= International House =

The first International House was opened in New York City in 1924 with the idea of providing foreign students with zsuitable accommodation and an opportunity to mix with students of other nationalities, including Americans. It was hoped that the visitors would learn about some aspects of the American way of life, be introduced to other areas of the country and forge friendships that would promote international tolerance and understanding. The ideal was displayed above the front entrances as "That Brotherhood May Prevail". With the significant change in gender mix in higher education and halls of residence since those days, "That Friendship May Prevail" would be more suitable.

International Houses were soon being built in other parts of the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany and elsewhere. In Australia the number of overseas students began to expand rapidly in the fifties and groups of enthusiastic students campaigned for an International House to be constructed. Melbourne was the first city in Australia to build an International House. The House, which accommodated 40 residents, opened its doors in 1957 at a site within walking distance of the University of Melbourne.

In Sydney, with similar accommodation problems as Melbourne and just as many overseas students, efforts began in 1952 to establish an International House. Little progress was made until a group of New South Wales organizations formed what became known as the Australian Organization's Coordinating Committee for Overseas Students (AOCCOS). They received the offer of land at Castlecrag for an International House. As AOCCOS was not entitled to receive such gifts an expert advisory committee was set up to examine the proposal. They decided against the use of the land at Castlecrag and formulated the following principles for an International House:

Various sites were suggested and cost estimates prepared. The organizations involved set a target of approximately 250,000 pounds for each foundation.

Mr. Bruce Smith, a Rotarian from the Parramatta district, was closely involved with the fund raising activities of two Rotary Districts. He pointed out that the 1957 Murray Commission Report into Australian Universities catalyzed the involvement of Rotary in fundraising to establish International Houses in Sydney. The report stated; "We would particularly stress the importance of University residences for overseas students. Australia is assuming responsibilities of the highest order in Southeast Asia. There is already a large flow of students, increasing every year. It is important that they should learn not only the particular academic specialism that the Universities have to offer, but they should go home with an intimate knowledge of Australians, of Australian thought and of Australian ideals. These students represent the highest ability these overseas countries possess and they are the potential leaders in their particular walk of life. It is indeed unfortunate that they spend much of the day in isolation from those of kindred interests…"

A meeting of a selected group of Rotarians and the Chancellor of Sydney University, Sir Charles Bickerton-Blackburn, resulted in Rotary accepting the challenge of fund raising, with the establishment of the Rotary Appeal Trust Deed dated 24 August 1962. The Universities' International House Appeal began 24 September 1962 and closed 31 March 1967. Professor Philip Baxter, Vice-Chancellor of UNSW, a Rotarian, was persuasive and successful in ensuring that the fundraising target was sufficient to enable International Houses to be built at both universities. The Trust Deed laid down strict provisions which the Universities' governing bodies agreed to. The Universities would provide the land, the Rotarians would raise 100,000 pounds for each institution through their appeal and the State and Federal Governments would each match that on a dollar for dollar basis.

In May 1967 the Bursar UNSW acknowledged receipt of a total sum of $203,265.94 from The Universities' International House Appeal. The foundation stone was set for UNSW International House on 13 February 1965 by the Governor, Lieut. General Sir Eric Woodward, in the presence of the Chancellor of the University, Justice J.J.S. Clancy, the Chairman of the Trustees, Mr. Bernard Freeman, and distinguished guests.

In his vote of thanks Mr. Freeman, included the following words: "This is also an opportune occasion for me to thank everyone who has been directly or indirectly concerned with our appeal, those who by their encouragement, co-operation and energy have helped to make the building of this International House a reality. The Commonwealth Government, the Government of New South Wales, the governments and peoples of south-east Asia, the Lebanese community of New South Wales, the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney, the Women's Furnishing Committee, the professions, commerce, industry, community-minded citizens and last but not least, my fellow Rotarians and their ladies. To each and all a most sincere and heartfelt thank-you.

I cannot conclude my remarks without an expression of faith and confidence in the worthiness of the International House to be built on this site. Nationality, colour, faith, or opinions will be no bar at its doors. Here students will learn to live and laugh together. It is therefore our earnest hope that along with the fellowship they will enjoy, the knowledge they will acquire, these students will be inspired to go forth as crusaders in the cause of peaceful relations among the peoples of different nations."

We are now, in the thirty sixth year of residency and UNSW International House has proved to be a world class residential college.

Acknowledgement:
Emeritus Professor Albert Willis
Emeritus Professor E. O. P. Thompson
1997