Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/1479405
A New Day at I-House International House Times 3 T his fall we are pleased to welcome Nayeli Vivanco as Vice President to lead the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership and Programs (CILP) at I-House. CILP is a center of excellence for training to advance leadership, understanding, and collaboration across cultures. Nayeli is a multi-lingual, cross-cultural, social justice practitioner with more than a decade of international education experience. As a first-generation Latina who grew up on the U.S.–Mexico border and through her work and studies in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, she is also a true citizen of the world. Upon her appointment, Nayeli said, "I'm eager to get to know our residents and facilitate a safe space for everyone to engage in thoughtful and meaningful conversations. I look forward to continuing I-House's long-standing tradition of convening thought leaders to address society's most pressing challenges, and to find pathways to a more just and peaceful world." n Meet Nayeli Vivanco Led by Manita Magar, Resident Engagement Coordinator, residents discover the amazing vistas from atop the Berkeley hills. For the most recent IRS form 990, please see our website at ihouse.berkeley.edu/giving. W ithout a doubt, the last few years have been tumultuous at I-House. The unexpected House closure in spring 2020 and through the entirety of the 2020–21 school year shook the core of our operations. Continued struggles with COVID-19, workforce availability, inflation at greater than 8 percent, a 40 percent increase in food costs, supply chain problems, and aging infrastructure (particularly our steam system and WiFi) have created additional pressures. And yet, I-House remains strong. The House has reopened to residents and visitors. Residents are reporting high satisfaction with their experience in response to our formal surveys. We have (almost) filled the staff vacancies resulting from the closure. Our programs and signature events, including Wednesday night Coffee Hours, Sunday Suppers, and Orientation Retreats, are happening once again. Despite relying on reserves during the closure of the House, with the support of our I-House community, we have entered this new fiscal year with a budget that includes a $200,000 contingency fund and reinstates the practice of returning 3 percent of our gross revenues to the operating reserve each year. Many restoration projects are complete or underway (the Heller Patio, Edmonds' Café, the Sproul Kitchen, Gamble Lounge and front entryway—see story page 4). With some careful planning, we've been able to keep increases in annual room and board rates at less than half of the inflation rate. And we are delighted to report that for the first time I-House will be able to provide $1 million in financial aid this academic year (an increase of 13.6 percent) for room and board for deserving residents. We have 590 residents this academic year, representing 67 countries and 90 majors. It is indeed a new day at I-House! n Residents enjoying the traditional candlelight ceremony at Sunday Supper.