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International House Times 5 e soaring Great Hall space is constantly in use for international coffee hours, receptions, and resident gatherings. Its welcoming fireplace, glorious ceiling, and tapestries have recently been complemented by new furniture and carpets as their well-loved and well-used counterparts have been replaced. Among the most distinctive features of I-House is its dining culture. e beautiful Dining Commons, with its recent restoration made possible by Eric and Wendy Schmidt and other generous gifts, remains at the heart of social life at I-House. e Chevron Auditorium has served as a versatile setting for concerts, festivals, talent shows, formal dinners, dances, plays, films, discussion series, and other special events. Generations of I-House residents have experienced cultural festivals and performances, the annual I-House Celebration and Awards Gala, and Sunday Suppers that feature the time- honored Candlelight Ceremony marking the end of the year and the launching of the next generation of I-House Alumni into the world. e Home Room is just that, a smaller more intimate space that is just as beautiful as the other gathering spaces, but has the aura of a living room, with a fireplace and sofa. Below is an architectural drawing of the Home Room ceiling design and a photo of what it looks like today. e I-House Library is open to I-House residents only. A grant from Andrew Carnegie ensured that current newspapers and books from around the world would always be available there. Originally, this space was divided into a women's and a men's lounge. In 1968, the wall separating the two was removed and hidden by the residents in protest. Sherry Warrick, the Executive Director at the time, decided that it was the appropriate time for the wall to go, and so the rooms were combined! Great Hall Ceiling Ornaments e world has changed radically since 1930, yet International House is more relevant than ever. e physical infrastructure - and the building itself - are the foundations upon which I-House will continue to meet the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world. With your support, I-House remains committed to preparing the next generations with the ability to understand other cultures - and one's own culture through others' perspectives. The I-House Architectural Heritage Fund e House Committee of I-House, consisting of board members, executive staff, and experts in the field of architecture and facilities management meets frequently to ensure that the decorations, furnishings, and ongoing care and preservation of the House are true to the original design intent. e generous support of alumni and friends of I-House has steadfastly provided the financial means via the I-House Architectural Heritage Fund and through special gifts. After nearly nine decades of service to some 95,000 residents, this architectural treasure requires ongoing capital improvements to ensure its service to future generations. Nothing is more critical to our operations than our most fundamental resource: our home. Costly upgrades periodically occur to maintain the complex plumbing infrastructure, help improve energy and water efficiency, and to enhance access. In addition to routine maintenance and equipment replacement projects, over $25 million has been invested in construction and renovation since 1990. As I-House enters its 90th year, an extensive plan is being made to address seismic safety and other improvements while maintaining the architectural integrity and Spanish Colonial Revival style. n The Heller Patio