On the occasion of our 95th Anniversary, we are sharing a piece of I-House history in the letter from our benefactor, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to UC President Robert G. Sproul. Written on September 29, 1930, the year International House Berkeley opened its doors, this letter outlines the vision and purpose behind the establishment of International House on the West Coast.
My dear President Sproul:
The completion and opening of International House in Berkeley and its acceptance by the University of California, suggest to me the advisability of sending you a statement of the reasons which have led me to cooperate with you in this project, and of the main points which have been agreed upon as fundamental to its operation and control. Such a statement may answer questions that will be asked in the future when those of us who are now associated in its founding have ceased to be responsible for it.
The idea of the establishment of this institution on the Pacific Coast was suggested by the success of a similar one on the Atlantic Coast, in New York City, which has become well and favorably known throughout the world. Situated in a beautiful position on the high east shore of the Hudson River, carefully planned, and furnished and equipped with quiet dignity, the house has seemed to be uniquely adapted to its purpose. By bringing together in unfettered cooperation the educated young people of all lands, many of whom wi11 in years to come be leaders in their several countries, and by giving them full opportunity for frank discussion on terms of equality, there is being performed, I believe, a service for the well being of the world, the importance of wh1ch it is difficult to over-value. International House is a laboratory for a new kind of experiment - the day-to-day practice of international fellowship among men and women. Such a community of university students, representing all nations, living together beneath one roof, will further the cause of peace throughout the world; for peace is the product of knowledge and understanding.
The situation in California resembles that of New York in this respect: that there is passing into metropolitan San Francisco, and into Berkeley especially, a large number of students from all lands; that living accommodations have been inadequate and difficult to obtain; and that the splendid location of the new International House in Berkeley, directly across the San Francisco Bay from the Golden Gate, through which pours so much of the world's commerce and travel, will provide both a community and an opportunity much fuller and richer than now obtains.
These, then, are the reasons for my interest in joining with you in establishing an International House in California.
As to the main points fundamental to its operation and control, I am glad to learn of the arrangements which have already been made or agreed upon by yourself and Mr. Fosdick. These arrangements, as I understand them, are as follows:
-
Title to the property - land, building and furnishings - has been vested in the University of California.
-
The University has leased the House to an Operating Corporation; a majority of whose directors will presumably not be members of the University. These directors will be men and women of standing in the State of California, who have the purpose and work of the House at heart. They will appoint a Director and other officers, manage the property interests, and be responsible for carrying out the particular objects of the institution.
- The House will be open to students of all nations without restriction as to color, race, creed or sex, who are studying in the higher institutions of learning of the San Francisco Bay district - those from the University of California obviously being in the great majority. Our experience in New York has led us to limit the number of American student resident in the House to from 25% to 35% of the total, and to choose the highest and most representative type.
- The students, through their elected representatives and under the ultimate authority of the Director and the Board of Directors, wi11 share in the adjustment of such internal matters as discipline, admissions and activities.
- While cooperating unofficially with various organizations, especially with the University of California, International House will be managed as an independent institution. It will, of course, avoid any suggestion of propaganda - religious or political.
- My understanding is that the property will be tax exempt, that it will be maintained free of debt, and be self-supporting; also that a reserve fund will be set aside from its earnings to provide periodic repairs and replacements beyond current maintenance.
- While each International House will be administratively independent, it is hoped that a contact and union may develop between them, through which ideas and experiences may be shared in the carrying out of a kindred purpose.
In conclusion, I would have you and those associated with you in the development of International House in California know of the great privilege and pleasure it has been to me to cooperate with you in this matter and how keenly I share with you the hope that the influence of the new House may extend far beyond your campus, and the State of California, and our own country, into many nations beyond the seas.
Very Sincerely,
John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
President Robert. G. Sproul
The University of California
Berkeley, California
