More than 150 guests celebrated the February 7, 1996, opening of the new International House at 1623 Melrose Avenue. During the ribbon cutting, international students observed customs pertaining to building openings in their own countries. Dr. Debroah Basak (India) symbolically broke a coconut, and the Thai tradition “Jerm” was observed. Atilla Yeterglu (Turkey) presented Chancellor William Snyder with a flat, man-made stone that looks like an eye—a symbol of good luck. The new structure had 14 rooms, including meeting, living, and dining rooms, a cross-cultural resource center, and a multipurpose “great room” with a capacity of 150. There were fireplaces in the living and dining rooms, and a patio. Architect for the facility was Lockwood-Greene.