FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 9, 2009
(Berkeley, CA) International House at the University of California, Berkeley has announced a charitable donation by Chevron Corporation, in honor of retiring Vice Chairman Peter Robertson and his wife Candy, to launch an inter-cultural initiative called “Culture Bridge”.
Culture Bridge will introduce new research and educational curricula aimed at building intercultural knowledge and skills. Beginning with a “Navigating Cultures” course this fall, Culture Bridge will create over time a path to inter-cultural programs and training that engage the university community and the general public. Culture Bridge training will emphasize face-to-face dialogues as well as readings, dramatic productions, and best practices in role-playing and simulation exercises to uncover the underpinnings for cultural similarities and differences. Such experiential intercultural learning is the hallmark of I-House’s 79-year history as an educational residential and cultural center which serves almost 600 U.S. and international students daily, and over 70,000 since the House’s founding in 1930.
“I am honored by Chevron’s contribution and I know from working all over the world how cross-cultural understanding and respect for cultural differences are key to resolving conflict and building trust”, says Robertson, who retired last month from Chevron after thirty-five years of service. “Candy and I think building these capacities as I-House does can contribute mightily to a more tolerant and peaceful world.” Robertson has served on the Board of International House since 2002 and chaired its recent 75th Anniversary Celebration and Campaign.
Culture Bridge will involve I-House student residents in shaping and conducting its research, programs and training. The effort is guided by former U.S. Ambassador Martin Brennan, who was appointed in 2007 as only the fourth Executive Director in I-House’s history. Brennan brings thirty years of work as a diplomat in Africa, Asia, Europe and the U.S. to his leadership role, and will co-teach the Navigating Cultures course this fall at I-House with Dr. Liliane Koziol, I-House Director of Programs and Honorary Consul of Madagascar.
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Founded in 1930, International House is a self-supporting non-profit residential and program center at the University of California at Berkeley, dedicated to fostering understanding and friendship among the peoples of all nations, races and cultures. Its active program schedule, ranging from cultural festivals to discussions on world issues, enhances global understanding in the community and on the Berkeley campus.
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Candy and Peter Robertson at the I-House 2009 Annual
Awards Gala & Celebration
View Press Release (PDF)
CONTACT:
Shanti Corrigan
phone: (510) 642-0124
fax: (510) 643-8968
e-mail: shanti@berkeley.edu
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