Ten Decades of International House

"International House is a laboratory for a new kind of experiment – the day-to-day practice of international fellowship among men and women." — John D. Rockefeller Jr., I-House Benefactor

August 18, 1930 - Despite protests, International House opens its doors as the first coeducational, interracial living center west of the Hudson River.

Allen Blaisdell is the first Executive Director of I-House, serving from 1930 to 1961.

I-House is one of the very few places in the Bay Area where people of diverse ethnic backgrounds can gather comfortably in an integrated setting.

Eugenie Carneiro establishes the first International Festival and coordinates cultural programs for the next 23 years.

A newspaper photo of Executive Director Blaisdell with residents from Syria, India, Japan, Iraq and Afghanistan. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese students are deported and Blaisdell assists Japanese American students.

While the world was at war, students at I-House sought comfort in their community.

International House is “drafted” by the U.S. Navy, renamed “Callaghan Hall” and occupied by 800-900 Navy cadets

While the Navy stays at I-House, residents live in fraternity houses & many share rooms for the first time.

Members of the American Friends Service Committee and American Civil Liberties Union ask residents to help test a Berkeley ordinance prohibiting restaurants and bars from refusing service to people of color.

The I-House motto rang true with every cultural program, Council meeting, and conversation among residents.

The Coffee Shop (now known as the I-House Cafe) is a popular place to meet people from around the world.

Activities at I-House included a chorus, festivals, dances, and even traditional folk dancing classes.

During the big flood of 1958, water pours through the Dining Room, patio, Great Hall and down the front steps of I-House.

W. Sheridan Warrick is appointed Executive Director following the retirement of Allen Blaisdell.

Students integrate the men's and women's lounges to form the I-House Library.

Week-long Lodestar retreats led by Program Director Donna Dickinson feature intense discussions and build lasting friendships.

Following controversial programming, the Board reaffirms the House's free speech policy & emphasizes mutual respect & tolerance.

Alumni and friends support the 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign resulting in renovations to the Auditorium, Great Hall, and administrative offices.

Joe Lurie is appointed the third Executive Director of I-House.

Students gather to watch the news when the Berlin Wall came tumbling down and realize that living in I-House has given them a unique perspective on international events.

The Board commits to increasing scholarship support which grows from $68,600 in 1990 to $221,000 in 1996.

The tradition of cultural festivals returns with the Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures, a full day of performances, arts and crafts, cultural booths, and food from around the world.

A new ramp at the entrance of I-House is constructed to facilitate access for people with disabilities.

Rotary World Peace Scholars release doves at a Celebration of Peace in remembrance of September 11, 2001.

The first nine Gateway Scholarship recipients begin their Ph. D. studies at Cal while living at I-House through an unprecedented partnership between the campus and the House.

Joe Lurie leads the successful $10.6 million 75th Anniversary Campaign to fund scholarships, renovations, and programs.

Martin Brennan is appointed the new Executive Director of I-House.

I-House establishes a World of Difference Donor Wall honoring contributors who support the I-House mission with lifetime giving of $5,000 or more.

The tradition of Sunday Supper, established in 1910 by I-House founder Harry Edmonds, continues today.

International House celebrates its 80th Anniversary with several events and a collection of 80 Perspectives on 80 Years.

In July 2012, Dr. Hans C. Giesecke began his service as the fifth Executive Director of International House.

CIL was launched on October 1, 2013 as a center of excellence for training and research to advance leadership, understanding, and collaboration across cultures.

The extensive dining commons renovations increased energy efficiency, upgraded outdated equipment, and most importantly, provided more engagement between residents and kitchen staff.

Transforming one of the last public spaces at I-House that was not accessible to those with mobility challenges, the Clarence E. Heller Patio Access Ramp was completed in August 2017.

A modern twist on the Spring Festival of Cultures, Global Homecoming features interactive intercultural presentations by CIL, a fashion show, tours of I-House and other opportunities.

On October 3, 2019, the Program Office launched the first I-House storytelling podcast, From All Corners.

In keeping with tradition, the I-House Program Office hosted their signature Coffee Hour event, this time virtually, where residents could chat while enjoying coffee no matter where in the world they were.