People and Programs
Alumni Groups
A lifelong connection to residents has always been a part of International House’s mission. The first Alumni Association was organized in 1936 by Norwegian-born Reidar Gundersen ’29. In 1966, Trustee Bill Frohlich ’37 established the World Council of Alumni (WCA), a body of alumni representatives from around the globe. In 1986, *Klaus P. Mössle ’85* founded Freunde des I-House, the first European alumni group. Other associations are based in New York City, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Background image: 40th Anniversary event in 1964 with the Alumni Association featuring alumnus and Trustee L.W. “Bill” Frohlich.
Friends of International House, United Kingdom (FIHUK) was established in 2005. President Patricia Hamzahee ’83 (lower right) with board members in London, 2010.
Harry Edmonds greeting alumni from the class of 1924. Photo, 1960.
Comprised of 100 members, the WCA meets in New York City and international locales. India, 2007.
Freunde des I-House, which is registered in Germany, serves Pan-European alumni and holds annual gatherings throughout Germany and Europe. Essen, 2019.
Guatemalan alumni with International House Association, Inc. Director Herrick B. Young, who traveled the globe to meet with alumni groups. Photo, 1951.
I-House Days are gatherings of alumni across the globe that provide the opportunity to reminisce and reconnect while celebrating the spirit and mission of the House. Tokyo, 1950.
“Passports” were directories that encouraged alumni to offer hospitality, assistance, and advice to visiting groups and other alums. Alumni passport, 1972.
Alumni are part of a special group of individuals committed to the I-House mission and to promoting cross-cultural understanding. Alumni card, 1965.
The World Council of Alumni engages in recruitment, networking, and fundraising activities to promote I-House’s mission and connect alumni. Souvenir, 1996.
In 1937, the first alumnus elected to the Board of Trustees, Reidar Gundersen '29, founded the first alumni group. Letter from Mott to Edmonds, 1937.
The I-House World Newsletter kept alumni around the world up-to-date on activities at the House. First issue, 1965.