[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING INTERNATIONAL HOUSE DAVIS (I-HOUSE)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
International House Davis (I-House) as the organization celebrates 40 
years of service. Since its founding, I-House has helped make our Davis 
community a more welcoming and inclusive place by building cultural 
understanding and supporting international residents.
  I-House was originally established in 1981 to connect International 
students attending UC Davis to our greater Davis community. In 1984, 
the organization opened its permanent location at 10 College Park, 
which has since become a central space for cultural exchange, language 
learning, and public programming in our area. What began as a small, 
volunteer-led effort has grown into a well-established nonprofit 
reaching thousands of people each year.
  Each year, over 250 international residents participate in I-House's 
English language programs. In addition, more than 2,500 individuals 
take part in the organization's cultural events and community programs. 
These include music and dance classes, parenting groups, public 
speaking workshops, and the I-House World Tour, a program that features 
cultural traditions from around the world and partners with local 
organizations to deepen community ties.
  After the COVID-19 pandemic, I-House reevaluated its operation norms, 
and decided to begin work on expanding its programming and reaching a 
broader cross-section of our Davis community. The organization has 
since strengthened its support for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers 
by launching new English language offerings and volunteer-driven 
initiatives. It has also added more community-led cultural programming, 
including classes in Persian drumming, French and Peruvian dance, and 
other areas that reflect the diversity of its participants.
  Throughout its four decades of work, I-House Davis has remained 
committed to the values of community, curiosity, collaboration, 
culture, and belonging. These principles are reflected in the 
organization's day-to-day efforts to promote civic engagement, foster 
cross-cultural understanding, and support individuals as they navigate 
life in a new place. Whether through language instruction, cultural 
exchange, or shared community space, I-House has created opportunities 
for people from many different backgrounds to learn from one another 
and feel connected.
  As part of its 40th anniversary, I-House has launched a community 
storytelling project titled ``40 Years of Stories,'' highlighting the 
organization's history and its continued importance to the region. 
Under the leadership of Executive Director Shelly Gilbride and a 
dedicated staff and board, I-House Davis remains a trusted and active 
presence in the Davis community.
  Mr. Speaker, International House Davis has spent four decades 
promoting cultural exchange and supporting our international and 
immigrant communities. It is fitting and proper that we recognize the 
organization today for its 40 years of dedicated service to our 
district.

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