100th anniversary of Boston headquarters features distinguished performances, history walk, and uplifting stories of immigrant, refugee contributions across region
BOSTON – June 5, 2025 – The International Institute of New England raised $3.5 million at its annual Golden Door Award Gala Wednesday night, honoring the 100th anniversary of its Boston-area programming with songs, speeches, and stories of a century of immigrants’ and refugees’ successes and contributions across the region.
The money raised supports IINE’s critical programs across Massachusetts and New Hampshire including refugee resettlement, English language education, workforce training, and legal services during a time of unprecedented challenges for immigrants and refugees due to federal policies targeting them.
The urgency of this mission was reinforced by breaking news during the event, as a newly signed federal proclamation was announced banning travel from 12 countries—many of which are home to the very individuals IINE serves. With more than 90% of current clients coming from these impacted nations, the announcement was a sobering reminder of the continued need for bold advocacy and steadfast support for immigrants and refugees.
“Tonight, we celebrate more than a milestone,” said Jeff Thielman, president and CEO of the International Institute of New England. “We are honoring a century of courage, compassion, and commitment to immigrants and refugees. Nearly all of us are here because someone in our family once took an uncertain journey to the U.S. That legacy built New England and continues to shape our future. We chose red, white, and blue [colors] for our centennial because welcoming newcomers is one of the most patriotic things we can do.”
To underscore the weight of its mission at this time, the organization raised an additional $274,000 in the room during the event, fueled by a generous $50,000 match from its Board of Directors.
In a departure from its previous 50-year tradition, this year’s event honored not just a single individual born outside of the United States who has made outstanding contributions to American society, but the entire IINE community, including past clients, supporters, and staff whose collective impact has helped shape Boston into the diverse, innovative, and prosperous city it is today.
The event at the Omni Seaport Hotel in Boston drew over 800 guests and was co-chaired by past Golden Door Award honorees and respected leaders in business and philanthropy: Noubar Afeyan, founder & CEO of Flagship Pioneering and chairman of Moderna; Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna; Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals; and Belinda Termeer, president of the Termeer Foundation and widow of Henri Termeer who received the Golden Door Award in 1999.
The evening’s program included a moving personal testimony from an IINE client who shared a journey of migration and hope, a special performance by the Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra, and a retrospective of the many remarkable recipients of the Golden Door Award throughout the decades. IINE also unveiled its Centennial Walk, an art exhibition chronicling IINE’s 100-year history in Boston and the city’s immigrant roots, and an interactive photo installation and postcard-writing station to display our city’s shared commitment to embracing newcomers.
“Tonight, as we reflect on a century of dedication, we also look forward to the future,” said Termeer. “The stories of past honorees inspire us to continue building a society that values diversity, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of those who seek a better life.”
Notable attendees of the evening included members of IINE’s host committee: Anthony Consigli, CEO of Consigli Construction; Gordon Dyal, CEO of Gordon Dyal & Co. Advisory Group LP; Yvonne Greenstreet, CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals; and John McQuillan, chairman and CEO of Triumvirate Environmental.
Since opening its Boston office in 1924, IINE has served over 100,000 immigrants and refugees and currently supports more than 10,000 individuals each year. The $3.5 million raised will directly support IINE’s programs, ensuring that refugees and immigrants in our communities have the resources and opportunities needed to rebuild their lives, realize their dreams, and strengthen our city and state. As immigration remains at the forefront of national discourse, IINE perseveres as a trusted service provider and advocate throughout the region.
To learn more about IINE’s Boston Centennial, visit https://boston100.iine.org/.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEW ENGLAND
The International Institute of New England (IINE) creates opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, career advancement, and pathways to citizenship. With locations in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE serves more than 10,000 individuals annually, including people displaced by persecution, political instability, violence, and climate crises, child and adult survivors of human trafficking, and unaccompanied children joining family members in New England. IINE offers a comprehensive range of programs and services to help these newcomers feel welcome, achieve stability and security, access resources in their new communities, advance their education and employment goals, and integrate into their communities. IINE’s expertise builds on more than a century of service, and with continued partnership from community groups and concerned philanthropists throughout New England, IINE will continue this service for the next 100 years and beyond.
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