Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/1472932
12 in contributions from alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations, in order to pursue four crucial objectives for the future of the House. These were the aims: to preserve and protect the building for new generations; to provide scholarships to ensure continued socioeconomic as well as geographic diversity among residents; to support diverse ongoing cross- cultural programs; and to invest in technological and communications resources for residents and alumni in service to the House's mission. The principal campaign focus was to preserve the building so the traditions and transforming impact of cross-cultural living experiences at International House would flourish in the decades ahead. Six million dollars of the campaign's goal was dedicated to efforts to replace original piping and ventilation systems servicing the restroom and shower facilities throughout the House, while simultaneously improving amenities for persons with disabilities. A resident room-naming opportunity was introduced to encourage supporters to participate in the campaign, as was a brick-inscription program for the International House Café patio. Additional Anniversary Celebrations brought together hundreds of alumni and friends at the House. A special Valentine's event in 2006 drew dozens of couples from a compiled list of over 1,000 documented marriages among I-House alumni throughout its history. The 75th Anniversary Gala in 2006 welcomed Steven C. Rockefeller, grandson of House benefactor John D. Rockefeller Jr., who highlighted how timely the mission of the House remains and its relevance in his work on the worldwide Earth Charter Initiative. Two books were published to mark this milestone year. Close Encounters of a Cross-Cultural Kind: 75 Years at International House Berkeley is a compilation of dozens of testimonials from alumni, and friends on the transforming power of the I-House experience. A Vision of Hope: Reflections on Turning Ignorance into Understanding includes ten essays from residents, alumni and friends that speak to overcoming prejudice and stereotyping in the wake of 9/11. With broad and generous support, the initial success of the Anniversary Campaign led to an unprecedented $500,000 challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation to spur the House toward the successful conclusion of its historic $10 million effort to protect its services and purpose for the new millennium. It is noteworthy that for most of I-House Berkeley's first eight decades, only three executive directors were at the helm: Allen Blaisdell, Sherry Warrick, and Joe Lurie. In 2007 Martin Brennan was appointed the fourth executive director. The UC Berkeley alum and former ambassador brought more than 30 years of international affairs experience. Brennan initiated Navigating Cultures, the first for-credit UC class offered by I-House. Despite the economic downturn in the second half of the 2000s, the generosity of I-House alumni and friends made scholarship awards possible for 20% of residents to ensure continued cultural and socioeconomic diversity in the resident body. The beloved tradition of Sunday Supper, established in 1911 by the I-House movement founder, Harry Edmonds, and his wife, Florence Edmonds, continued to be held each year (and to the present), usually with a speaker and entertainment provided by talented residents. THE 2010S I n July 2012, Dr. Hans C. Giesecke began his service as the fifth executive director of International House. The distinctive dome atop I-House has become an iconic landmark not only of the UC Berkeley campus, but of the East Bay Hills