The Power of Community: How I-House Brought Bonnie and Peter Together

With graduation season right around the corner (and my own coming up next month!), I’ve been reflecting on this bittersweet time—filled with nostalgia for all the “lasts” on the beautiful Berkeley campus and at I-House, hope for all the exciting “firsts” still ahead, the adrenaline of this crowning milestone, and above all, deep pride in how far we’ve come. It’s a season to celebrate not just achievements, but the people who made the journey meaningful.

After sharing my blog post on the Legacy of Love and Lifelong Connections at I-House, I received a heartfelt comment from Bonnie Veaner, an alumna from 1983–85. She shared a glimpse of her own love story and fond memories from her time at I-House. I reached out to learn more—and what she said was so special, I knew it deserved to be shared. 

I-House Friendships and Community 

“I loved meeting people from all over the world,” Bonnie reflects. “Living at I-House taught me that no matter our ethnicity, religion, or background, we all want the same things—peace, friendship, and prosperity. If we focus on our shared humanity, we absolutely can learn to get along. That message is needed now more than ever.”

Bonnie’s words echo the very heart of I-House—the power of community, mutual understanding, and shared experiences that bridge cultures and inspire a more peaceful, interconnected world. Her time at I-House was filled with vibrant friendships that became lifelong communities.

Bonnie shared a cherished photo from a surprise birthday party in February 1985, hosted by I-House friends.  

Over the years, many of those friendships have endured. Bonnie is still in touch with residents Tracy Charlton—whom she considers her sister—as well as Rabbi Michael Beals and Shelley Bumpas, both of whom she has reconnected with thanks to social media. She also keeps in touch with Al Duenas, who worked in the I-House kitchen while studying at UC Berkeley.

“Michael once held an international Passover seder in one of the communal rooms. He invited everyone, regardless of their background, to enjoy the celebration. We all called him ‘Rabbi’ back then—we knew who he was even before he did! And a great Rabbi he has become.”

From Childhood Neighbors to Lifelong Partners

Bonnie Veaner (IH 1983–85) and Peter Parks (IH 1984–85) first met at I-House in 1984. At the time, Bonnie was an undergraduate studying anthropology, and Peter was pursuing his Ph.D. in agricultural economics and marketing. They soon discovered that they had so much in common—they lived just a few blocks from each other during their childhood, rode the same school bus to their elementary school, knew so many of the same people, and their dads even worked at the same university for a time. Yet, it took I-House to bring Bonnie and Peter together!  

I-House Reflections and Memories 

Bonnie also shared some of her favorite (and funniest!) memories from her time at I-House: 

“The evening coffee socials in the Great Hall—lovingly nicknamed ‘The Grateful Hall’—were a wonderful way to connect. I also remember playing Pac-Man with Vrej Kaprielian, the undisputed champion, in the café with other students to unwind after midterms.”

One memory stands out vividly: 

“I was in my 7th floor dorm room up on the top bunk, studying while listening to Carole King’s Tapestry album. I’d left the arm up on the record player, so the album kept repeating. As Carole King sang ‘I Feel the Earth Move,’ suddenly I did feel the earth move. The bunk bed shook and the windows rattled—EARTHQUAKE! My childhood emergency drill training kicked in and before I knew it, I was bracing myself in the doorway. Then I ran down seven flights of stairs and out onto Bancroft Avenue, where I found my roommate, Sabine, who hadn’t even noticed the quake! It was just a 3.0, but on that 7th-floor bunk bed, it really felt like something.”

40 Years Since Tassels Turned

In the spirit of graduation, Bonnie shared a proud memory from her own journey—a special moment captured in May 1985: “It was such a proud day. Peter gave me the necklace I’m wearing as a graduation gift.”

Life Beyond I-House

Bonnie and Peter married in 1988, traveled to many places together, lived in three states and two countries, and raised two beautiful children. Peter passed away from cancer in 2012, leaving behind his 20-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son. Bonnie reflects, “We pulled together as a family, always drawing inspiration from Peter’s amazing life.”

The beautiful journey that Bonnie and Peter shared is not only an inspiring story but is a testament to the enduring bonds and connections that are made at I-House. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out my previous blog post on The Legacy of Love and Lifelong Connections at I-House and the I-House Couples & Friendships page. There are so many amazing stories—just like Bonnie and Peter’s—waiting to be discovered! 

Alumni—what are your favorite (or funniest!) I-House memories? Got any graduation stories or throwback photos to share? Please share your story as a comment below.