News of Alumni - Archive 2004
Michael BROWN (1977)
Belinda LAMB (1977)
Ben FONG (1978-1980)
Ann HARRIS DAVIDSON (1980)
Denise NORTH (1980)
Termidzi JUNAIDI (1980)
Mealy TRUONG (1970)
Marion WEISS (1967)
Nancy LAU (1967)
Val HAZLEWOOD (1967-1969)
Anny BE (1968-1970)
Michael CHAO (1969-1972)
Alex HO (1969-1971)
Rico LIU (1986-1988)
Greg GIBBONS(1969)
Ee-Laine NG (2000, 2001)
Michael CHAO (1969-1972)
Dr Anne WALKER (1970)
Dr StephenWHITE, Ann HARRIS DAVIDSON
Dr Bernard COHEN (1980)
Dr Seiichi MOCHIZUKI (1986)
Philayrath 'PH' PHONGGSAVAN (1987-1990)
Kenjiro ARAKI (1988-9)
Yuliani TAN (1990-2) and Ian DICKSON (1990)
Siana Bernadeta SOESILO (1990-2)
Claudia MORALES (1990-1995)
Nicos PAVLIDES (1997-2000)
Bianca LEVKOVICH (1997-2000)
Scott BEACH (1998)
Dennis-Ilin CHANG (1998)
Yuriko KUGA(1998)
Marianne SCHULZE (1998)
Chaitanya SHARMA (1998-1999)
Verena STREBER (1998-1999)
Sonia MONTIERO (1998-2001)
Joseph GAN (1998-2002)
Chris TAN (1998-2002)
Kevin SHAH (1999)
Ruth SHATFORD (IH Director 1999-2002)
Abraham RUSHDI (formerly Brett MARSHALL) (1999-2000)
Michael BOOTH (1999-2000)
Ewe Hean, LOH (1999-2000)
Manindra KAPHLE (1999-2002)
David CHUNG (2000-2002)
Dominic “Big D” TAY (2001)
Eunjung LIM (2002-3)
John MONTGOMERY
Patricia McMAHON
Gillian POLLACK
Christina LOWE
Jojie BAUTRO
Shannon MASON
Ivan GUNDERSEN
Devadas KRISHNADAS
Michael BROWN (1977) Pauline Kennedy forwarded a photograph for the Newsletter that Michael had included with his Christmas greetings to the Kennedy family. The picture shows Michael, his wife Cath and their two boys, Matt (13) and Garrett (11) in West Canada. Michael says: ‘No, this is not the North Pole but we were looking for Santa’s village! We are having a special toast with glacial water from the Columbia Icefields where we went on our summer vacation in July…’
^top
Belinda LAMB (1977) ‘read with special interest the latest Newsletter: well done. And what a STUNNING cover photo! Just finished a year as a very part-time National coordinator with an exciting community based advocacy group, RESULTS Australia, and took myself to Washington for their international conference in June. Our vision: to end world poverty and to generate the will to end poverty. This is achieved largely by empowering individuals in their local communities to work through the media and Federal MPs to raise awareness of poverty-related issues and to seek an increase in Federal Government funding for aid. Members meet monthly, with a guest speaker, on a national conference call, each month dedicated to a different issue and action e.g. local media on HIV/AIDS. Issues of particular relevance have been the exciting micro credit, the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, and infectious diseases.
Still living VERY happily in Hobart with my ‘day job’ with the National Youth Science Forum keeping me busy and on the move! My partner Guy and I enjoy our wee cottage and its garden, the stunning view, and planning walks and travel!!!’
^top
Ben FONG (1978-1980) Ben wrote to enquire about the progress of the History of International House that is now being mooted and then wrote a brief update of his own:
‘Talking about history, I was re-appointed to the Government’s Licensing Appeals Board recently and noted that my Form Mistress from Form One (i.e. Year 7) in 1968 was among the new members of the Board!!
I am busy as always. Apart from the position in the Auxiliary Medical Service (pictures enclosed were taken during the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon on 8 February 2004 – about 20,000 participants and we clocked nearly 2,000 casualties, mainly cramps and hyperthermia; 13 people were sent to the A&E Department), I was appointed by the Government to the Shatin District Council for the next four years. This is similar to being the Alderman of a local council in Sydney. We have over 600,000 residents in our municipality and it is the largest of the 18 districts in Hog Kong. I was elected Convenor of the Medical and Health Working Group of the Council and we shall start a grand plan to turn Shatin into a Healthy City. So I am now a part-time politician…
I am compiling a book entitled ‘The Hong Kong Health Care System: the Way Forward’, with a colleague and 16 contributors from the various professions in health care. It will be published in June. I have also been asked to edit a handbook on ‘Infectious Diseases and
Health Protection’, for the members of the Auxiliary Medical Service. On the teaching side, on top of my appointments in Family Medicine and Public Health, I was appointed last year by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to be Honorary Associate Professor of the School of Chinese Medicine.
[I have to ask, Ben, what do you do in your spare time…?! Ed.]
^top
Ann HARRIS DAVIDSON (1980) was another to send a greeting card by email – this time an interactive one called ‘Christmas Magic’, Your internet-naïve editor derived considerable amusement from clicking on toys and baubles round the Christmas tree and actually making them move. Ann thanked us for recording her family’s visit, in the last Newsletter, and asked who took the photo of them. ‘Whoever it was deserves a pat on the back for managing to get a smile from each of us’. So the multi-talented, multi-tasking Richard Ng should take a bow.
^top
Denise NORTH (1980), who returned to Sydney from Armidale with her family some time ago and now works with Optus in North Sydney, has recently taken a very active part in International House affairs. At the end of last year she was elected a member of the International House Council, and at the SUIHAA Annual General Meeting last November she also agreed to become a member of our committee. She will, we are sure, make significant and welcome contributions in both positions.
^top
Termidzi JUNAIDI (1980) As you can see from the photographs, Termidzi and his family recently visited Sydney from his home in Kuala Lumpur. He flew into Adelaide in September 2003 with his wife Hali and the two youngest of his five children: Norhalisa (14) and Norlayana (9). Their eldest, Zhafri (21), works as a salesperson for Jaguar; Suzianna (20) is in her 3rd year Electronic & Electrical Engineering, and Norhalina (16) is still at school.
In Adelaide they visited fellow Army dental officers and the Adelaide Dental School before driving to Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road. After spending a night in Port Campbell, Termidzi writes: ‘We went through the hills and ended up getting lost looking for the Satay Inn, a college mate’s restaurant opposite Victoria Market …Mind you, I was in the South Melbourne area, with no detailed street map, but I got there eventually and left Melbourne again at 5 p.m. I drove till 10 p.m. through heavy rain, passing and being passed by a lot of trucks that I could hardly see, until I finally succumbed to tiredness
and stopped at a small town. I had intended to get to Canberra but discovered the next day, when I saw the Dog on the Tucker Box, t hat I was in Gundagai! We then pushed on to Canberra and arrived in time for me to be able to take part in Friday prayers at a Mosque opposite our Malaysian Embassy. After lunch at the Defence Attache’s house, it took me three turns around Canberra before I managed to hit the Hume Highway and continue our journey to Sydney. Here, still without a street map and after three phone calls, we arrived at Sharon (WERBICKI 1980) and Tony Messina’s house at 10 p.m., to enjoy two days of reminiscences and barbecues and seeing our kids getting along well together. We later stayed at the Pacific International in Chinatown, visited International House and Sydney University and we are hoping that the children will study in Australia one day. The children also saw the Opera House and the docks and I bumped into Nick XOURIS (1977-1979) at a restaurant in Darling Harbour. Unfortunately a late evening rendezvous with him and his wife Sue (LYNCH 1979-1981) at the Convention Centre had us waiting at opposite ends of the Colgate Stand!
Since Termidzi’s return to Malaysia, we have had news of his promotion to Major General. As this occasion was televised live from the Main Parade during the Malaysian Army’s 71st Anniversary celebrations, Termidzi’s relations were able to witness the ceremony at their home in Sarawak. And on top of all this, he has now been notified that he has been awarded a peerage from his Majesty, the Al Sultan of Kelantan, in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of his reign to be held at the end of March.
CONGRATULATIONS from all of your SUIHAA friends, Termidzi, for all your achievements and an amazing start to the New Year!
Termidzi (2nd from left), Norhalisa, Hali, Norlayana with Termidzi's collegues at Bondi Beach.
Sharon (Werbiki 1980) Messina at home with her husband Tony and two of her three sons
Mealy TRUONG (1970) Last Christmas eve Mealy sent a delightful email greetings card to ‘IH Friends’. “Thinking Of You! Just a little something special I do for myself on a daily basis…it brings joy to my heart and a bright smile to my face.”
He included the following message:
‘2003 draws to its close. To me the years seem shorter and, dare I say, busier. Fortunately, our fond souvenirs are always vivid and fresh. In reading our President’s letter and looking at our charming friends Gwen and Richard in their beautiful photo, I miss you and all the International House Friends. I sincerely hope that this ecard will serve as a little sunray lighting up the IH motto “That Brotherhood May Prevail”.’
^top
Marion WEISS (1967) sent the following photos to Margaret LEMOH(BROMLEY) (1967, 1968) She is married to Wilfrid Meier, a German pastor. Their two children have grown up now and this is the second grandchild. The mother is Annette, their daughter who bears a striking resemblance to her mother in IH days !
^top
Nancy LAU (1967) After a long silence, news of Nancy reached us just after the Annual General Meeting at the end of November, 2003. ‘I was one of the first batch to reside in International House when it first opened in 1967. I am enclosing four calendars for the Calendarfest – I meant to send some every year but I kept forgetting them. Well, at least this year I am getting in first through the door. I enjoy reading the International House magazine. All the best for the New Year and a Merry Christmas to all at IH.
Yours in friendship…’
^top
Dr Val HAZLEWOOD (1967-1969) Val called in at the IH Office on November 24th to let us know that she would be attending the Barbeque and AGM to be held on the IH Rooftop Garden. After years of old friends enquiring of her whereabouts, it was good that so many of them – Graeme de GRAAFF, (the first Director of Sydney University International House)& Lauris de Graaff, Bronwyn BRYANT (1967-1969), Harry BERGSTEINER (1967-1970) & Gayle Avery, Richard (1967-1969) & Gwen NG (BURROWS 1969-1970), Nuli (1968)& Margaret (BROMLEY) LEMOH (1967, 1968)were there to welcome her back.
^top
Anny BE (1968-1970) Anny wrote in December to send her thanks for the Alumni Newsletter. ‘I am always curious to know what the members of IH are doing and find it very interesting reading the news. I am especially interested in Terry Chapman’s article about the New England Ranges – I think he was in the House when I was there. Here’s a little bit of news about myself:
Last September-October 2003 I spent 18 days trekking in the Solu-Khumbu Everest area in the Himalayas, Nepal. I went up to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri (5340metres) on the other side. Although the trek was very difficult, especially because of the thin air, the views from both peaks were magnificent - we could see all the highest mountains in the area. From Kala Patar we could also see the Everest Base Camp, which was 200 metres below. There were not many tents on the camp because the climbing season to Mt Everest was nearly over. The sky was just absolutely beautiful; it was so blue and clear. I am attaching a photo of me taken on top of Kala Patar. In the background is Mt Everest, with the stormy plume, and the dangerous Khumbu Icefall and the Khumbu Glacier, which is so different from the one I wrote about in last May’s Newsletter. In January 2004 I am walking with friends through the Cradle Mountain area in Tasmania. This is a seven day trip and we will be carrying our own packs, but it shouldn’t be too difficult…’
^top
Michael CHAO (1969-1973) sent New Year greetings from his family and also passed on some helpful comments on the new SUIHAA website which had been set up by Stephen GARRETT (1981-1984) in time for the Annual General Meeting at the end of November. The general consensus is that Stephen has done an excellent job and the new format now prevents spammers from harvesting email addresses from our site. We are extremely grateful that Richard NG (1967-1969) has been prepared to take over as Webmaster, adding to this to his already onerous duties as Database Officer. We owe an apology to Bosco FUNG (1973-1974) who was identified in a photograph with Michael, in the last Newsletter, simply as a ‘friend’. Michael met Bosco, an alumnus and current Director of Town Planning in SAR, in Hong Kong.
(May we suggest that our task would be greatly simplified if, when sending group photos, a caption were included that identifies each member of the group. If others are also alumni, it would be helpful to include their years at IH – our database is by no means complete. - Editor).
^top
Dr Alex HO (1969-1971) Alex wrote to SUIHAA to let us know that his daughter, Sandra Ho Su Yi, would be commencing her studies in the Sydney University Faculty of Arts at the beginning of 2005. His principal reason for writing was to book a reservation for Sandra at IH. ‘International House had been such a wonderful experience for me. I have just received the Alumni Newsletter of November 2003, and I am sure that Sandra will also enjoy IH, hence the early reservation (single room, if possible). Wishing you all the Greetings of the Season …’ so his request has been duly passed on to the Director and we look forward to another second-generation member in the House.
^top
Rico LIU (1986-1988) update his record recently. In 1998 he moved back to Hong Kong for the second time and is now working in the field of oncology and palliative care in a teaching hospital. He is married and they have a lovely 6 year old son. Pace of life is fast and he has little rest. But income tax is low and food is great. If anyone visits Hong Kong, do drop him a line. "It will be great to recall stories of IH days".
^top
Greg GIBBONS (1969) is working at the ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia since May 2003 on a 2 year posting which will probably go to 5 years. He is loving it there.
^top
Ee-Laine NG (2000, 2001) is working for one of the bigger Malaysian construction companies (IJM Corporation) as an Assistant Accountant.
^top
Michael CHAO (1969-1972) sent in an update recently. He had just got back from visiting Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Singapore where he caught up with many old acquaintances. He reported that Toronto had just been hit by a massive power failure that lasted 12 hours and that the small businesses in Toronto have had a “rough go” of it this year with the blackout coming on top of the SARS epidemic.
He also reported that Siriporn (who he understands has changed her name to Siricorn) is now the Junior Minister of Education in Thailand.
^top
Dr Anne WALKER (1970) was wonderful host to Joan Rowlands on her recent trip to Scotland. She is still fighting passionately for the disadvantaged in Glasgow, as well as maintaining her wide interest in the maintenance of heritage buildings.
^top
Dr StephenWHITE, Ann HARRIS DAVIDSON and their daughter, Imogen, paid us a flying visit during a hectic trip from Washington, via New Zealand. They arrived in time for drinks to help us celebrate the Director’s engagement to Phillip Milton, at the University and Schools’ Club in Phillip St, and brought Celina RAPPAPORT, who is working in General Practice in Sydney, with them.
^top
Dr Bernard COHEN (1980) and friends took Joan Rowlands out to dinner in London during her visit in September. Bernard continues his work as a virologist in North London and describes himself as ‘Mr Measles’, because of his anxiety about the imminent danger of a recurrence, in a virulent form, of this disease. There is now a large population of children with significantly compromised immunity to this infection, because of their parents’ concern about the possible serious side effects of measles vaccine and their consequent refusal of its use.
^top
Dr Seiichi MOCHIZUKI (1986) was back in Sydney recently where he visited International House. He is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Medical Engineering at the Kawasaki College of Allied Health Professors in Kura-hiki, Japan.
^top
Philayrath 'PH' PHONGGSAVAN (1987-1990) and Darryl Lloyd were married in a traditional Lao wedding ceremony on 18th January 2003, in Albury, Australia, where PH's parents live. PH met Darryl in Fiji in 1999 while both were living and working there. Despite the raging bushfires in northern Victoria and Canberra and the temperature that hit mid 30s, many IH Alumni and families braved the distance and travelled from far away places to join the weekend of wedding celebrations and activities. Alumni present iIncluded Aileen Chin, Michael Booth, Catherine Chock, Janet Lee, Tanya McCarthy, Richard Galuzzo, Kerry McMiken, Evanor Palac, Ed Tinker, Pauline Kennedy, Elizabeth Morris, Therese Chan and Kabita Chakma. All eventually returned home safely through the thick smoke and despite the airport closure in Albury. It was indeed a weekend to be remembered - for many reasons.
^top
Kenjiro ARAKI (1988-9) sent the news that he has recently joined Lipper Japan as a Sale Specialist.
^top
Yuliani TAN (1990-2) and Ian DICKSON (1990) contacted us recently to update their contact details. They both noted that they enjoy getting up to date with what alumni from their years are doing.
^top
Siana Bernadeta SOESILO (1990-2) updated her contact details recently. She now lives in Bandung, Indonesia. She noted: “Living at IH was an unforgettable experience in my life. I’d like to say “hi” to everybody who knows me at IH.”
^top
Claudia MORALES (1990-1995) ‘Since returning to International House in August 2002 as Personal Assistant to the Director, I have had the opportunity and pleasure of encountering many new and old friends who have welcomed me and my family with open arms. The House has undergone many positive changes since my departure in 1995 and the atmosphere of friendship and multiculturalism prevails in every corner, thanks to the activities organised by the International House Members Association, the House itself and, without doubt, the Alumni Association’s endless work in trying to maintain a link between all members. The Director, Business Manager and general staff are a pleasure to work with and, in some small way, I hope to keep contributing to the aim of International House in promoting the fellowship, love and goodwill so much needed in today’s world. To all of you who remember me and my husband Alex, we send our regards and hope to receive news of you and find out how gracefully you have grown older – or should I say, matured – in the past nine years. We have certainly matured and very happily, I should add, having three lovely little girls the eldest age 7 and twins age 5. Best wishes to you all, especially to all of you from years 1990 to 1995. Please keep in touch. We look forward to receiving your news.’
^top
Nicos PAVLIDES (1997-2000) sent news in October. Nicos has spent the last year in the most expensive city in Europe – London. Taking advantage of a scholarship, he went there for post-graduate studies and some part-time work at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in London. The CPS London is responsible for the prosecution on behalf of Her Majesty, of serious criminal cases in England and Wales, and often the cases it undertakes involve organised crime and cross-border crime issues. Apart from the interesting nature of the work, the other great advantage of working for the CPS is that their London offices are in the heart of the city - about 100m. from St. Paul's Cathedral. Nicos has just completed his exams and will be working in Cyprus in the next few months, awaiting the accession of Cyprus to the European Community (EC) scheduled for next May, which will give the right to Cypriot citizens to live and work freely in any EC country they wish with no need for visa or sponsorship requirements.
^top
Bianca LEVKOVICH (1997-2000) wrote recently: "Following my registration as a pharmacist in 2001, I worked at St Vincents' Hospital Darlinghurst, principally in Cardiology. DUring this time I lived in the Eastern suburbs, including 6 months with Brita Wilfling (1997) and her partner, while she returned to Sydeny to study for a Master of Engineering Management at UTS. I left Sydney earlier this year, travelling through South America with my parents, I have now been living in Southwest London for 6 months. I have been locumming as an Intensive Care Pharmacist at the Royal London Hospital in the Eastend and have just accepted a permanent position at the hospital. I catch up often with fellow London-based 1990's IH'ers Friedl Neureiter (1997), Nicki Birght (1998-?) and Nicos Pavlides (?-2000). I am enjoying the European travel opportunities and catching up with IH friends: Iceland to see Palli Thordarson (1997-1999), Austria to help celebrate Ali Theile's (1997) 30th birthday with Brita Wilfling (1997), Gustav Spener (1996-97) and to meet Tom Eichholzer's (1996-97) young son: Nepomuk and a chance encounter with Andres Gomez (??-2001) in a Wein train station; Spain for La Tomatina; Munich for the Octoberfest IH reunion and Portugal to see Sonia Monteiro (1998-2002). I would love to hear form any other IH alumni living in or visiting the UK."
^top
Scott BEACH (1998) sent news in September. He is currently working at VWR International in Syracuse as a site sourcing buyer and customer representative. He can be contacted at 1223 Westmoreland Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210 USA.
^top
Dennis-Ilin CHANG (1998) wrote recently: “It has been a long time since IH and graduation for me.... and personally I really want to have a reunion so that we can all meet at one place (the beautiful Sydney, perhaps?).....to catch up with everyone.. I was working with a Swiss company since graduation and lived in Japan and Switzerland for a while, after that I was assigned to Taiwan where I lived and worked until June 2003. Eventually I decided that it is not what I want out of life so I quit and came to France....which brings me to the end of this episode... I am now once again a full-time student, in Angers, France, and I am going to study (development) economics here in France. Afterwards I want to work in UNDP as a development economist for third world countries... that is my plan. Meanwhile I travel for work and pleasure to different countries and have met a few former IH-ers already. What I miss most of Sydney is IH, the people and the food. In my mind, there is no place like Sydney... Perhaps in time I will learn to like Paris (that is if I go and live there...)”
^top
Yuriko KUGA(1998) sent news in October. “I started working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in April 2000 and currently, I'm studying in the US doing a master's program at Princeton University. I'm going to continue working for the Ministry after graduation but who knows where in the world I will be next...”
^top
Marianne SCHULZE (1998) was in touch in July: “Currently I am headed to do a Masters of Human Rights (LL.M.) at Notre Dame Law School, Indiana, as a Fulbrighter. I did manage to catch up with a few people at IH during my last visit to Australia in September 2002, which happened to be a business trip on behalf of the Republic of Austria's General Settlement Fund for victims of the Nazi Era. Checked out Nick's Pellow’s palace-like apartment in Munich in March this year and have been in email contact with a couple of other freaks from the 98 gang.”
^top
Chaitanya Sharma (IHMA Chairperson 1999) (1998-1999) wrote in October. He says that though it has been a few years since heading back to India from IH, he remembers all the friendships forged very fondly. After Sydney, he pursued further studies and moved to the United States to attend UCLA. He keeps well and is currently in New Delhi. Conveys his best wishes and would love to hear from friends from IH!
^top
Verena STREBER (1998-1999) wrote recently: “I have been living in Miami since the end of 2001. There I have been working in a startup company which distributes hi-tech inspection tools to the pest control industry as well as general environmental products such as odor control. In addition I have been studying to pass my patent bar exam so that I can present and defend patent cases in front of the US Patent and Trademark Office. Being in Miami has been tough on seeing family but luckily my parents are sometimes in France which is a short trip and I try and visit family and friends over the Christmas holidays. My last big news is that I recently became engaged. We have not set a date yet but it will be sometime in 2004. My email is verena@serve.com and snail mail is 1825 Ponce de Leon Blvd #441, Coral Gables, FL 33134”
^top
Sonia MONTIERO (1998-2001) sent news in September: “Moved back to Portugal and back in with mom and dad to save some money while I looked for a job (I'll come back to that in a second). Spent the first couple of months catching up with family and friends and just relaxing after the stress of finishing up my thesis. After that I went on a little tour of Germany and Austria and visited a few old friends from IH. It was great seeing everyone again and everyone was really great putting me up and showing me around their cities. After I came back from my trip, I found out that my thesis had been accepted and I got to go back to Sydney, in December for my graduation. It was great being back, seeing all my friends and seeing some more of Australia, of course. After new years I returned once again to Portugal where the search for a job continued.... In May my sister got married and in June one of my best friends tied the knot in Toronto giving me the chance to catch up with yet some more old IHers. Again we had a great time, if short. Last but not least, after a long, hard search I have finally found a job, I was awarded a Postdoctoral fellowship just a couple of weeks ago and in October I'll start working at my old university, with my former Honours supervisor.”
^top
Joseph GAN (1998-2002) wrote back in August from Kuala Lumpur where he has been busy teaching his friends the haka! He spends his time working for a manufacturing company in KL, playing golf, and catching up with friends from his years at International House.
^top
Chris TAN (1998-2002) sent in the following update in August: “Two major events happened to me this year. Had my Master of Commerce graduation in May and since 1 Sept I moved from Switching, Optus Business to Commercial Interconnect, Corporate & Regulatory Affairs division. Most of the time I'm dealing with Telstra and Australia Communications Industry Forum.” He has found going from an engineer to a commercial analyst a tough career change.
^top
Kevin SHAH (1999) sent news recently from Mauritius. He is planning to go to India in November for a couple of months before migrating to Australia.
^top
Ruth SHATFORD (IH Director 1999-2002) wrote recently. “I left International House (IH) in June last year with my energy levels fairly low after significant medical treatment. Retirement gave me time, really for the first time in my life, to spend some time in the garden and I have enjoyed mixed success with vegetables and flowers. Nevertheless, pottering outdoors has been enjoyable and invigorating. I also busied myself up till March this year undertaking components of Certificate III from TAFE in Overseas Retail Travel, completing the course with some relief. It was a new experience to be in class with some reluctant and unmotivated 16 year olds whose language and knowledge are not those you would like to associate with your travel agent. Watch for the web site to be developed for my little specialist business which will be registered as a subsidiary of Alumni travel and called "About France". I hope to find independent travellers who would appreciate advice on their trip to France and a service which provides plenty of choice for accommodation and does the reservations. With my energy levels back to normal, I was wondering if I had retired too early when I was asked to be resident acting principal of The Women's College. So there I am, near the end of almost four months living in what someone has referred to as " ambassadorial splendour" in the principal's flat complete with the dog, the canary and two English GAP students I had agreed to host for the year! The twin experiences of International House and a girls' boarding school have been ideal to equip me this role with 250 young undergraduate and 30 graduate women students. Being at the university again has been very stimulating and provided the circumstances to bump into and catch up with old IH people, which has been a great joy.”
^top
Abraham RUSHDI (formerly Brett MARSHALL) (1999-2000) wrote recently: “There has been no greater memory in my life, nor had a more profound affect than the two years (1999 to 2000) I spent in I.H. I met my lovely wife Sanya Rushdi, in 1999, and most of my influential friends.
I am currently becoming a little too nostalgic remembering the many wonderful experiences and friendships. Guillaume's article was inspiring, elucidating the short journey of our lives. The decisions we make and their lasting consequences. Importantly, we need to be true to ourselves, and follow the righteous path. I am currently undertaking an arts degree at Monash University at Melbourne. Next year I will begin my Honours degree, focusing on the impacts of terrorism, particularly Muslim extremists groups. Embracing Islam has changed my perspective on the world. My eyes have open to how religions can be manipulated by so-called religious leaders to carry out horrific acts of Terrorism in the name of Allah or God. Furthermore, the retoric of political leaders in justifying invasions and deeply constraining our liberties under the rubric of 'security'. We live in increasingly dangerous times, where concepts are manipulated and socially constructed by elites (what is new?). The fight against terrorism requires an international coalition. I.H has become an international coalition, a global think tank where ideas and friendships develop and grow. Why in I.H students from countries in conflict with others (e.g American and Middle Eastern nations) maintain peaceful and cordial relations? There is mutual respect and the clarity to transcend the political rhetoric. There lies the embryonic discourse against terrorism - the need to communicate and delegitimise terrorist attacks in the name of religion. This may seem overly idealistic, however it lays the foundations for overcoming the roots of terrorism, which political rhetoric is currently manifesting. For those wishing for insights on how Sanya is going, I believe she probably should have listened to her friends and had NOT married!! However, we are amazingly very happy! and still married after two years. Sanya is currently undertaking a Graduate Diploma in psychology at Monash. We can all see the effects of marrying me and looking after me full-time - she is majoring in abnormal and developmental psychology! Furthermore, Sanya is tutoring biochemistry, molecular biology and biology at Monash Uni. Well to all my Mates, who knew I was on a winner in being with Sanya. You were all bloody right!"
^top
Michael BOOTH (1999-2000) wrote recently from Brisbane where he is responsible for getting his “little sister” through year 12! “I've just come back from a 2 month holiday in South Africa and Botswana, visiting family and friends and setting up some flying work. I went to a school reunion and caught up with absolutely everyone from pre-1992; it really was unreal. Other than that I caught up with all the farmers from our sugar cane section in Natal, all my old mates and dare I say it, I might be in love with a girl I had a crush on as a 10 year old! Up in Botswana I went to Maun, the hub of the Okovango Delta and set up a flying job starting next January. It's pretty cruisie, flying tourists in and out of bush camps, staying overnight at the camps and basically sucking up the life that people pay thousands to visit! I will probably get over it by the first season but it'll be well worth doing. Botswana is pretty safe and it pays best in Africa too - unlike South Africa where your personal safety can’t be guaranteed and the rand doesn't count for much outside of SA. I stayed on my old sugarcane farm over there and a farmer got taken out during my visit. You really don't know what's going to happen at each moment. Having said that though, I'll say I love the place and I love the danger. I've missed it actually, and I'm going back to get some more! Yeah, I know what you're thinking ... So I'll take up that job in either December or January depending on job vacancies but it's definitely on.”
^top
Ewe Hean, LOH (1999-2000) updated his contact details recently. He has moved back home to Kuala Lumpur.
^top
Manindra KAPHLE (1999-2002) sent news recently: "After spending four amazing years (99-02) in International House, I returned back to Nepal and got a job as a teaching instructor in Kathmandu University, Kathnmandu. I was quite attracted to the academic line and the teaching profession and thought it is better to pursue further studies before being fully involved in the job. Then this thing with Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm came up; I got admission for Masters degree in engineering and will be spending one and half years in Stockholm, starting from September 2003. I fondly remember all those moments spent in IH, especially football at the Vic. Park, rooftop parties, the Rose and meeting lots of wondeful people from all around the world. I can be contacted at manindra_kaphle@yahoo.com. Warm wishes to everyone from Stockholm."
^top
David CHUNG (2000-2002) sent news recently. After graduating with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering he now works for Singapore Airlines as a cargo officer at Sydney Station. He will be moving to Singapore to start in the Singapore Airlines’ cadet pilot program where he will be flying 747s around the world… In his own words, “The sky’s the limit!”
^top
Dominic “Big D” TAY (2001) wrote recently: “Hi everyone, It's been 2 years since I left IH and I still sometimes unconsciously reach for the IH key whenever I go home. Guess some habits are too ingrained to be forgotten in a hurry. Yup, I'm still slaving away in the government service back home. I'm still a double agent. Survived the SARS epidemic that was raging in Singapore. Guess there was no space for me in heaven or hell. Now we are bracing for another possible wave in the winter season. Nope, still not married tho’ I've met quite a few very eligible ladies. The bachelor spirit in me stubbornly refuses to surrender. Great to know the IH Band is still performing. Miss those days with Taz, Nicky, Alle, Mukta, Stephen, and Pablo. Not to mention those days of sculling beer at the rooftop in freezing weather. Hey, if anyone happens to drop by in Singapore, let me know and we'll meet up if I can. Cheers everyone!"
^top
Eunjung LIM (2002-03) and Mauricio Rodriguez-Lanetty celebrated the birth of their first child, Oriana, recently. Mauricio wrote to us with the news: "The 26th of September of this year became one of the most exciting days of our lives after marriage. Everything started around 1:00 am, when our daughter gave the first evidence that she was ready to come into our world, as the first big contractions started. But it wasn't until 6:00 am that we were ready to go to the hospital. It was a long 18 hour day, full of contractions, but the nurses were so helpful and Eunjung coped very well with them. Of course, daddy did his best to help mom during contractions, with the breathing techniques that we were taught in our prenatal classes (they are definitely worthwhile and really help during the contractions, so future dads from IH keep it in mind).
Eunjung were not ready to push until 8:00 pm and, after experiencing what I saw, the only thing I have to say is how amazingly brave and strong women are. God was so wise to give that job to women, since all we men are so incapable of coping with and tolerating that much pain. Definitely, women are my idols!!
It was just two minutes after 10 o'clock at night when, with a gigantic push, our lovely Oriana came out to meet us. What an event, so exciting and emotional a moment. We could not believe that such a little person, product of our love, was finally out there with us (so great!).
Now we are enjoying our daughter and little by little we are showing her our world. We wish we could be there in IH so that we could introduce Oriana to all of you - perhaps in the near future. In the meantime, we want to show you pictures of her..."
^top
John MONTGOMERY sent news recently. He is now back in Sydney after spending 4 years in Bourke as principal of the local K-10 Christian school. He is currently Head of Drama at William Clarke College and sends greetings to all alumni who remember him…
^top
Patricia McMAHON sent in an update in May after she had just returned from a two week trip to Brisbane: “Visited the Queensland Art Gallery Museum and State Library on the South Bank. Also, Parliament House and Customs House. The new Queensland Governor to be installed in July is Quentin Bryce, whom I met at Women’s College where she was Principal. Attended an AIIA function at the Staff Club, University of Queensland. The guest speaker was Jeff Atkinson of OXFAM, Melbourne speaking on “Making Trade Fair” with special reference to developing countries.”
^top
Gillian POLLACK wrote back in December 2002: “When we were all in International House together in Sydney, lo, these many years past, I was writing a novel. Sort of secretly. A very few friends have followed the progress of the novel (especially Suzanne and Julie and Chryssy) and know that it sat on my various computers for a vast number of years because I was too scared to send it off to publishers. It found itself a publisher recently, and is actually quite a different novel from the straightforward fantasy adventure I was writing in International House. But I promised that, if ever it got published, I would tell my friends. Hence this email. If you were actually one of the wonderfully supportive friends I promised to let know about the novel, way back when, then you might want to go to http://www.triviumpublishing.com. That way you don't have to tell me if you buy it or not and Gillian-as-fiction-writer does not enter into our friendship. Very important!!”
^top
Christina LOWE sent news in May: “Hi all – I’m still back in Austin, Texas, but am making a trip down to Peru and am looking for some “insider” information on the area. Anyone have any suggestions? I still miss OZ and consider heading back that way… but it still hasn’t materialised yet!”
^top
Jojie BAUTRO sent news in May: “After browsing the International House webpage, I suddenly missed life at IH, the residents as well as the staff. It’s good to hear that a lot of improvements have happened and some day I wish to visit IH (with my family too) for old times’ sake. How is Mr Andrews, the former Director? And Mrs Berrick?… It’s good to know that the IH traditional ceremonies and activities are still around…”
^top
Shannon MASON updated her contact details in June. She now lives in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA.
^top
Ivan GUNDERSEN updated his contact details recently. His now lives in Oslo, Norway.
^top
Devadas KRISHNADAS was in Sydney recently to visit friends and old haunts. He has been awarded a Fullbright Scholarship and a Singapore Police Force Overseas Merit Postgraduate Scholarship to read Law and Diplomacy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston, beginning in September.
^top
|
