Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/613698
8 International House Times Life under the dome for residents of any decade is a memorable, life-changing experience. For those who lived at I-House during the Activism Era (1960-75), their time at Cal was particularly unique. Residents of the Activism Era witnessed national tragedies such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as national triumphs that included the passing of the Civil Rights Act and the moon landing. In Berkeley, a momentum was building that would come to be known as the Free Speech Movement; a series of protests that would forever impact free speech on college campuses. ere was, perhaps, no better place to be during this tumultuous time in United States history than International House. Each night, residents gathered around the television to attempt to make sense of what was happening in their world. Lovingly referring to I-House as a "mini United Nations", Donna Rosenthal (IH 1968-70), remembers French and American residents debating the politics of Vietnam while Czech and Soviet friends discussed the invasion of Prague. Donna says, "I remember watching Walter Cronkite's nightly sign-off of 'at's the way it is.' I started realizing maybe that's not the way it is. Surrounded by students and visiting scholars from 60 countries, I learned about the news beyond the sound bites." Perhaps one of the defining attributes of the Activism Era is a dedication to driving social change. Donna herself was witness to an act of defiance that now lives in I-House infamy. (Full story on page 10.) Her small act of revolt captures the essence of the Era – and it is in this spirit that I-House proudly launches the Activism Era Scholarship. "e Activism Era Scholarship seeks to recognize deserving students with a demonstrated passion for impacting change," says Executive Director Hans Giesecke. "e Activism Era is a very special moment in I-House history, and we hope this scholarship will ensure the spirit of the Activism Era lives on under the dome." "There may never be another time like the Activism Era, but with this scholarship, we are hoping to find the next leaders for the decades to come." – Hans Giesecke, Executive Director From left: I-House circa 1965, Stuart Pawsey questioning the status quo, I-House front steps 1967 Scholarship Launched in Honor of the Activism Era