Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/1472932
9 Despite protests, International House opens its doors as the first coeducational, interracial living center west of the Hudson River. Dedicated to intercultural friendship and peace, I-House is the second of four Houses funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and founded by Harry Edmonds. August 18, 1930 Allen Blaisdell is the first Executive Director of I-House, serving from 1930 to 1961. Throughout his tenure, he fights racial discrimination and bravely denounces the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. 1930 1930s I-House is one of the very few places in the Bay Area where people of diverse ethnic backgrounds can gather comfortably in an integrated setting. 1950s The Coffee Shop (now known as the I-House Cafe) is a popular place to meet people from around the world. There were many activities when we mixed with all residents… dances on Friday night, folk dancing with a professional teacher, and the remarkable festivals produced by Eugenie Carneiro. We even had an I-House chorus. 1952–55 1961 W. Sheridan Warrick is appointed Executive Director following the retirement of Allen Blaisdell. Throughout the turbulence of the '60s and '70s, Warrick maintains I-House as a home for peace, understanding, and free speech. 1988 Students from around the world watched as the Berlin Wall came tumbling down. I realized how many of us at I-House had taken down the walls within ourselves. The world was not only changing on the screen – it was changing through us at I-House. 1989 Bonnie Wasserman (IH 1989-90) 1990–96 Scholarship funding is spurred by the 60th and 65th anniversary galas honoring David Rockefeller and Arun Sarin (IH 1975- 78). Joe Lurie initiates summer Elderhostel programs. Joe Lurie leads the successful $10.6 million 75th Anniversary Campaign to fund scholarships, renovations, and programs. Steven Rockefeller is honored at the 75th anniversary gala. 2004 - 07 2007 Martin Brennan is appointed the fourth Executive Director. The UCB alum and former ambassador brings more than 30 years of international affairs experience and initiates Navigating Cultures, the first for-credit UC class offered by I-House. Despite the economic downturn, I-House awards 20% of residents with scholoarships to ensure cultural and socio- economic diversity, made possible by the generosity of I-House alumni and friends. 2008 2015 Through the support of donors and a grant from Eric (IH 1976-80) and Wendy (IH 1978-80) Schmidt, the Dining Commons Transformation Project (DCTP) is completed in August. The renovations increased energy efficiency, upgraded equipment, and provided more engagement between residents and kitchen staff. Transforming one of the last public spaces at I-House that was not accessible to those with mobility challenges, the Clarence E. Heller Patio Access Ramp is completed in August. 2017 Global Homecoming features presentations by CILP, an international fashion show, and opportunities for alumni and residents to mingle over international cuisine prepared by residents and the Dining Commons staff. 2018 Celebrating Nine Decades Joe Lurie, a former Peace Corps volunteer, is appointed the third Executive Director. He inaugurates gala fundraising celebrations, inspires a PBS documentary, and writes an I-House history. His favorite maxim illustrating I-House's important mission is:The stranger sees only what he knows