Harry Mynick's (IH 1972-76) path to the
Princeton Plasma Physics Lab took an
important detour through International
House Berkeley, where living among students
from around the world broadened his
perspective and deepened his interest in
global affairs.
Encouraged by his engineer father,
Harry pursued math and physics at Yale
University, then earned his PhD in physics
at UC Berkeley — launching a career
in controlled fusion energy. The global
collaborations he enjoyed as a scientist
echoed the vibrant community and cross-
cultural exchanges he first experienced
during his years at I-House.
"At every meal, I could sit down with smart
people from all over and exchange views and
experiences with them," he remembered.
"Sometimes we shared similar perspectives.
Sometimes their views were very different
from mine, but it was usually enlightening."
Harry feels profoundly fortunate for the
path he has been able to follow, and that
gratitude has inspired him to pay it forward
by supporting young people pursuing
technical fields. That's why he established
a scholarship fund at I-House, using a
qualified charitable donation from his IRA. "In
this simple way, I've been able to contribute
to helping to make the future a better one,"
he said.
Paying Forward
The Gift of Global
Perspective
International House Berkeley | 2024-2025 Impact Report 16
