International House Berkeley

I t is with heartfelt sadness that we share the news about the passing of Sheridan "Sherry" Warrick on January 21, 2020. Sherry Warrick served with great distinction and longevity as executive director of International House Berkeley from 1961 until 1987. Serving throughout the tumult of the 1960s and 1970s, Sherry embraced the dramatic social change of that period in a cheerful, calm, and measured way. Assisted immeasurably in this role by his wife Betsey, who passed away last summer, Sherry kept alive the spirit of I-House for nearly three decades before passing the leadership baton on to Joe Lurie in 1988. Sherry was then able to enjoy some 32 years in retirement, spending his summers along the shores of Lake Michigan, until his passing at the age of 98. What a remarkable life he led! Known as Sherry to his colleagues, friends, and family—and to the new acquaintances he made at every turn—he was a beloved figure around the UC campus, and in fact, around the world. During his time at I-House, he befriended thousands of students and visiting scholars. He was the institution's second director since its founding in 1930. In December 1942, Sherry met Betsey Fowler, a Smith College freshman, at an Amherst fraternity dance. us began a romance that lasted for three-quarters of a century. Sherry and Betsey together created an extraordinary legacy within the I-House Berkeley community. In a public statement on May 12, 1987, I. Michael Heyman—then UC Berkeley chancellor and I-House board president—bowed to Sherry's two and half decades of contributions. ose years, Heyman said, "included severe campus unrest, critical international incidents, economically challenging times, and visitations to International House by national and international dignitaries." e chancellor also lauded him for mounting a capital campaign to honor I-House's 50th year. I-House was made for the gregarious ex-lecturer. He whistled swing-era tunes en route to his office, greeted staff and residents in the hallways by name, and oversaw the permanent opening of a door between the men's and women's wings. With Betsey, he served as charming host and deft conversationalist at countless dinners, parties, and picnics. He was forced into more demanding roles by events of the late 1960s and 1970s: the Free Speech Movement, the demonstrations over People's Park, the Vietnam War, the Six-Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors, and the revolution in Iran. Yet with Sherry's level stewardship, I-House remained largely a refuge—a place where students could be students, where distrust between nations and religions dissolved into lasting friendships. Maintaining that feeling of fellowship and welcome was his proudest achievement—that, and staying close to his family and to his huge circle of friends. His kindness, intelligence, curiosity, affability, love of music, and count-me-in spirit are deeply missed by all. He is survived by his daughter, Becky, and her husband, Ron; son Dan and his wife, Karen; son Doug; granddaughter, Ali, and her fiancé, Mark; as well as by grandsons, Morgan and Tom, their wives, Christina and Jeanetta; and great- granddaughter Maya—and by Ruben Montano, who brought happiness and comfort to Sherry in his last years of life. A memorial is being planned for the fall. In the meantime, at the request of his family, contributions in Sherry's memory may be made to International House for e Sheridan and Betsey Warrick Scholarship Endowment, 2299 Piedmont Ave., Berkeley CA 94720. W. Sheridan "Sherry" Warrick August 9, 1921 – January 21, 2020 In Memory 16 International House Times Executive Director Warrick, 1969 Resident Retreat, Asilomar, 1984 Chatting with residents in the cafe, 1971 Sherry and Betsey at their 70th wedding anniversary celebration at I-House Betsey and Sherry on the Heller Patio in late 1980s

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