History

As early as the 1920's attempts were made to provide interaction between the community and university students that would provide room and board to international students a nd a meeting place for community and students. During the 1950's and 60's a number of attempts were made to establish an International Center. In September 1967 a Center was opened at 633 West Lake (which now houses the Farm House Fraternity). This replaced the initial locations, which was in an apartment in James Court. The Center incorporated and moved to 633 S. College (now the Garment District) where a group of interested faculty and townspeople had purchased the building for use as the Center. The site was excellent for community activities and served well as a residence but financially it was a loss.

The property was sold in December 1971. The decision was made to carry on and the property at 614 Matthews was purchased by Dr. M.L. Albertson to provide a location for the Center. The space was more limited and included room and kitchen privileges rather than room and board. Ongoing maintenance issues and the opening of more dormitory space at the university led to the next move.

In 1975 when Palmer House was remodeled to graduate apartments, the university negotiated with the International Center to provide housing for U.S. and foreign graduate students while the Center would use the facilities for programming for students and the community. This proved to be a fine arrangement, and the atmosphere created by students of many nationalities living together gave all an intercultural experience and provided opportunities for those who were interested, to take part in the activities of the International Center.

In 1989, when the university decided to change Palmer House into offices for the Housing Department, the International Center was moved to a basement room in Lory Apartments where it served as a meeting place and office for the International Center until March of 1996. The Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) was moved to the new International House and continued to serve as the meeting place for students and community people who wish to develop friendships with people from all over the world.

In March 2001 the Office of International Programs invited the International Center to have its office space in Laurel Hall. This site continues as our office space, while storage space continues in Lory Apartments.

During the span on time, several ongoing programs developed. The International Friends began in the 50's to provide activities for international students and pair them with interested community members. The goals were to learn about and appreciate each other's cultures and to develop new friendships. Many of the same people were involved in both the International Friends and the International Center. In the 80's the two groups became one organization; the International Center with the 501(c)(3) designation became the umbrella organization while the International Friends became the major program within the organization.

Conversational English classes began in 1968. The purpose was to help spouses of international students and other foreign visitors function in our community by improving their English. Currently volunteers throughout the school year teach a class once a week at Aggie Village Center, a married student-housing complex.

The Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) began as a weekly event as early as 1972 and moved into the university system, being held at Palmer House, Lory Apartments and now International House. The school year provided weekly gatherings inside, while the group moved outside in the summer for weekly potluck picnics.

In 1975, the International Women's Club began holding monthly meetings and continues to meet at University Village Center, a student-housing complex. Outdoor activities also became part of the International Center programs the same year and continue to provide opportunities to explore different parts of Colorado while keeping costs at a minimum.

The International Center had a speakers program, however, there was not a permanent meeting place for a community/student educational opportunity to learn about other cultures. Thus in 1977 a joint venture opened up with co-sponsorship of the program by the Fort Collins Public Library so that informative global programs could be offered each month in the Ben Delatour room of the Main Library. The program expanded to the Harmony Branch Library after it was built in 1998. International Night at the Library is now presented twice each month.

In 2003, the Executive Board agreed to refer to the organization as Fort Collins International Center (FCIC). However, the official records still reflect the title of International Center, in order to minimize administrative effort.

Support for Fort Collins International Center is through member dues and fund raising events. These events have included various cultural experiences. The most current events have been the Fall Bazaar during Colorado State University's World Unity Fair and the Spring event, Taste of the World.

Submitted: May 2004