The I-House Connection: June 2025

Ways to Give Back: 
I-House Scholarships

Almost as soon as Aleksandra Chmielewska (pictured above) decided to attend UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy, she applied to live at International House. "I've lived in multiple countries over the years and have always thrived in multicultural settings," she said. "I-House perfectly reflected my values and felt like a natural fit."

A native of Warsaw, Poland, Aleksandra came to Berkeley after an early career in public policy, including a role at the United Nations. Receiving an I-House scholarship allowed Aleksandra to focus on her studies while also being supported by the I-House community.

She also appreciated how living at I-House made her reflect on what it means to be an engaged participant in our global community. "I was surrounded by curious, respectful, open-minded, and driven people who all want to make a difference in their own fields, in their own ways. It was truly inspiring," she noted.

Aleksandra is confident that the friendships she made at I-House will last a lifetime. "While only time will reveal how these connections may shape my career, I already know that the friendships and diverse perspectives I encountered will enrich both my professional path and personal life," she said.

Your gift to our scholarship fund creates transformative experiences like Aleksandra's. Help us open the doors for the next generation of global leaders.

Make a Gift to the I-House Scholarship Fund

Alumni News & Notes

1.) Dr. Robert Kilpatrick (IH 1978-79), Executive Director at Scientific American, recently visited us on campus. He took a tour and shared fond memories of his time at I-House. You can listen to his conversation with Chancellor Rich Lyons, recorded at the Commonwealth Club of California, in the “Worth a Click” section below.

2.) Irving Tragen (IH 1943-47) recently met with with Gaurav Pande (left) from India and Beatričė Tupikaitė (right) from Lithuania at Edmonds' Cafe'. The two residents were recipients of the Eleanor D. and Irving G. ’45 Tragen I-House Fellowship for Berkeley Law students and expressed their heartfelt gratitude for his generous support.

3.) Dr. Cecilia (Gonzalez) Soriano (IH 1980-85) We were delighted to catch up with Cecilia, who stopped by from the Philippines. A former government economist turned consultant, Cecilia remains close with her I-House friends in Singapore and beyond, a testament to the lasting bonds formed within our international community.

We're excited to feature alumni news and updates in our monthly I-House Connection emails. Click the link below to submit your stories, achievements, and photos, and we'll help spread the word to our readers.

Share Your Story with Us