Photo credit: Courtesy of ISH
“The International Student House of Washington, DC helps create outstanding international citizens by giving them the opportunity to live, study and work together,” said Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at a Tribute Dinner hosted at the residence of The Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Bisogniero, “creating friendships and bonds that span the globe.
These young scholars and students grow in international understanding and develop a capacity for making a better world for all of us.” The Bisognieros are the Diplomatic Chairs of the 2014 Global Leadership Awards Program, the Hagels are Honorary Chairs.
Amb. Claudio Bisogniero, Lilibet Hagel, Laura Denise Bisogniero and Sec. of Defense Chuck Hagel
“We are pleased to welcome you tonight,” said Grace Tompkins, ISH Board President, “and to thank our Diplomatic Chairs and Hosts Ambassador and Mrs. Claudio Bisogniero for opening their lovely residence for this Tribute Dinner honoring this year’s awardees and generous supporters.
Grace Tompkins (ISH Board President), ISH Scholar Wendy Magoronga (Zimbabwe – SAIS, International Relations – African Studies) and ISH Scholar Dario Sansone (Italy – Georgetown U., PhD Candidate)
This year’s honorees: former U.S. Senator Richard Lugar with the Global Leadership Award; the Global Citizen Award to the family of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri; and the first Distinguished Alumni Award to Abraham Akoi.”
Senator Lugar (2014 Honoree) and Deputy Secretary of State William Burns
Hassnah and Bahaa Hariri, Lilibet Hagel (ISH Board Member) and Laura Denise Bisogniero
“Hosting the International Students House Tribute Dinner is a way to highlight the achievements of this non-profit. They provide a unique residential experience to students from around the world, including Italy” said Claudio Bisogniero.
“Student exchanges are a key tool in strengthening friendships and promoting peace and understanding among peoples. In this field Italy and the U.S. share a long-standing tradition. Many are the Italian students here in the US. However, not everybody knows that in the last 10 years, Italy has become the second destination for Americans studying overseas, with over 30,000 US students hosted each year in my country,” he noted.
