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International House Times 9 Schmidt Matching Challenge Boosts 27th Annual Gala to Record-Breaking Year is year's 27th Annual Celebration and Awards Gala was a night of fun, friends, and fanfare as I-House recognized UC Berkeley alumnus and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico E. Anthony Wayne as the 2015 Global Ambassador of Peace and Public Service, and I-House alumni Gikas and Susan Hardouvelis as the 2015 Alumni Couple of the Year. During his welcome, Executive Director Hans Giesecke remarked "For the past 27 years, the Gala has served to shine a light on those who embrace and embody the mission of I-House. But tonight is much more than an awards ceremony. It is an evening where friends are reunited and decades- old memories made under the dome are relived." e evening's festivities began with a reception that included I-House Residents serving as hosts to greet and mingle with guests, followed by dinner in the Chevron Auditorium and a conversation with the honorees led by UC Berkeley Chancellor and Chair of the I-House Board of Directors, Nicholas Dirks. Donations made to the Gala as well as sponsorships were matched dollar for dollar thanks to the Schmidt Matching Challenge, a program established by I-House alumna Wendy and Eric Schmidt. eir generosity helped propel this year's event into one of the highest grossing Galas to date, raising over $120,000 for e Fund for I-House. n Resident Host Ahmed Bakhaty escorts Ingrid Radkey (IH 1960-63) at the red carpet entrance From left: Vice-Chair of I-House Board of Directors Joyce Hicks, Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne, UC Berkeley Chancellor and Chair of I-House Board of Directors Nicholas B. Dirks, Susan & Gikas Hardouvelis and Executive Director, Hans Giesecke Susan and Gikas Hardouvelis share their stories and wisdom on stage Residents enjoyed the evening as model global citizens and hosts for our guests Dining Commons Construction Nears Completion Continued from page 1. Interaction between kitchen sta and residents has always been a staple of the I-House dining experience. Once completed, the renovated space will provide more opportunities for sta and residents to customize their meals and provide increased options for residents with special dietary needs. "ere will be a grill station, a pizza and pasta station, and an international station," explains Coria. Each station will allow sta members to create vegan, gluten-free, or vegetarian versions of the options provided that day. With nearly 600 residents from 70 countries, accommodating dietary restrictions is part of the routine, and not one that Bonner and Coria take lightly. "As we get to know the students better, we are able to anticipate what they want and need," says Coria. International House is also excited about new dining sta members joining the team when we transition back to our home at I-House. "e idea of the renovation is to make it nicer for the residents and guests," says Bonner. "We like to make people happy. at's what's fun for us." e ocial ribbon cutting ceremony for the Dining Commons will take place this fall. n Schmidt Match Doubles Your Gift It's not too late to make a gift to the Dining Commons Transformation Project and have it matched dollar for dollar through the Schmidt Matching Challenge. (More on page 8) Concept drawing of the new food service area