Invest in I-House

I have been disappointed to hear of the proposal to demolish the University of Chicago International House. I-House offers the University a long tradition of housing students, both international and domestic. I-House also remains the last recognizable center for informal international cultural exchange on the University campus. How many friendships have been formed between students, faculty, and staff from countries far and near?

The International House provides a welcoming site for international film, dance, national holiday celebrations, presentations, and forums. Without the troubles of organizing interdepartmental sponsorships and turf wars that sometimes plague the best plans to bring international students, scholars, and families together, I-House has consistently offered a congenial atmosphere for free exchange.

If the trouble stems from dwindling numbers of residents, the answer is to upgrade the facilities. The rooms are indeed out of date. And the food service indeed served unappetizing and costly fare. Modestly refurbished rooms and an attractive, appropriately ambitious cafe will bring students back in droves from the tight Hyde Park housing market. I-House's service to the University community is invaluable.

Invest in the facilities, and the International House will bring rich returns to the new administration.

Roland Hsu, AM'88, PhD'98
Moscow, Idaho