The I-House Connection: October 2024

October 10, 2024

Dear I-House Community,

I hope this message finds you well and that you’re enjoying the changing seasons wherever you are. Life at I-House has been filled with energy, meaningful connections, and exciting cultural events, and I’d like to share some highlights with you.

I was honored to be interviewed recently by Authority Magazine for their “Celebrating Diversity” series, where I shared how we’re building an inclusive culture here at I-House. In the interview, I highlight our commitment to embracing diverse perspectives and supporting our community of residents representing more than 80 countries. I also speak about the importance of creating safe spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. You can read the full interview here.

The I-House Robertson Resident Life and Intercultural Development Office continues to offer programs for I-House residents that help foster intercultural respect and understanding. Through our Critical Conversations program, residents share and explore differing viewpoints and experiences on sometimes difficult subjects. Every Wednesday evening at the DiversiTea & Coffee Hours, I-House celebrates the cultural backgrounds of our resident population with traditional food, music, dance, crafts, and more.  You can follow our stories on Instagram to catch glimpses and read more about the I-House resident experience in the recent blog post by current I-House resident Eryn Su (IH 2024-25), who is serving as a Global Community Ambassador this year.

This month, I’m happy to introduce a new feature of this newsletter, our Alumni Spotlight, in which we highlight the work of our esteemed alumni who have genuinely advanced the I-House mission in their professional lives. We are proud to celebrate the work and impact of I-House alumni Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda (IH 1999-02) and Dr. Urvashi Sahni (IH 1994). Speaking of our alumni, if you want to show your I-House pride, please visit our new swag shop. We have some fantastic I-House merchandise available. From hats and hoodies to beanies and backpacks, there’s something for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support and for being an invaluable part of this extraordinary community.

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


 Learn more at ihouse.berkeley.edu/alumni

We're honored to highlight the impactful work of our esteemed alumni who have genuinely advanced the I-House mission in their professional lives. This month, we spotlight Urvashi Sahni (IH 1994) and Victor Pineda (IH 1999-2002). Learn more about them at ihouse.berkeley.edu/alumni.

Urvashi Sahni

I was thousands of miles away from home and family and the I-House community embraced me with all its rich diversity, so I never felt lonely. I gained greatly from my experience and I carry the memories everywhere.

- Urvashi Sahni (IH 1994)

Victor Pineda

I-House instilled in me a deep understanding of humanity and inspired me to contribute my knowledge about disability and human rights with the rest of the world.

- Victor Santiago Pineda (IH 1999-2002)


Come Get a Taste of I-House!

Chef Abbie Serbins and Sukhi SinghWith International Chef Day (October 20th) right around the corner, we are happy to celebrate the truly remarkable achievements of I-House Executive Chef Marie Abigail and her team. Each day they prepare meals for 600+ residents from 80+ different countries – that’s upwards of 1,800 meals per day! Focused on promoting cultural unity, Chef Abbie creates a sense of home for students by providing a variety of tasty meals from all corners of the world. From steaming bowls of pho to savory empanadas, her commitment to culinary inclusivity mirrors I-House's mission to build a globally connected community, one dish at a time. Thank you, Chef! Learn more about Chef Abbie, meet the I-House dining team, and find out what’s on the menu and how you can enjoy here

In coordination with the resident-initiated DiversiTea & Coffee Hours on Wednesday nights, our dining team will feature food from the following countries, regions, or cultures:
October 16: Romania
October 23: Ukraine
October 30: Diwali Festival of Lights
November 6: Dia de los Muertos & Mexico

Find out what’s on the menu and how you can enjoy here


Tax Savvy Giving


I-House Swag Shop

Visit the I-House Swag Shop to get all you need for your next alumni gathering.

I-House Alumni Happy Hour

Mark your calendars for the next I-House alumni happy hour – Thursday, December 5th at Edmonds’ Café. To help us plan for this quarterly gathering, please sign up here.

Global Alumni Gatherings

Photo of six I-House Berkeley alumni at a dinner table in Paris, FranceWhile we always love it when alumni come back to Berkeley and hope you’ll come by I-House whenever you’re in town, we also love to hear about the gatherings of I-House alumni that continue to take place around the world. I-House alumna Della Peretti recently shared a story and photo of a recent gathering of I-House alumni who met in the summer of 1967. You can find her story and more on our Stories Page. If you are interested in planning an international I-House alumni gathering, please reach out to our alumni relations team at alumni@ihouseberkeley.org.

You may also be able to reconnect with your I-House friends through UC Berkeley’s International Alumni Network events. Check out international.berkeley.edu/events for a list of upcoming UC Berkeley alumni events.


Cal Homecoming Weekend: Come to I-House

Cal homecomingUC Berkeley’s Alumni Relations Team has planned a variety of lectures and events on and nearby campus, some of which are taking place at I-House. Following is a list of events at I-House in the Chevron Auditorium.

Friday, October 18
10-11 a.m. Why ... is Poisonous for Java Version 7
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Liberty, Equality, and Safe Sanitation
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Basic Science LIVE! It's Getting Hot in Here: Insights on a Warming World

Saturday, October 19
10-11 a.m. After 60 Years, What Does Free Speech Mean at Berkeley?
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Berkeley Space Center: A New Era of Aerospace Innovation
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Startup Campus: How Berkeley Leads in Entrepreneurship

To learn more visit homecoming.berkeley.edu/


Cover of I-House Times Fall/Winter 2024-25The I-House Times Newsletter
A Place for Peace

In case you missed it, the latest I-House Times has arrived! In this edition we celebrate I-House as a place of peace in an often chaotic world, highlight the activities of the Robertson Resident Life and Intercultural Development Office, and introduce the new Barbara Lynch and Art Flores Memorial Scholarship. You can read, share, or download a copy of the newsletter here.


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If you've had any recent life updates, like a change in address or job, please email us  at alumni@ihouseberkeley.orgso we can stay in touch.