Unforgettable experience

Retain the I-House building, and the
I-House program in a way that fully maintains the residential interaction between Americans and international students. Remodel the facility as necessary to improve functionality and residential comfort, expand the role of the GSB if necessary, but retain the ability of any graduate student at the U of C to stay there, alongside international students studying/working in Chicago.

The structure is a remarkable landmark at 59th Street, and it contains some notable facilities, despite the aging internal mechanisms and the small residential rooms. The building's historic value is more than adequate to merit changes to the residential sections, and refurbishment of the internal mechanisms, so that it can continue to have a functional role in the life of the University.

The residential program I experienced at I-House was just as vital as my graduate program--in some regards, more so. Since I left Chicago at the end of 1987, it has been the friends at I-House--nearly all from Europe, in my case--who have remained a part of my life. When I am on campus, I choose to stay at I-House. When I talk with friends from Chicago days, we easily return to discussions of I-House experiences.

Regarding any notion of turning the building (or the razed property) over for exclusively GSB housing, I would consider this a sad, serious mistake. From my own experience in 1985-87, the international students of the Law and Business schools comprised a major component of the I-House population. The American GSB students were challenged and broadened by meeting individuals from throughout the world, who held views remarkably different from those often found in MBA students.

Consequently, I consider the best plans to be those which retain the building, the residential programs for graduate students at the U of C (including the GSB), and international students studying or working in Chicago.

Mark Braden, AM'87
Pasadena, California