The I-House Connection: September 2024

September 12, 2024

Shaun R. Carver, I-House Executive Director

Dear I-House Community,

Over the last few weeks, a record 623 residents from 82 nations have gathered under our roof, making this year’s resident community the most diverse we've ever hosted at I-House. We're excited to see how each individual becomes a vital part of our community and mission and look forward to getting to know them better. One of the true pleasures of my role as Executive Director is welcoming new residents at our orientation retreats, organized by the Robertson Resident Life and Intercultural Development Office (RIO). We are very grateful to the Chevron Corporation for supporting this year’s resident retreats, which brought together 190 residents for memorable weekend gatherings.

If you’d like to learn more about this year’s resident community and our plans for the year ahead, please watch my annual "State of I-House" address, which is now available online. I've also participated in podcasts and other media to share our unique history and emphasize the importance of fostering peace within our community and beyond. Stay updated by following my news and insights at linkedin.com/in/shauncarver/ And, if you’d like to hear a resident’s perspective on life at I-House, be sure to read our most recent blog post by Global Community Ambassador, Lucy Zhu.

As the fall term gains momentum, I-House is hosting a variety of events. If you're nearby, we warmly invite you to our 2nd annual Comedy Show and our Quarterly Alumni Happy Hour. If you live outside the area, as many I-House alumni do, we encourage you to attend one of the Cal Club gatherings taking place around the world. Please also stay tuned to this monthly newsletter for information about I-House international alumni gatherings.

As the International Day of Peace approaches on September 21, we're reminded of the I-House mission to promote cross-cultural respect and understanding. I'm thrilled to be attending I-House New York’s 100th-anniversary celebration, which honors the enduring legacy of I-House New York and the impact of the International House movement worldwide.

Thank you for your continued connection to International House and for sharing in our vision of a more just and peaceful world.

Sincerely,

Shaun Carver, I-House Executive Director

Shaun R. Carver Ed.D., MBA
Executive Director and CEO
International House at UC Berkeley

Shaun Carver's Annual State of the House

Shaun Carver's State of International House Address

Watch on YouTube 6:55 Total Running Time

Comedy Show September 17

Join us for the 2nd Annual I-House Comedy Show

September 17, 2024, 8 – 9:30 p.m.
International House Chevron Auditorium

Need a good laugh? Join us for a fun-filled night where diversity and humor intersect! Featuring international-themed humor from Clara Bigil, Denise Lee, and Samson Koletkar. Laugh out loud with a fresh humorous perspective on the world at the I-House Comedy Show!

Limited seats Register Now

I-House Alumni Quarterly Happy Hour

Thursday, September 26, 2024, 5 – 7 p.m.
Edmonds’ Café at International House

Join fellow I-House alumni and current residents at our next quarterly Alumni Happy Hour. To help us plan, please fill out this form. And please spread the word to your I-House friends!

You can find photos of recent I-House alumni events in the 2024 Summer Gatherings Photo Album.

Cal Clubs Events Around the World

Berkeley International Alumni Network Upcoming Events Join UC Berkeley alumni at international events hosted by Berkeley’s International Alumni Network. These are great opportunities to connect with UC Berkeley alumni. For details about upcoming events, visit international.berkeley.edu/events

If you are interested in helping to arrange an international gathering of I-House alumni, please reach out to our alumni relations team at alumni@ihouseberkeley.org. We’d love your help!

Our 2024 Annual All Years Alumni Reunion was a blast!

I-House alumni from 2021-22 proudly wearing their I-House alumni hats at the All Years Alumni Reunion. We were delighted to welcome over 150 of our I-House family members home to I-Houselast month At this fun-filled gathering, I-House alumni of all eras reconnected over a leisurely meal in the Dining Commons. Everyone loved catching up with each other, hearing updates from Shaun Carver, and exploring familiar corners of the House during the tour. Check out reunion photos here!

If you missed it this year, please plan to join us for next year’s reunion in August 2025. (Stay tuned for the date.) In the meantime, we hope to see you at one of our quarterly Alumni Happy Hours or other I-House events. Be sure to check our Calendar of Community Events to find out what's happening at I-House!

Reflecting on My Time at International House, UC Berkeley

Lucy Zhu's photo collage from her blog post, "Reflecting on my Time at International House"

By Lucy Zhu (IH 2023-25), Journalism Graduate Student and Global Community Ambassador

Looking back, moving into International House was a decision that forever shaped my journey at UC Berkeley. I can still see that moment clearly—my parents by my side as I stood at the front desk, surrounded by six oversized suitcases, a mix of excitement and nerves filling the air as I awaited check-in. It was on that very day, during the I-House tour, that I met my first friend. Little did I know, that brief encounter was just the beginning of an extraordinary international adventure that would change me in ways I never imagined.

Read the full blog post.

Meal Plans: Let Us Handle the Cooking!

Looking for a unique dining experience? We have just a few openings for external customers to join us for meals at International House! Indulge in globally-inspired dishes crafted by our award-winning Executive Chef, Abbie Serbins, and immerse yourself in a diverse and vibrant community.

Choose from three meal plan options: 30 meals, 50 meals, or 100 meals. With lunch priced at $19 and dinner at $22, our meal plans offer great savings!

Purchase your meal plan TODAY

For questions, feel free to reach out to us at dining@ihouseberkeley.org. We look forward to serving you at I-House!

Tax Savvy Giving

If you've recently moved or changed careers, please let us know at alumni@ihouseberkeley.org or update your profile and contact information in I-House Berkeley Connect. We're always excited to hear about your latest adventures. And if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you in any way we can.

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