The I-House Connection: March 2024

March 15, 2024

Shaun R. Carver, I-House Executive Director

Dear I-House Community,

One of the most rewarding aspects of my position is the opportunity to meet and to learn from our notable alumni, and on occasion to engage in thoughtful shared conversation on consequential issues in the context of the I-House mission. The recent Lodestar Executive Director’s Speaker Series event with Eric Schmidt (IH1976-80) on the “Promise and Perils of AI” was just such an occasion. In this issue of the I-House Connection, please find a link to a recording of the event and a blog post by Excellence Joshua.

I wish to thank you in advance and encourage your participation in Big Give, the important annual UC Berkeley campus-wide fundraising appeal. Please help us build the International House Scholarship Fund by making your gift of $10 or more from 9 p.m. March 13 to 9 p.m. on March 14 (Pacific Time) at ihouse.berkeley.edu/givingday

Excitement is building for the International House Celebration and Awards Gala, to be held on March 21, 2024! The night before, airing on March 20th, tune into Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games” as award-winning I-House Executive Chef Abbie Serbins competes for yet another win! Details below.

Finally, please save the date for the International Cultural Festival, an I-House tradition supported by the Edith S. Coliver Fund.

Sincerely,

Shaun Carver, I-House Executive Director

Shaun R. Carver Ed.D., MBA
Executive Director and CEO
International House at UC Berkeley

The Promise and Perils of AI

Lodestar Executive Director's Speakers Series Recap

Shaun Carver talking with Eric Schmidt at March 8th, 2024 talk on AI At UC Berkeley, the International House (I-House) serves as a focal point for promoting global leadership and intercultural understanding. As part of its purpose, I-House recently welcomed former Google CEO and I-House alumni Eric Schmidt (IH 1976-80) to speak at the Lodestar Executive Director’s Speaker Series. The topic of discussion during the event, “The Promise and Perils of AI,” was the intricate connection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the I-House goal of fostering a more just and peaceful world.

Current residents, graduates, board members, faculty, staff, and even some of Eric’s I-House friends packed the Chevron Auditorium, which was buzzing with enthusiasm. Chancellor Carol Christ kicked off the conversation with some thought-provoking words.

Given how quickly AI is changing the world, the discussion focused on how this might affect world peace and the principles of I-House. After four years of proudly living in I-House, Eric reflected on his experience here. He talked about how living at I-House made him aware of the world outside of America, influenced his career at Google, and even brought him and his future spouse together!

Read the full blog post by Excellence Joshua and watch the video at ihouse.berkeley.edu/lodestar.

Join us for Big Give March 13-14

Big Give Kicks Off Tonight at 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Get ready to show your blue and gold spirit, because UC Berkeley's Big Give starts tonight! This annual 24-hour fundraising marathon unites our entire campus community – students, faculty, staff, and alumni – in a wave of generosity. It's a day to celebrate all the incredible things that make Cal such a special place, and to fuel the initiatives that shape the Golden Bear experience.

International House has been an integral part of the Cal community since 1930, fostering global understanding and enriching lives of students and scholars from every corner of the world. Each year at Big Give, we've welcomed the opportunity to participate and have been grateful for the enthusiasm of the I-House community. This year we’re raising funds to support the I-House Scholarship Fund so we can make an even greater impact on the community at I-House. We hope you’ll unleash your inner Bear spirit and get ready to make a difference – together!

Read the full blog post by Sanidhya Rao and a letter from I-House Resident Council >

Make your gift of $10 or more between 9 p.m. March 13 and 9 p.m. March 14th at ihouse.berkeley.edu/givingday

I-House Celebration and Awards Gala

Thursday, March 21, 2024
5:00 p.m. Music & Mingling | 6:00 p.m. Dinner & Program

We're getting so excited about the upcoming Gala!

To learn more about this year’s event, visit ihouse.berkeley.edu/gala

Mark Your Calendars and Join Us!

Chef Abbie's Food Network
Nowruz Persian New Year Dinner
Tuesday, March 19, 5:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the arrival of spring and the Persian New Year with us! Join us for a delicious Persian-inspired meal in the Dining Commons.

German Happy Hour at Edmonds Café
Wednesday, March 20, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
See details below.

Watch Chef Abbie on Guy's Grocery Games!
Wednesday, March 20, 6:00 p.m. PDT
Season 36 Episode 5

International Cultural Festival
Saturday, April 27, 2024
An I-House tradition supported by the Edith S. Coliver Fund.
2:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.

All Years Alumni Reunion
Sunday, August 18, 2024

Giving from your Donor Advised Fund Donor advised funds (DAFs) are a simple and tax-efficient way to give that enables individuals to realize an immediate tax benefit when they contribute to the DAF and recommend DAF grants to their favorite charities,

Edmonds Café Specials

Check out what’s happening in Edmonds in March:

This March, a portion of proceeds on all Kyla Hard Kombucha will be donated to two national non-profit partners that empower women in the community:

Step Up helps girls, and those who identify with girlhood, define and achieve their unique visions of success through structured programs, focused support, and inspiring connections. www.suwn.org.
Girls on the Run designs programming that strengthens third- to eighth-grade girls' social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills to successfully navigate life experiences. www.girlsontherun.org.

German Happy Hour 3/20 5-8 pm

Pistachio Cold Bew Now Serving Third Culture March

See more café events and specials

MARCH CAFÉ HOURS

Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Weekends: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Closed Thursday, March 21.
Spring Break Hours: Fri 3/22-Sun 3/31: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join our Global Community

As a member of the I-House Berkeley Connect online platform, you can mentor current residents, network with alumni, reconnect with your old I-House friends, and even advertise in our exclusive business hub. It’s a great way to stay connected with I-House and make the most of our global community. Sign up today at ihberkeleyconnect.org.

Members Recently Joined

I-House alumni are doing remarkable things all over the world, and we love celebrating them! When you join our I-House Berkeley Connect, you aren't just keeping the I-House spirit alive, you're also helping us re-connect and grow our global community.

Be sure to check our Calendar of Community Events to find out what’s happening at I-House! If you've recently moved or changed careers, please let us know at alumni@ihouseberkeley.org or update your profile and contact information in I-House Berkeley Connect. We're always excited to hear about your latest adventures. And if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you in any way we can.

PS: Watch our Instagram Reels: Why Glow for I-House and Show Your Glow. You might help us win the Big Give Reels contest!