finally these people were getting an opportunity to repay some of

the wonderful hospitality that had been extended to them in the U.S.” Bill Witherspoon who joined the staff in 1954 took on the task of

centralizing the Controller and Business Manager duties with the retirement of “Van” van Duyn reported in the last issue of the newsletter. Bill, active in community affairs in Teaneck, New Jersey, is Board member of the Teaneck

Frank hopes to develop one alumni correspondent in each of the major cities who will arrange for student hospitality — not necessarily in his own home, but drawn from alist of volunteers in the area. If you are interested in this program, we urge you to write to the Alumni Office about it. Indicate your business address, your profession, your home phone number.

Allen

('55-’57), Nam-

bath (Bal) Balachandran

(’61-’65),

Lucie

Donald

Benedikt

(’45-’46),

Joe Brown ('62-’65), Elinor Nelson Clough (49-50), Carolyn Comfort (44-45), Thomas Gardner (’49-’50, ’53), Bob Grier ('42-'51), Jag Jayas-

wal (’61-’63), Bob

Kirkwood

51), Vera Kwochka

(’60-’62), Dave

(’49-

Murray ('64-'65), Bob Myhr (’60-’63), Mr. & Mrs. Erling Rohde (’52-’53), Ruth Spalding (\.H. Friend), H. Clay Simpson ('61-’62), Harold Weissman (’59-’65), Brenda Workman

(’63-’63). Unsung heroine of this campaign was Marie Hatch Mengel

Community Chest and the Blood

Editor’s Note: The 1500 alumni

(’37-’39) who spent many hours re-

Bank. A lawyer, he also serves on the Adjustment Committee of the Youth Guidance Council of that

who indicated such interest on the return card sent out with the first

searching the thousands of numbers needed for the campaign. Incidentally, any phone cam-

city. Prior to joining the staff, Bill

tality lists already—no need them to send another note.

newsletter are on Frank’s hospifor

Telephone Campaign brings in

over $2300 from 300 alumni for Alumni Fund

building maintenance and improve-

On five nights last fall, two nights

ment, or in the ruffled-feathers department.

unfortunately involved in the massive Eastern seaboard power

blackout, some 92 alumni volunteers of New York took part in a

Alumni welcome for traveling students— Program starts second summer

telephone campaign

The alumni hospitality program for traveling students worked so well in its experimental stages last summer that participating alumni and students heartily recommend

its continuance. 31 students were

for the Fund.

Co-chairmen of the campaign were James L. Davis (’62-’64), Steering Committee member, and Joseph P. Wyman (’54-’56), York Chapter President.

New

Averaging 11 calls an hour, the volunteer dialed from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; reaching 60% of the alumni they called and getting the nod to

serviced with 87 homestays. Typical comments on the

pilot

send

project:

that |

63° of those they reached. Every-

‘| should

mention

contribution

envelopes

am an enthusiastic supporter of

time a contribution

cowbell was rung. Champion phone personalities, as shown in the contributions actually received to date, were Jag Jayaswal (’61-’63) who raised the most money—$110, Mary Jane

is great and as

rewarding to the ‘visitee’ as the visitor.”

In the evaluation of the program, Frank Taylor, Travel Fellow of the House, “‘...the program stimulated more foreign students to see the U.S. while they were still here real-

Rogers

(’34) who

was

offered

your project, and enjoyed participating in the first year trial.” “I think the program

paigner who would like to know how much he or she personally ‘raised can get this information by calling the Alumni Office.

got the greatest

number of positive responses— 100%, and Hjordis Andersen (’52) who achieved the largest average

Alumni Fund Report: Goal $12,000 Total received to date

$6,400 from 832 alumni

7 Reading the mail

from Germany, two from Indonesia, and one from Japan. We

In mid-November, we received some most interesting literature from Robert Jones ('43), and his wife Ingeborg, describing their own extension of |. House ideals

enjoy the contacts with these persons and are happy to share our home with them.”

in a very exciting program. In 1953, they moved to Mexico City from the U. S. and opened their home, called Villa Jones, to

preciation:

house’”’ noted speakers address visitors and local residents. Villa Jones, a non-profit organization, has been host to more than

cover. It was so GOOD to get news about ‘The |. House’ where | spent three summers while working on a doctorate at N. Y. University....

your

building

grateful for the booklet Worldwide Passport to International House Friends....| had a very good time

have

| had

in the

crossed its threshold. So all | can do is to express my deep interest in its grand work in the cause of international and inter-racial friendship, that it may go from strength to strength.” “This is just to say’’ writes K. Mukerji ('50) of Serampore, India, “that the Alumni Bulletins that come periodically are a source of great joy.

|. House.

| should

| cannot

send

you

any

in forints (i.e. Hungarian money). | am exploring the chances to send you something else which would be useful for you. Maybe some journals published in Hungary but on languages other than Hungarian, mainly English....1 wish to express my sincere greeting both to you, and the actual membership of

the International House.” |

Helene Hansen (’23-'26, '28-’29) of Horten, Norway, writes “Since

the spirit is an ideal example of world cooperation and brother-

1952 | have been spending

hood. Please keep me in touch with your news. | will be glad to participate in any of your interna-

every

number of private high schools on Norway. | have also arranged for American girls to come and spend their summer in Norway.

dispute or witness any hate based race, creed

or religion.

| think

tional activities as an active and cooperating

alumnus.”

“My later work has always been inspired by the words cut in stone

“It may interest you to know” writes D. A. Duncan, Retired Minister of the Church of Scotland, “that

over the entrance door to Interna-

while a holder of a Scottish Fellow-

tional House: THAT BROTHERHOOD MAY PREVAIL....1 am most

ship

grateful for the Worldwide Passport to International House

Friends.” Isabelle S. Purnell ('48) of Maho-

met,

Illinois,

writes,

‘‘We

have

at Union

Theological

Semi-

“Those who

gave shape to the

Elisabethville, the Congo,

Dr. Scherer Adrien

very glad

spent there—on and off—some of the best years of my life.... “Not once did | hear any national

writes:

to receive

“| was

the first

‘Newsletter’; as an old resident at International House in New York, | am always interested to hear about the activities of this institution where | spent several happy months as a student in 1949-1950.”

A holiday

card

brought

will have to represent in this column the hundreds that have come to the House this past holiday season. To the many alumni who sent

greetings to me and to other members of the staff— All of us wish we could answer each card and note personally. But since this is impos-

sible,

|am using this newsletter

to extend our warm thanks for

the Intercollegiate Cosmopolitan Club, but during my second year was on its staff as secretary for British Commonwealth students. In

draws strength from your en-

that capacity | therefore shared

Illinois Campus. We are having a sizeable group as dinner guests this next Monday—two from the States, two from Formosa, one

the very beginnings of International House. | was present at the Sunday

Supper

feller paid

when

Mr.

Rocke-

his fine tribute to the

1966

greetings and a thank you for the Passport from Ryszard Dabrowski (63) in Gdansk, Poland. His card

nary in the years 1920-1922. | not only was an interested member of

many foreign students here on our

nor

idea of the YMCA and later the International House did priceless service to youth stretching out for light and discovery of the self....”

From

“| received with great pleasure the 2nd number of your handsome newsletter,” writes Dr. Aly Raafat ('52-’57), Asst.Professor in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cairo. He goes on to say, “It was a welcomed flashback

to my old days at the |. House.

later erected,

the joy. or privilege of

returning to the United States at any time, when | could have

like to

| plan requesting use of the film on ‘The I. House’. | would like to show it to our English and foreign language majors for it might inspire some of them to study in N. Y. and to live at ‘The I. House.’

winter in America, lecturing in any

1922, | did not see their fruition in

the

contributions either in dollars, or

Louisiana sent “...just a brief note to thank whoever is responsible for my receiving the |.. House Newscover to

for

are very strict currency restric-

Malcolm A. Davis (’47-’49), Professor in the Department of English at Grambling College in

it from

you

letter of November 1965. | am also

tions,

sel on technical assistance projects for scholars’ research, introduction of visitors to Mexicans with similar interests.

read

“Thank

a member of

| had a part in passing

plans for the House itself, though, as | returned to Scotland in May

show somehow my gratitude. “In the country where | live there

10,000 visitors; aiding in orientation, short-term hospitality, coun-

immediately

“Following that, as Committee,

Gyorgy Szepe (’64-’65) of Budapest, Hungary, expresses his ap-

Americans North and South. At every Tuesday evening ‘‘open

letter. It came this morning and

work of the Club, and later provided the money to build the House.

your thoughtfulness in remembering us. To say that the House couragement is an understatement. It is letters and cards like

these that prove the lasting value of what we are trying to do from day to day.

Artank Cook

8 Editor’s Note One or two questions have recurred in your letters frequently. As

the answers represent two major points in the new House alumni program, it might be wise to restate them here. ARE YOU A MEMBER? Many alumni ask about joining the alumni program or membership dues or a membership card for alumni. Since all former members of the House automatically are alumni members of the House as stated

in the Bylaws,

there are

no mechanics of joining an associ-

the newsletter and developing the Alumni Council and its Area Committees. ARE YOU AN ALUMNUS? There is some confusion about the definition of “alumnus”. We have

had

some

mystified

hope

that your

interest

for membership

transferred

into making

tion to the Alumni

Fund

can

and calis from former non-resident members who thought they actually had

to /ive in the

House

qualify as alumni. At International House

alumni

member

is one

who has lived in the House or who has taken part in the House as a

non-resident member during his or

At present

the

Fund

aids

in covering the expense of mailing

The Film There are three copies of the new

International House film circling the globe as a result of the request coupon printed in the last newsletter. We

repeat

it below.

If you

would like to schedule the film for

contribu-

an annual gift to the House by her alumni.

Passport, it is available only to alumni.) Passport correction: Page 10, alumni from Agarwal to Vasi are from Bombay, not Bihar.

her period of study in New York.

in is

copy. (Because of the nature of the

which

in their area. If you did not receive the Passport, please fill in the coupon below and we will mail you a

letters

ation; nor are there membership dues; nor, at present, is there a membership card. paying

mailing all alumni the Worldwide Passport to |. H. Friends, a geographical listing of alumni willing to be contacted by alumni traveling

The Passport To I. House Friends

alumni, students or a community, please return the coupon to us.

Several hundred current addresses were added to our mailing list after

March, 1966

Janet Whittier, Editor

Return any of these coupons to: Alumni Council Office, International House, 500 Riverside Drive, New York, N.Y. 10027

Fill in coupon below if you wish to receive a Festival of the Arts

Pages 1, 5 and 6 photos by Paul Cordes

Invitation and Reservation Blank

(This is a mailing label—please print clearly)

| did not receive the “Worldwide Passport to International House Friends” and, as an alumnus,

International House is a private, non-profit and educational organi-

| would like to have a copy

zation. Its program is supported by

(Please print)

the generous contributions of indi-

NAME

viduals, corporations

ADDRESS

(This film is only available for distribution to groups of 30 or more) Please allow 4 months for scheduling NAME OF GROUP TO USE FILM DATE OF SHOWING

ALTERNATE DATE

| understand that | pay the expense of mailing the film on to its next

scheduled showing or back to International House by air parcel post NAME ADDRESS

and founda-

tions who believe in its purpose. International House has developed through the years a program designed to carry out its three-fold purpose: To help each student achieve the educational and personal goals which brought him to New York. To provide foreign students with the broadest opportunities to experience the many facets of American life and give them a deeper understanding of the United States. To give American students an opportunity to broaden their horizons through friendship with people from diverse backgrounds.