On behalf of the Office of the President, the Office of the Chancellor, the California Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Charter Gala Honorary and Host Committees, we cordially invite you to the 2006 Charter Gala, a tradition reborn with new glory.

For more than six decades, Charter Gala, formerly known as Charter Banquet, has been a special annual commemoration of the founding of the University of California, the greatest public academic institution of its time. In the 1930's, 40's and 50's, Charter Banquet was a very elegant, high society affair attended by prominent citizens, dignitaries, and academicians. In recent decades, the entire Cal community, including students, has joined forces to celebrate the importance of our University and its alumni. Now, as the University further embraces compelling social and academic challenges, it is more important than ever to showcase our remarkable fortitude and accomplishments. Please join us at the 2006 Charter Gala, the premier public celebration of the University of California.

This year's Gala will take place on Saturday, April 8, 2006 at the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason in San Francisco. During the evening, we will publicly recognize prominent alumni whose achievements reflect the international stature of the University, including Karl Pister '45, '48 as the 2006 Alumnus of the Year, and Nicole Parra '92, the recipient of the Mark Bingham Award for Excellence in Achievement in young alumni.

The excitement kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails and a special blue and gold reception. An elegant dinner will precede the evening's program, which will include traditional aspects of previous Charter Banquets along with entertainment, celebrity and a few surprises. Following the formal program, there will be a grand post party at the same venue with music and dancing.

We hope you'll join us for an evening of entertainment, achievement, and pride in our University, but please note the RSVP deadline is March 17th in order to get the early discounted price.