Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/88481
Marina Romani writes, "It was my first year in Berkeley, and I-House made me fall in love with my new life in California. All the people who work there are amazing and kind, and I met some of my best friends there. One of the best years of my life." Andreas Schmidt has moved from Singapore to Germany in order to expand AyoxxA Biosystems, a spin-off biotechnology company from the National University of Singapore. Dauwe Vercamer writes, "I-House was an amazing experience. It felt like home from the moment I arrived because everyone is so open and friendly. I'm actually even flying to Vienna for an annual BBQ with some of the people I met there." 2010s Bernice Agyekwena writes "Happy Birthday, I-House Berkeley. For 82 years, you have been a home away from home for numerous students from all over the world. Your kitchen has provided food to nourish the minds and bodies of residents so that they can achieve their academic ambitions. Your programs have expanded the knowledge of residents in addition to so much more. I will forever cherish my stay at the I-House as one of the best experiences in my life. Dear I-House, may you exist forever so that generations upon generations of students would benefit from your tender loving care." Kate Breen writes, "The greatest part of my I-House experience has been exploring my native San Francisco Bay Area through international perspectives. I've discovered so much of my city and university that I otherwise would have overlooked. My entire floor was basically my family, and I'm really missing the view from my 7th floor lounge. I would just sit looking out of that window to the point where people were asking my permission to come in (a few of them literally thought I lived there). Even if we'd never met before, we would usually end up talking and laughing until 5 a.m. I met most of my closest friends there." Remha Kiros writes, "I-House is a melting pot of the most perfect kind and during my time there I experienced that to the fullest. People from all over the world with varying academic and personal backgrounds made my time there unforgettable." Marieke Kleemans writes, "After my first year in I-House in 2009- 10, I thought it couldn't get any better. But it did: during my second year in I-House I met an amazing guy, whom I'm going to live with next month. Thank you, I-House!" Lexi Lambeck writes, "I-House has been the best experience of my life. I've made such good friends and had so much fun getting to know everyone. My favorite part is just hanging out in the dining hall and seeing who comes in. It's great because you know that you'll always know someone, and you'll never have to eat alone if you don't want to. I've lived there for a year and a half, and I can't wait to move back as soon as I finish studying abroad!" Sergey Piterman writes, "Some of my best college experiences and friends came from living in I-House. And what was even cooler was that my mom lived there back when she went to Cal." (Milan Piterman is now on the IH Board of Directors.) Nathanael Ps writes, "I-House was an amazing experience for me. I made many wonderful friends and learned invaluable life lessons. The one thing I'll bring back home is that despite all our many differences, we can always bond over the good we see in others." Jan-Georg Rosenboom writes, "I met a lot of new friends in this super-social place. It broadened my international experience with every chat in the dining hall, and I was happy to contribute to the I-House experience by playing lots of concerts through the music club. In memory of the infamous boyband OMG." Marieke Van Eijk writes, "I came to I-House expecting to get to know Berkeley, and left I-House having gotten to know the world, at least a little bit." Ken Wong writes, "Living in I-House the past year was the most unique experience for my second stay in Berkeley. Meeting old friends and making new friends around the globe and sharing our perspectives were just wonderful!" Marloes Noppen writes, "While on this side of the Atlantic I could not let the opportunity pass by to visit I-House–the place where ambition and openness come together. I just finished my internship at the Mexican Council of Foreign Relations (COMEXI)–a think tank. Here I had the opportunity to witness the Mexican Presidential Elections from up close, a unique experience. Friends Jacqueline Papazian Kazarian writes, "Welcome to I-House Susan & Hans Giesecke. I was the first nonresident member of I-House in 1955 when Mr. Blaisdell was president. I am now 84 and consider my I-House membership as part of my amazing years at that university. ... I loved Sunday Suppers and remember hearing brilliant speakers. My word is 'Thankful.' I am thankful for the gift of life and the opportunity to encourage learning and study in such an amazing environment." Staff News Gary Beitch retired from his position as Dining Services Director in September after 37 years, an I-House record! He was celebrated in the Great Hall by family, friends and IH employees, past and present. Former Executive Directors Joe Lurie and Sherry Warrick were in attendance and it was remarked that it was truly the end of an era, as Gary was the only remaining IH employee from Sherry's tenure. We'll miss you Gary! Welcome New Staff! Monica Alcaraz, Senior Food Service Worker Liam Bonner, Senior Cook Kenisha Brown, Food Service Worker Justin Caringello, Building Maintenance Mark Cassettari, promoted to Facilities Supervisor Dominique DeBerry, Senior Food Service Worker Andrea Ellickson, Development Associate Maya Gopalan, Assistant to the Executive Director Ken Wilbur, Building Maintenance International House Times 17