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 24th following a valiant battle with lung cancer.
“Frank Wisner was a dedicated champion for I-House and a valued advisor for more than 25 years,” 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 yesterday’s New York Times here and The Washington Post here.
Ambassador Wisner was elected to the I-House Board in 2001, and as Chairman in 2012. He and his wife Judy were familiar figures at the House throughout his chairmanship, and he fulfilled his role with positive energy and great expertise. From chairing board meetings and speaking at major events, to leading informal conversations with I-House residents over pizza or Indian food, he took delight in engaging with fellow trustees, residents, alumni and staff alike.
Wisner’s affiliation with International House began with an introduction by former Chairman John C. Whitehead, who had worked with him as Deputy U.S. Secretary of State. He participated in a panel discussion at the Council on Foreign Relations as part of I-House’s 75th Anniversary programs in 1999, and addressed the community as a McCloy speaker in 2000.
In 2001, at the invitation of Trustee Abby M. O’Neill, Ambassador Wisner was elected to the Board of Trustees, and then-president Donald L. Cuneo stated, “I-House is honored to have in this position an individual who has dedicated his entire professional career to global peace, international diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding.”
A few months later, he joined then-Chairman Paul A. Volcker at the Welcome Sunday Supper following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, reassuring residents that while terrorism would remain a long term difficulty, the I-House mission to extend brotherhood across cultures and nationalities was more important than ever.
Ambassador Wisner brought to the chairmanship a wealth of expertise on global affairs and vast personal experience in Africa, Asia, and South Asia, and was intimately aware of the complexities of conflict and the difficulties of forging peace.
An active Trustee during his first 11 years on the Board, he served on the Programs Committee and began inviting to the House numerous distinguished guests in the areas of foreign affairs and journalism. This practice continued throughout his chairmanship, resulting in speakers ranging from Nobel Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland, to longtime columnist and commentator Al Hunt.
Even as he addressed health issues throughout 2024, he continued to chair board meetings, and kicked off Centennial celebrations with welcome remarks this past September, extolling the mission and principles of International House.
“For the past quarter-century, I have had the responsibility of serving as a Trustee and the Chairman of the I-House Board,” he said. “Few honors have been greater or more meaningful to me.”
The following notice is being placed in The New York Times by Interim Chair William D. Rueckert, Executive Committee Chair Peter M. O’Neill ’92, and President Sebastian Fries:
“The Board of Trustees, residents, alumni, and staff of International House mourn the passing of our longtime Trustee and Board Chair, Ambassador Frank G. Wisner. He actively engaged with members of our community for over a quarter century with expert analysis and unmatched historical perspective. His leadership, wise counsel and collegial warmth will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his wife, Judy, and members of his family.”
