Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/311748
Donors Make A Difference Ever since John D. Rockefeller's founding gift, generous philanthropic gifts have provided key support to I-House and its capacity to fulfill its purpose: a world of greater understanding and peace. Dedication of I-House Dining Tables All 34 original I-House Dining Tables have been designated by the Board as eligible for naming. Gifts will support the Dining Commons Transformation while providing a unique opportunity for those for whom I-House has made a lasting impression to create one of their own. "I met my husband Tun Yin Chang over dinner in the dining hall, says Marciana Kui Chang (IH 1947-48), pictured here. "We married and had two daughters, one of whom followed in our footsteps as a happy resident of I-House. It's wonderful to know our family history may inspire others who sit at these tables for generations to come..." Architect Bob Wong together with his wife Sheryl Wong have also reserved a table dedication, inspired in part by Bob's personal investment of time and energy over the past fifteen years as a Board member including his current role as Chair of the House Committee. "It's going to be a beautiful place which will no doubt continue to shape meaningful connections for our residents," says Bob. Learn about this and other naming opportunities at ihouse.berkeley.edu/ naming. Where will students eat during construction? Over the six -month construction schedule (December, 2014 – June, 2015) all 585 residents will enjoy meals next door at the recently renovated Field Club at Memorial Stadium. "It's a stunning facility," says Business Manager Shirley Spiller. "We are so lucky its features and convenience make this a perfect alternative for meals while construction is underway." International House Times 11 If These Walls Could Talk... In April 2014, resident Shayan Khan of Pakistan shared lunch with her scholarship benefactor, alumnus Irving Tragen (IH 1942-45 & 1947), both affiliated with Berkeley Law. Irving recalled many meals shared in the dining commons with friends and his late wife Ele "Bunny" Tragen, who he met at I-House. "Even though Irving was a student here sixty years before me, it's amazing we both experience an identical appreciation for how special this place is," says Shayan. "Food brings people together" says IH supporter Rafi Salem, center, shown below (in headwrap) as he prepared an international BBQ when a student in the 1950s. Next to him is Lois Jean (Geffert), his future wife. "Satisfying such diverse cultural palates has been an evolving challenge since 1930," says Joe Lurie, Executive Director Emeritus (IH 1988-07), "but the conversation has always surpassed expectations." A dedicated staff has through the years valiantly aimed to please palettes from 150 countries and virtually every U.S. state, and while there is no variety of rice we haven't tried, what is really cooking daily at I-House is dialogue. "Sitting at the dining tables with people from all these different countries makes me feel like I can travel the world just by having lunch" says resident Nneka Okafor, a scholarship recipient and Berkeley Law student from Nigeria. "Every day when you walk into the dining room you can just sit down anywhere and be welcomed. It's a different experience at every meal and one of the best parts of living at I-House." Serving up Feasts and Friendships for 84 Years! Ketchup, conversation and coffee have been staples of the IH dining experience, although residents today no longer smoke pipes and cigarettes at dinner like those in the 1940s. Shayan Khan enjoying lunch with Irving Tragen