The I-House Connection: February 2025

February 13, 2025

Shaun R. Carver, I-House Executive Director

Dear I-House Community,

This month, I'm thrilled to share opportunities to connect, celebrate I-House friendships, and engage in the intercultural dialogue that makes our community special.

In this issue, we spotlight distinguished alumnus Markos Kounalakis (IH 1977-78), an award-winning journalist, scholar, and foreign affairs expert whose work continues to inspire. He will be honored as I-House Alumnus of the Year on March 9th at the International House Celebration & Awards Gala, together with the dedicated volunteers of the University Section Club and recent alumna Excellence Anurika Joshua (IH 2023-24).

On February 26th, the Lodestar Executive Director Speaker Series will feature a timely discussion on The Geopolitics of AI & International Cooperation. This promises to be an insightful conversation at the intersection of technology and diplomacy.

If you're in New York City on April 7th, don’t miss a special International House social event—a wonderful chance to connect and network with fellow alumni and friends from I-House Berkeley, I-House Chicago, International Students House of London, International Students House of Washington D.C., and beyond.

And for those in Berkeley tonight, we hope you’ll brave the rain and join us at our quarterly Alumni Happy Hour in Edmonds Café from 5–7 pm. It’s a perfect chance to unwind and connect with fellow I-House alumni and current residents.

Finally, if you’re looking for a way to honor a special relationship in your life this Valentine’s Day, consider making a tribute gift to I-House.

Thank you for being a part of the I-House community. I look forward to seeing you back at I-House or at an I-House global gathering soon!

With warm regards,

Shaun Carver, I-House Executive Director

Shaun R. Carver Ed.D., MBA
Executive Director and CEO
International House at UC Berkeley
linkedin.com/in/shauncarver

Award-winning journalist, scholar, and foreign policy expert Markos Kounalakis (‘78) has spent his career at the intersection of media and global affairs. From reporting on international conflicts to advising on diplomacy and national security, his work has shaped conversations on pressing global issues. A Visiting Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and Senior Fellow at the Center on Media, Data, and Society at the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, Markos continues to contribute to international discourse through his research and commentary.

Join us for the International House Celebration and Awards Gala!
March 9, 2025, 5:00 p.m.

Join us for a festive evening celebrating valued members of our global community and honoring their support and service to I-House and the world.

2025 Gala Honorees

Learn more and purchase your ticket online at: https://I-HouseGala2025.eventbrite.com

Thanks to our Gala Sponsors!
Fillmore, AKT Investments, Sysco, Nancy Lim, Plant Construction, Verkada, Peerless, Third Culture. If you’re interested in sponsoring the Gala, please contact Samantha DePetro-Wysuph, I-House Philanthropy Advisor, at (510) 406-3995, or email Samanthadw@ihouseberkeley.org

Save the Dates! Events at I-House Berkeley

Quarterly Alumni Happy Hour: February 13, 2025, 5 - 7 p.m. Register here
Lodestar Speaker Series: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 6 - 8 p.m. Register here
I-House Celebration & Awards Gala: Sunday, March 9, 2025, 5 - 9 p.m.Buy your ticket here
International Culture Festival: April 26, 2025
I-House Alumni Reunion Brunch: August 10, 2025

See more events on our Alumni Events & Reunions page

Lodestar Speaker Series:
The Geopolitics of AI & International Cooperation
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 6-8 p.m.

Lodestar Speaker Series

From the U.S. Stargate Project to China’s DeepSeek, AI is reshaping global power dynamics and driving competition and the need for international cooperation. Join us for a panel discussion among leading voices in the field, exploring the intersection of AI, global competition, and policy.

Speakers:
● Olaf Groth (Moderator) – Professor, UC Berkeley Haas & Hult; CEO, Cambrian Futures
● James Hodson – CEO, AI for Good Foundation
● Anne-Sophie Séret – Executive Director, Everyone.AI
● Tianyu Fang – Tech & Democracy Fellow, New America
Don’t miss this timely discussion on AI’s role in global diplomacy! Register Now

Please join alumni from multiple International House organizations for an informal social event in New York City. This gathering is a collaboration between I-House Berkeley, I-House Chicago, ISH London, and ISH Washington D.C. and will include light appetizers, drinks, and good conversation. The event is free to International House alumni. Register here

Swag Store cap featured

I-House Swag Store

Perfect for alumni, residents, and friends of I-House, our swag helps you bring the spirit of international fellowship wherever you go. Visit ihouse.berkeley.edu/shop to find all you’ll need for your next I-House alumni gathering.

UC Berkeley Night at SF Giants
Friday, April 25, 2025, 7:15 p.m.

UC Berkeley Giants night

Join fellow CAL alumni, students, faculty, and friends for Cal Night at the SF Giants. It’ll be an evening of community, school pride, and baseball in San Francisco as the Giants take on the Texas Rangers. To purchase your tickets at a 40% discount and for an opportunity to receive a co-branded Cal/Giants jersey, visit: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/CalNight25