October 24, 2025 | New York, NO
A crisp autumn evening in Morningside Heights, the main hall at International House New York came alive with music, dance and the vibrant energy of over 200 residents, alumni and guests gathered for Autumn Festival 2025—one of the institution’s most beloved and enduring traditions.
Among the highlights of the evening was the seamless flow of the program, directed by Saeed Ahmada New York-based attorney, recent Harvard Law School graduate and current I-House residentwho served as Master of ceremonies. With humor, poise and warmth, Ahmad introduced a series of performances that reflected the immense diversity and artistic excellence of the I-House community.
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The evening offered a captivating array of performances—from spoken word poetry and classical piano to traditional dance and opera— Each act provides an insight into the cultural richness that defines life at International House. As Ahmad introduced each artist, he reminded the crowd that beyond the art itself, Fall Fiesta is ultimately a celebration of shared humanity.
“We see this truth reflected across faiths and cultures,” Ahmad said in his opening remarks. “Whether it’s Muslims gathering for Ramadan Iftar, Hindus celebrating Diwali, Jews sharing Shabbat dinner, Christians meeting for Sunday worship, or residents of International House gathering for Tea Time, Book Club, the Mid-Autumn Festival, or Hispanic Heritage Month. These moments remind us that people are connected in an act of coming together, or sharing art. transcends boundaries and builds understanding.”
Saeed Ahmad’s reflections captured the enduring essence of Autumn Fiesta— a celebration that for more than six decades has embodied the values of empathy, friendship and cross-cultural exchange that lie at the heart of the International House mission.
The tradition goes back to 1964when Program Director Herman “HR” Rottenberga dashing former businessman, first introduced Fall Fiesta as a way to promote cultural understanding through the universal languages of music, dance and storytelling. The opening program offered All nationsa professional multi-ethnic dance troupe, setting a precedent for what has become a cornerstone of I-House life.
Today, Fall Fiesta continues to honor HR’s legacy by bringing together residents from across the country 100 countries to share their talents, celebrate their heritage and strengthen the bonds of community that define International House. Saeed noted how, “It is our inclusive cultures and unified sense of community that allows us to take advantage of the opportunities presented and serve as examples of the American Dream.”
As the final applause echoed through the Great Hall, one message resonated clearly: International House New York remains a living symbol of global unity – where art, friendship and shared experience unite people from all corners of the world.
Saeed Ahmad is a Pakistani-American M&A and capital markets attorney at Sidley Austin LLP in New York City. He graduated from Harvard Law School, received the Dean’s Award for Community Leadership, and serves as a Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Law School Religious Freedom Clinic. He is also the 2025–2026 International House (New York) Program Fellow.
Raised in Corona, California, Ahmad began his academic journey at Norco College, where he earned three associate degrees, before transferring to UCLA and graduating in 2020 with a BA in Psychology. Before studying law, he worked as a customer advisor at Louis Vuitton’s flagship store on Rodeo Drive, gaining first-hand experience of luxury retail and customer service.
During law school, Ahmad built a broad legal portfolio, including roles at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a boutique commercial litigation firm in Los Angeles, and a corporate law firm in New York. On campus, he was active in the Harvard Association for Law & Business, the JD Admissions Fellows Program, and the Committee on Sports & Entertainment Law. He also researched fashion and copyright laws in Japan and was an editor for the Harvard Business Law Review. As a student leader, he helped lead HALB’s international trek to London and Dubai, organizing meetings with senior figures in law, finance and global consumer brands to expose students to the intersection of law and business on a global stage.
Ahmad is the author of So You Want to Go to Harvard Law, a guide for prospective law students that blends personal experience with practical advice on how to navigate the path to top law schools.
