History

The International House was founded by very generous alumni of San José State University, Alan and Phyllis Simpkins. The Simpkins were actively involved in the development of the program and maintenance of the facility since its inception in 1978 when they bought the building, remodeled and furnished it. The building was privately owned by the Simpkins until December 1997 when they donated it to the SJSU Foundation for continued use as the SJSU Phyllis Forward Simpkins International House.

Each year, Bob Simpkins, Bill Simpkins, and Diane Bordoni, distribute interest from the Simpkins/Bordoni Donor-Advised fund. Their ongoing support of I-House has allowed us to improve the facility and to provide scholarships to residents.

Alan and Phyllis' children continue to engage with International House. Pictured here is Leann, former I-House Director, with Diane Bordoni who is Phyllis' daughter, and her husband Jim Bordoni.

From the Simpkins family:

Our mother poured her heart into the SJSU International House, believing deeply in the magic that happens when people from around the world live and learn together under one roof. She understood that
I-House was far more than a beautiful facility but a community shaped by intercultural understanding.

For many years, she hosted luncheons for SJSU faculty so they could get to know the House and the students who lived there, hoping to build wider support for a community she cherished. She loved seeing how residents stayed connected long after they moved out—how families became part of the I-House family, and how, almost every year, a marriage would grow out of the friendships formed there. It brought her great joy to know that the spirit of the House continued to ripple out into the world.