Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/1472932
Dr. Giesecke's principal focus was on the I-House residential experience. The Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership and Programs was launched in 2013 as a center for training and research to advance leadership, understanding, and collaboration across cultures. Through the support of I-House Board Vice Chair Emeritus Peter Robertson, I-House Programs were incorporated into CILP, and the combined efforts operated as the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership and Programs. CILP is a functional department within I-House with a charter to strengthen and enhance the preparation of the next generations of international leaders for many years to come. In recent years, CILP's service offering has expanded to include practical training and lifelong learning opportunities in innovation and leadership in global diversity, equity, and inclusion. CILP training has served I-House residents, alumni, non-profits, businesses, educational institutions, and governmental agencies. Through the support of donors and a challenge matching grant from Eric Schmidt (IH 1976-80) and Wendy (Boyle) Schmidt (IH 1978-82), the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Dining Commons received extensive renovations in the mid 2010s to increase energy efficiency, upgrade outdated equipment, and provide more engagement between residents and kitchen staff. The Clarence E. Heller Patio Access Ramp was completed in 2017, transforming one of the last public spaces at I-House that was not accessible to those with mobility challenges. Global Homecoming events, preserving the legacy of the Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures, featured presentations by CILP, crowd-favorite international fashion shows, and opportunities for alumni and residents to mingle over international cuisine prepared by residents and the Hospitality team. Rounding out the decade, in 2019 the Program Office launched the first I-House resident storytelling podcast, From All Corners. THE 2020S - THE TENTH DECADE W ith the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Board of Directors, the senior management team, and the dedicated staff of International House Berkeley worked tirelessly to keep I-House open and available for the housing and dining needs of our diverse community through the 2019-20 academic year. On July 17, 2020, the Board of Directors unanimously decided to suspend I-House operations temporarily in order to protect and maintain the health and safety of the residents and staff. In August 2020, Shaun R. Carver was appointed the sixth executive director of I-House, with a wealth of experience to the position. With over twenty years of leadership in international education and a lifetime of living and working in intercultural environments, he was committed to maintaining the I-House community through crisis, reopening safely, and leading the way into our tenth decade. The year 2020 was bittersweet as the House celebrated the 90th anniversary of its opening, and noted artist David Goines created a beautiful commemorative poster. The continuing prevalence and uncertainty of the pandemic led to the extension of the temporary closure of I-House for the entire 2020-21 academic year. Many staff were sadly but necessarily laid off or reassigned elsewhere on campus because of the closure. I-House worked to connect continuing and prospective residents impacted by the closure through such innovations as a virtual Coffee Hour, Zoom salons with the executive director, and the first-ever virtual Global Homecoming to maintain the I-House community during The first I-House virtual Coffee Hour 13