What was it like when International House was in its early days, and how did it fit in during a time when multiculturalism was only just finding its roots in Australia? Listen to these stories from our alumni, as they recount life from different periods in our college's history.

Mrs Lyndal Pascoe

Former Council Member and early fundraiser for the creation of International House

Lyndal Pascoe was one of the original supporters of International House, and was instrumental in implementing effective fundraising activities that helped to create the college.  Lyndal was also an International House Council member from 1971-1986 and continues to be a keen International House advocate.

Dr Jeffrey Turnbull

An original IHer

In this interview, Dr Jeffrey Turnbull reflects on arriving at International House in 1957 as one of the foundation residents. He also describes his involvement in the International House Student Club (as secretary and then president) from its earliest days and his ongoing interest in the ‘marvellous project’ of International House.

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Pamela Tham

Former resident

Pamela Tham reflects on IH as a place where every individual can feel comfortable, regardless of their nationality, culture or personality - a place where people come together and learn that we really aren't that different after all. (Filmed and edited in Singapore by Janice Tham and Tan Kang Wei).

Professor Emeritus Frank Larkins AM

Former Tutor, Council Member and Chair of Council

Once an IHer, always an IHer. That can truly be said about Professor Emeritus Frank Larkins AM. From chemistry tutor (1962) to Council Member (1975-1982, 1989-1996 and 1998-2008), and finally to Chair of Council (2009 - 2015), Frank's contribution to International House has been enormous.

Dr Olive Mence OAM

Council Member and early fundraiser for International House cause

Olive joined International House as a campaigner and fundraiser with the women's groups to help raise funds to establish the college. She later took on the role of Council Member, and has since had a long and incredible connection with International House.

Russell and Alison Rechner

Former Tutor, Dean and Council Member

As a young married couple, Russell and Alison lived at International House on the first floor of Wadham while Russell was a tutor. In later years, Russell took on the role of Council Member and witnessed the unanimous decision to make International House the first coeducational residential college at the University of Melbourne.

Harry Leong

Former resident and Council Member

Harry Leong fell in love with International House at first sight. He was a resident from 1962-1966, a tutor from 1967-1969 and a council member from 1971-2001. In this story he reflects on the early days of IH, when the college was male-only and all dinners were formal.