New international housing, conference center to open

Build a dream and it will come true. The need for good housing where international and American students can live together and where international scholars and artists can stay and hold conferences is about to be met when the INNternationale opens its doors on Courtney Street in February.

The new housing and conference facility -- $3.3 million gift from Independent Holdings -- represents the vision of three men -- Randy Becker, real estate developer for Independent Holdings, Dr. Fred DeMicco, chair of the hotel, restaurant, and institutional management (HRIM) department, and Dr. Scott Stevens, ELI director.

In Paris, Becker, who has since become a host family to ELI students, experienced living in University City, a model international city. He carried that memory back to America to design and build the INNternationale. Stevens, always looking for a way to introduce international students to Americans, knows the value of a shared living space to create an international community on campus.

“We hope to educate our own American students and to make this be a less Delaware-centric university and truly a world-class university,” he said. Stevens also envisions the many opportunities for HRIM students and business ESL students to interact and bring their expertise together.

“This is an opportunity for a deeper, richer experience for international students,” he said.

The INNternationale will house up to 66 residents in 37 flexibly designed bedrooms. Six full-service kitchens are available for residents to use as well as for catering of international cuisine events. Executive suites, a large conference room seating 120 for a lecture or 82 for dinner, and a café/game room make up the remainder of the renovated fraternity house.

“All are invited to rub shoulders internationally here, not just abroad,” said Stevens.

For more information, visit  www.TheINNternationale.org