International House Berkeley

THE 1990S T he first gala was to set the stage for the 60th Anniversary Celebration in 1990, when I-House welcomed and honored David Rockefeller for his family's vital contributions which made the I-House idea a reality. Members of the Rockefeller family were joined by relatives of I-House founder, Harry Edmonds. The 1990s were marked by an emphasis on securing significant outside support to strengthen financial aid, intercultural, and building renovation programs. Thanks to a notable increase in giving from alumni, along with major support from a variety of foundations and corporations, the House was successful in implementing a variety of new initiatives. Consistent with its commitment to socioeconomic diversity, the financial aid program grew from about 30 recipients annually in 1989 to over 100 by the turn of the century. On the programmatic side, our intercultural collection of books, videos, and other materials grew in important ways. These materials helped fuel an expanded speakers program, bringing residents to local schools and civic organizations. Annual international festivals involving performances, cultural displays, and food from around the world were very popular, attracting thousands of visitors from the community. The most ambitious and necessary work during the 1990s and the first few years of the 21st century was to begin a comprehensive, aesthetically sensitive renovation of our aging facility. From 1995 through the summer of 2003, about 75% of the building was renovated, which included seismic safety improvements, provisions for internet access in all resident rooms, enhanced access for the physically challenged, and major improvements to the dining room. and other common as well as business related areas. THE 2000S T he beginning years of the 21st century were marked by the production and release of a national television documentary about the history and influence of the House over seven decades. It was seen on public television outlets throughout the United States. The events of September 11, 2001 underscored the continued importance of the mission of International House in the 21st century. Residents of this era were responsible for helping create new security systems within the House and creating a debate club that explored important themes of the times, ranging from conflicts in the Middle East to Bay Area legislation on same-sex marriages. As a direct result of 9/11, the offices of Services for International Students and Scholars, long housed within I-House, were expanded to support UC Berkeley students from outside the U.S. who were confronting new challenges navigating visa and immigration services. 75 YEARS OF CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING T he 75th anniversary of when International House Berkeley first opened its doors was launched beginning in late 2002 with an ambitious 75th Anniversary Celebration and Campaign and the convening of a series of alumni reunions around the world including Taiwan (2002), Paris (2003), Los Angeles (2003), London (2004), Milan (2004), New York (2005), Singapore (2006), Melbourne (2006), and Tokyo (2006). Under the guidance of the Board of Directors and a Campaign Leadership Committee, the Anniversary Campaign sought an unprecedented $10.6 million The 75th Anniversary was toasted in 2005 by alumni, friends, and two of three Executive Directors who guided the house over three-quarters of a century: Sheridan Warrick (top row with bow tie 1961-1987) and Joe Lurie (front row, 4th from right, 1988-2007) 11 R0tary World Peace Scholars release doves in remembrance of September 11, 2001

• Cover