The newsletter for friends & alumni of International House
Spring-Summer 2009 | Email digest version | Full PDF version
2009 Alumni Survey
Please help I-House continue its tradition of excellence for residents worldwide by sharing your insights and
experience. The survey is six pages long and should take about 10 minutes to complete. Complete the 2009 Alumni Survey online at http://ihouse.berkeley.edu/survey
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president, took office in 2006, and inherited a country devastated by 14 years of civil war, brutality, and “loss of hope – truly a failed state.” President Sirleaf spoke in the Chevron Auditorium on April 9th and captivated the standing-room-only audience with humor, advice, and her belief that Africa’s best days are ahead. Full story >
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, one of the world’s most powerful jurists, issued a modest plea for justice and reason when he spoke in April 10th at I-House, portraying the rule of law as “a subtle thing” that depends upon the willingness of citizens to follow it – and the determination of governments to enforce it. Full story >
Firoozeh Dumas lived in International House in 1986-87 and has since become a best-selling author whose work highlights her Iranian-American heritage. Ms. Dumas was honored on April 7th at the Celebration and Awards Gala for her efforts to promote understanding of Iranian culture and for reminding us – through her books, speaking tours, NPR commentaries, and articles – that our commonalities far outweigh our differences. Full story >
Phyllis and Bill Draper, longtime champions of awareness and involvement in international issues and peace, were honored as Global Citizens of the Year at the 21st annual Celebration and Awards Dinner on April 7th, also honoring Alumna of the Year Firoozeh Dumas (see article above). Full story >
I-House is home to 585 residents, 115 of whom are able to live "under the dome" thanks to scholarships that help offset room and board expenses. The four students profiled below are representative of the diverse talents, backgrounds, and future promise of our inspiring residents. Scholarships are funded by contributions to the Fund for International House and by named, endowed funds. Full story >
International journalist Markos Kounalakis and former Congressman Tom Campbell were the featured speakers at this year’s Lodestar Programs. Held every fall and spring, Lodestar programs bring alumni and residents together to share a meal, hear a distinguished speaker, and join in discussion. International House alumnus Markos Kounalakis (I-House 1977-78) addressed The Future of News: A Journalists Perspective on Peril and Possibility in the Obama Era. Full story >
I-House Alumnus Arun Sarin (I-House 1975-78), former CEO of Vodafone, the world's largest mobile phone company, was nonplussed when a cell phone ring interrupted his April, 2009 lecture on campus. He encouraged the audience: "Answer it! That's revenue!" The laughter that followed belied the thought-provoking nature of his remarks which were enjoyed by Haas Business School students and invited residents of I-House. Full story >
An audience comprised of more than fifty alumni and residents enjoyed afternoon tea and reminiscences of I-House history at a pre-Valentine's gathering in February. Three of the four Executive Directors who have served the House in its 79 year history were present and shared memories. Full story >
Also in this issue:
- Director's Message: Celebration and Rededication – The I-House Mission in a New Millennia, p.2
- The Future of I-House: Taproot Foundation Grant Supports “Pre-Strategic Planning,” p.2
- $100,000 Charitable Annuity Benefits I-House and Donor, p.2
- Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures & Norooz Persian New Year, p.3
- Sadako Ogata Returns “Under the Dome”, p.4
- Rooms, Benches, and Brick Dedications Honor Alumni, p.4
- House Goes Wireless, Social Networking, I-House@cal & @calcafé p.4
- Alumna Paula Goldman Speaks at International Women's Day Tea, p.5
- Letter from: Jean Muriel Phillips Galvan (IH 1945-46) Another I-House Romance!, p.5
- Alum Represents I-House in Poland, p.5
- Alumni News & Notes from every decade, p.6
- In Memory, p.7
- International House Sunday Suppers, p.8
View or print I-House Times newsletters at http://ihouse.berkeley.edu/a/times/
Our best from I-House,
I-House Office of Alumni Relations & Development
http://ihouse.berkeley.edu
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ihouseberkeley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4822099716
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/IHouseBerkeley