People and Programs
Presidents
The leaders of International House have all been dedicated to encouraging cross-cultural understanding and supporting residents from around the globe. Sharing common goals, each has brought individual talents and expertise to the mission and culture of the House. From the Great Depression and World War II to the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, 9/11, and the global pandemic, they have faced challenges unique to their times. United by a passion for improving the world, these leaders have each left a distinct mark on International House.
Background image: Three generations of I-House leaders, Harry Edmonds, Howard A. Cook, and John L. Mott at Edmonds’ portrait unveiling, 1956.
The idea for International House started with Harry Edmonds (1883–1979), who served as the organization’s first director from 1924 to 1934. With staff, 1927.
John L. Mott (1893–1973) came to I-House in 1935. He had extensive foreign experience and actively promoted the interests of international students.
I-House’s first female director, Celestine Mott (1901–1969), was a stable and reassuring force for residents during WWII. She later established the NY Council for Foreign Students.
Known for his tact and affability, Howard A. Cook (1915–1996) ushered in the “golden age” of I-House by successfully overhauling and modernizing the building and organization.
As president from 1982 to 1993, Gordon W. Evans (b. 1932) presided over the purchase of the North building in 1989, increasing the size of the resident community from 500 to 700.
Howard A. Cook, Board Chair John C. Whitehead, Don Cuneo, and Gordon Evans, 1993.
Donald. L. Cuneo ’69 is the only alumnus thus far to serve as president, which he did from 1993 to 2013. He sought to instill a sense of lifelong friendship and community among residents.
As president from 2013 to 2020, Calvin Sims (b. 1963) oversaw critical upgrades to the building and broadened programming for residents. At Sunday Supper, 2018.
Sebastian Fries (b. 1967), named president in May 2021, has sought to rebuild and revive the I-House community in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
When John Mott left I-House to serve in the US Army during World War II, his wife, Celestine Mott, served as director from 1942 to 1946.
Trustee Brian H. Polovoy (b. 1967) served as interim president during one of the most challenging periods in I-House history, the COVID-19 global pandemic (2020–2021).
Howard Cook was named president of International House in 1955 and served for a record 25 years. The New York Times, 1955.
Thomas F. Olson served as president from 1980 to 1982, emphasizing programming and overseeing renovations. With residents in Sakura Park, 1981.
Harry Edmonds acted as ambassador for I-House during his 1966 world tour in which he traveled the globe meeting with alumni.
Harry Edmonds remained an active figure at I-House, often attending events and participating in daily life. Letter, 1967.