After nearly nineteen years of service as the
third Executive Director in International
House's history, Joe Lurie announced
in July that in June of 2007 he will step down
from his post to pursue new adventures. Said Mr.
Lurie, "I'm interested in perhaps exploring the
foundation world of philanthropy, or another
area that will have a positive impact on people's
lives."
Martha Hertelendy, Vice-President of the
Board of Directors, indicated that the
news was accepted "....with regret, but
also with tremendous appreciation for
the leadership and dedication Joe has
shown in serving International House
for nearly two decades."
Mr. Lurie accepted his position in
1988 after Sheridan Warrick, the
House's second director, who served
27 years from 1961 to 1987, stepped
down. He was selected from among
185 applicants for the unique range
of strengths he brought to the post:
direct personal experience as a Peace
Corps volunteer in Kenya for three
years; professional background in
major leadership positions with a
variety of distinguished international
exchange organizations, including AFS
International and NAFSA: Association
of International Educators; director of overseas
academic programs in Ghana and France for the
Experiment in International Living; and author
of several publications on cross-cultural issues.
Fluent in French and Swahili, Joe's appreciation
for the mission of I-House was and is enhanced
by his status as spouse to Donna Rosenthal,
I-House Berkeley alumna (IH 1968-70).
"I have grown immeasurably in
personal as well as professional
ways from my association with
International House and its many
constituencies," said Mr. Lurie in his
departure announcement to I-House
staff. "I am forever grateful for my
International House friendships
among residents, staff, alumni and
board members. I will hold them
close in the years ahead, and will,
with Donna, remain connected to
I-House and its residents in personal
ways. I-House has become and will
always be a permanent part of our
lives."
Ms. Hertelendy has said, "During
his tenure, Joe has earned the
full support and admiration from our board of directors, staff and students alike through his strong
leadership, management skills, commitment and devotion to our I-House." Mr. Lurie leaves a legacy
of numerous accomplishments over nineteen years of working with staff, board members and alumni
including:
- Increasing financial aid offerings from $30K to $550K per year.
- Renovating 80% of the building, including providing for better access for people with disabilities
and improving seismic safety.
- Greatly enhancing financial stability by increasing emergency reserves and restricted funds by a
factor of eight.
- Facilitating the production of a documentary about I-House that has been shown on over forty PBS
stations across the US.
- Initiating the Gala and Elderhostel traditions.
- Bringing back the I-House Festival of Cultures, including the creation of an endowment to help
support its continuation in the future.
- Production of several publications documenting the history and impact of the I-House experience.
Ms. Hertelendy and the Board's search committee have begun an extensive nationwide search process to
identify Mr. Lurie's successor.
Mr. Lurie's priorities for the remainder of his time here include the successful completion of the $10
million 75th Anniversary Campaign to secure the Kresge Challenge grant of $500,000, which would be
the crowning achievement of his tenure and ensure a secure future for the house for decades to come.
Persons wishing to make donations to this effort in Joe's honor are encouraged to direct them to the
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Scholarship Fund at International House. The fund is intended to
help make it possible for a returned Peace Corps Volunteer to live at I-House while pursuing further
education at Cal. Mr. Lurie will be honored at a celebration event in the spring of 2007.
A detailed description of the post and the executive sought is available here: http://ihouse.berkeley.edu/a/news/I-HouseED11-3-06.pdf. |
Joe Lurie with his wife Donna Rosenthal (IH 1968-70) at the 2006 Awards
Celebration and Gala
|
