I-House Connection: July 2022

July 21, 2022

Shaun R. Carver, I-House Executive Director

Dear Alumni and Friends,

In this issue of the I-House Connection, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Nayeli Vivanco as Vice President to lead the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership and Programs (CILP), our center of excellence for training to advance leadership, understanding, and collaboration across cultures. On a personal note, I have known Nayeli for almost a decade, and I am excited that she has decided to join the I-House team. Her personal and professional journey are the embodiment of the I-House mission, and I am confident that Nayeli will bring fresh ideas and a unique perspective to this important role.

I’d also like to share an update on our Front of House Restoration project and invite you to enjoy reviewing our updated booklet International House Berkeley – An Extraordinary History. Finally, the Staff Spotlight in this issue is on Manita Rana Magar, Resident Engagement Coordinator of the I-House Program Office.

Sincerely, Shaun Carver, I-House Executive Director

Shaun R. Carver
Executive Director
International House at UC Berkeley

I-House Welcomes Nayeli Vivanco as Vice President,
Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership and Programs

International House at UC Berkeley is pleased to announce the appointment of Nayeli Vivanco as Vice President to lead the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership and Programs (CILP), a center of excellence for training to advance leadership, understanding, and collaboration across cultures. CILP, since its inception, has focused on preparing the next generations of leaders in the context of I-House’s mission - fostering intercultural respect and understanding, lifelong friendships, and leadership skills for a more just and peaceful world. In addition to resident-focused training and workshops, CILP has served I-House alumni, non-profits, businesses, educational institutions, and governmental agencies.

On behalf of the Board, Staff, and Residents of I-House, I’d like to recognize Roxanne Pifer, Director of Housing Operations, for her dedicated efforts to keep our signature program activities underway during the extensive search process.

Nayeli Vivanco is a multi-lingual, cross-cultural, social justice practitioner with more than a decade of international education experience. She has a deep passion for cultural diversity and understanding, having lived, worked, and studied around the world in six countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. As a first-generation Latina who grew up on the U.S. – Mexico border, Nayeli has become a true citizen of the world. Upon her appointment, Nayeli shares, “

I am excited to join the I-House community and to be part of fostering intercultural respect and understanding. I’m eager to get to know our residents and facilitate a safe space for everyone to engage in thoughtful and meaningful conversations. I look forward to continuing I-House’s long-standing tradition of convening thought leaders to address society’s most pressing challenges and to find pathways to a more just and peaceful world.”

Prior to joining International House at UC Berkeley, Nayeli worked for EF Education First, among the largest international education companies in the world. During her tenure at EF, Nayeli advocated for, established and led the company’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team. Before that, she served as the head of student services and operations for Hult International Business School’s campuses in Shanghai, Boston, and New York.

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Read and share this news story on our website at:
https://ihouse.berkeley.edu/news/i-house-uc-berkeley-welcomes-nayeli-viv...

Front of House Restoration

With the support of alumni and friends, during the closure and reopening period many restoration projects have been completed or are now underway (the Heller patio, edmonds café, the kitchen, and the Gamble lounge).

Here is an update on another project now underway - the restoration of our front entry. To be consistent with the accessibility standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the existing front entry needs some modifications, including:

improved ramps for I-House residents and visitors with wheelchairs or other mobility aids;
alterations to stair heights and installation of new railings;
modified interfaces between stairs, ramps, and the street along Piedmont Avenue;
improved access to the campus shuttle stop.

Beyond the required accessibility and safety improvements, this project is designed to enhance the beauty and use of the I-House entryway, while honoring the historic features of our beloved home. The restoration work will allow for the removal of the unsightly power pole and wires that detract from the view of and from the house, along with the removal of unnecessary concrete walls. The project will also be moving the bike racks to the side of the building to allow for improved access and new landscaping. And, finally, the project will expand the patio and terrace space to create additional room for residents and visitors to congregate outdoors. The rendering of the design highlights the main features of the restoration.

Front of House restoration

All of the existing named dedication and recognition tributes will be fully incorporated into the restoration project. Should you have any specific questions about existing and exciting new naming opportunities, please feel free to contact us at ihalumni@berkeley.edu or via phone at +1 510 642-4128.

International House – An Extraordinary History

This updated historical retrospective owes much to Harry Edmonds’ The Founding of the International House Movement, and Allen C. Blaisdell’s Oral Memoirs: Foreign Students and the Berkeley International House 1928-1961. Earlier versions of an Informal History were produced and written under the guidance of Executive Director Emeritus, Joe Lurie.

If you’d like a hard copy of the booklet, please contact us at ihalumni@berkeley.edu. Here is a link to a digital version of the booklet, below.

Download PDF

View Flipbook

Visit our News & Publications and History webpages to learn more about International House.

Staff Spotlight: Manita Rana Magar
Resident Engagement Coordinator

Please welcome Manita Rana Magar to the I-House Family! Manita, originally from Nepal, organizes I-House signature events like coffee hours and Sunday Supper, in addition to ice cream socials, zumba classes, and local field trips. As an avid hiker, Manita enjoys leading hikes for residents on the beautiful trails near I-House. Fun fact about her: She speaks four different languages: Nepali, English, Hindi, and Japanese!

Read more from Manita below:

I have been working at I-House for three months now and I have enjoyed every bit of it. I am mesmerized by the I-House history and the different cultures represented at I-House.

I am a 2020 graduate from Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, California, with experience working at Student Affairs throughout my undergraduate degree. I have worked with students of all ages, from K-16, and have collaborated with college students and staff to organize various programs on social justice issues.

As an Engagement Coordinator at International House, I look forward to creating more opportunities for residents to foster intercultural relationships and build an inclusive community through various events and programs. I am very excited to meet residents from around the world!

In my free time, I volunteer at Project Management Institute San Francisco Bay Area Chapter as Mentorship Program Coordinator.

Reach out to me directly at manitamagar@ihouseberkeley.org if you have ideas that you want to make happen at I-House. You can also find me on our global community at I-House Berkeley Connect.

Manita Rana Magar (she/her/hers)
Resident Engagement Coordinator | I-House Program Office

Calling All Alumni!

It is our goal to celebrate the lives and achievements of our alumni and the contributions they have made and continue to make in the world. Please help us to keep you informed of upcoming regional events, update our records to help you reconnect with old friends and locate lost alumni, and to share recent I-House news with you. We encourage participation in this online global community at ihberkeleyconnect.org, where you can:

Connect with another member via video chat or direct message;
Browse the Alumni Directory and connect with I-House friends;
Post or browse job opportunities;
Offer mentoring or find a mentor;
List your business or passion project in the Business Hub;
Read Shaun Carver's Friday posts to stay in the know!

If you have moved, changed email or mailing addresses, or want to give us an exciting update, please let us know by filling out your profile in I-House Berkeley Connect. As always, we welcome your news at ihalumni@berkeley.edu

If you need some assistance or have any questions, just let us know!

Sincerely,

I-House Alumni Relations, Communications, and Philanthropy Team