Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/405226
International House Times 7 Gifts to I-House: Shaping a World of Greater Understanding In July, we celebrated the service of Shanti Corrigan who embarked on her new career path as Assistant Dean for External Relations at the UC Berkeley Graduate Division on August 1st. Shanti served as Director of Development & Alumni Relations for 11 years and together with I-House staff and Board has helped secure more than $20M in philanthropic support for I-House scholarships, renovations, and programs. Shanti's fundraising expertise and passion for the mission of I-House were largely responsible for our successful 75th Anniversary Campaign, Kresge Foundation Challenge and the Schmidt Matching Challenge. In addition to her fundraising role, Shanti oversaw all communications and alumni relations activities, connecting current residents and some 60,000 living alumni worldwide with the campus community and beyond. She organized I-House alumni events in New York, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, Milan and I-House Couples reunions on Valentine's day, as pictured below. "A job can sometimes change your life, and at I-House this was certainly true. I grew tremendously as a professional, but more importantly, I formed friendships that will last my lifetime. I love I-House and its worldwide community." - Shanti Corrigan A Fond Farewell to Shanti Corrigan Upon learning of the Dining Commons Transformation Project at the I-House Gala held on April 10, 2014, I-House alumni Eric and Wendy Schmidt (IH 1978-80) generously gifted $1 million to jumpstart funding for this multi-million dollar upgrade. Furthermore, Eric (IH 1976-80) and Wendy Schmidt have pledged an additional $1 million to serve as a matching challenge for donations to I-House from alumni, friends and supporters. rough this I-House Schmidt Matching Challenge, donations and pledges to I-House within the next two years will be matched dollar for dollar up to $1 million. Although the matching portion from the Schmidts will support the Dining Commons Transformation Project exclusively, donations and pledges to our scholarship, architectural heritage fund or the Fund for I-House are eligible for matching. "We are tremendously grateful for Eric and Wendy's leadership and generosity. e Schmidt Matching Challenge holds the potential to establish a culture of philanthropy among current residents and new alumni who may be making a crucial first time gift, motivate new contributors among our world-wide alumni base and further leverage gifts from our dedicated and generous alumni." – Hans Giesecke, Executive Director Duc Bieu Pham (IH 2001-02) recently made a gift in honor of his friend Victor Pineda (IH 1999-2000) and shared this photo of them in Caracas, Venezuela. "I am happy to give back to our beloved international institution that has been breaking down barriers for almost a century, to recognize my dear friend Victor for bringing me into the family, and to have the impact of my gift so generously doubled by the Schmidts!" Alumni and friends, we need your support! Double your gift at ihouse.berkeley.edu/schmidtmatch n Schmidt Matching Challenge Resident Room Dedication Program Make your Big Gift Even Bigger You already know about the Big Game. Now see what's the big deal with the Big Give - a 24-hour day of giving on November 20. On that day you can join alumni, students, parents, and friends in showing your passion for Cal and your support for I-House. Gifts made to I-House on Nov. 20 through Big Give also qualify for the Schmidt Matching Challenge! More details are at BigGive.berkeley.edu. Alumni Relations Starts at Day One Joy Iwasa and Laura Berman of the Alumni Relations team greet residents with goodies during Fall Move-in Day. Basil Hoare (IH 1952-53), above with Shanti Corrigan, has joined the Schmidt Matching Challenge by dedicating his former room. With multi-generational support, inspired by the Schmidt Matching Challenge, alumnus Richard Simmons, CBE (IH 1970) and his daughter, Alexandra Simmons (IH 2009-10) will dedicate a resident room. Naming a room in memory of a loved one or in recognition of your experiences at I-House doubles the impact of your gift through the Schmidt Matching Challenge today while leaving a permanent legacy for the future.