Highlights from the 2019 I-House Orientation Events

The end of August/early September is an especially exciting time to be at International House, as Residents return from their summer adventures and hundreds more postgraduates from all over the world arrive at their new home in New York City. Every year, International House plans a variety of events to welcome everyone into the I-House community and provide opportunities for Residents to meet each other.  This year’s events included an intimate “welcome back” brunch in the Main Lounge and an Orientation presentation for 500+ Residents in Davis Hall. A  blowout documentary film screening of “The Apollo,” complete with an appearance by the legendary actress and singer Leslie Uggams, ensured that the Residents would begin their I-House experience on a high note. Below is a glimpse of the activities. Welcome Back Brunch  (August 27, 2019) Over orange juice, pancakes and other sweet and savory offerings, Residents caught up with old friends and made new ones, exchanging stories about their travels. Orientation Night (September 3, 2019) I-House staff from across every department introduced themselves and provided an overview of the daily operations that go into creating a meaningful experience for Residents, which extends even beyond their residency at I-House. Many lucky winners walked away with prizes from the evening’s Color Wheel challenge. Welcome Back Documentary Film Screening: “The Apollo” (August 28, 2019) For the first event of the I-House Documentary Film series, Residents and members of the surrounding community were treated to a screening of “The Apollo,” a history of New York City’s iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem. Filmmaker June Cross moderated a conversation and Q&A with Lisa Cortes, a producer of the film, and Leslie Uggams, actress and Apollo legend.