Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/1472931
International House Times 9 J ust over a year ago, we launched the I-House Berkeley Connect platform as part of our Global Community Initiative. e timing was fortunate as it kept our alumni connected during the pandemic and our subsequent temporary closure. Since then, membership has grown to nearly 1,500 active users. is summer, we were delighted to invite the incoming residents to join—many of whom were eager to meet their fellow residents virtually—prior to the official move-in on August 19th. e platform has become a hub where alumni and current residents can interact with each other; a forum for Shaun and staff to share relevant news with the community; and a fountain of fond memories from alumni shared through profiles and photos. An unexpected benefit is that some of our "lost alumni," for whom we didn't have contact info, are finding their way back to the I-House community. We've been able to clean up our database and improve our global reach! Moreover, we've been able to scout fresh stories and talent to feature for special multimedia projects. An example of this is our latest I-House Memories compilation video with memories provided by users of the platform. e video highlights 52 of the responses, spanning from the 1960s until today. Cue the music! When computer science major and pianist Allen Mao posted videos of himself playing classical music, little did he know this would lead to his music accompanying our memories video. We recorded him performing a classical medley on the Kawai grand piano in the Chevron Auditorium, the first time the piano has been played in two years! We found out that Allen has a unique connection to I-House! He writes, "Fun fact: in the early 1980s, my father, Dr. Weili Cheng (IH 1980), resided at the International House for a quarter (yes, back when Berkeley was on the quarter system), while pursuing his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Dr. Cheng was among the first group of students from mainland China to come to the USA after the normalization of ties between the PRC and the USA. Dr. Cheng found love across the Bay and married Allen's mother, a Stanford alum. Former UC Berkeley Chancellor Chang-Lin Tien attended the marriage." We encourage I-House Berkeley alumni to watch the video at youtube.com/ihouseberkeley and contribute more favorite I-House memories on I-House Berkeley Connect. Here are more ways you can interact with our global community: • Connect with another member via video chat or direct message; • Browse the Directory and connect with I-House friends; • Post or browse job opportunities; • Offer mentoring or find a mentor; • List your business or passion project in the Business Hub; • Read Shaun Carver's Friday posts to stay in the know! Thanks to all of the alumni who have shared I-House memories, and thank you, Allen, for gracing our halls with beautiful music for the first time since our closure! n MENTORSHIP MATTERS Want to give back? Sign up to be a mentor to an aspiring current resident on I-House Berkeley Connect. This new program will have specific milestones for each pair, such as holding an introductory call, having a resume review, connecting on LinkedIn, meeting for coffee or over Zoom for interview practice, and so on. Update your profile by selecting "Willing to help" and visit the Mentoring Programs page at ihberkeleyconnect.org. Global Community Rekindles I-House Memories and Uncovers New Talent