Charter Gala is the Cal Alumni Association’s signature event commemorating the founding of the University of California in 1868. Since 1873, there has been an annual gathering of the alumni body. This event has transitioned from the Commencement Banquet to the Charter Day Dinner to Charter Banquet to the currently named Charter Gala. Since 1943, we have honored the Alumnus/a of the Year at this event. The Gala now celebrates the achievements of some of our most distinguished alumni and the service of some of our most dedicated alumni volunteers. All proceeds from this event support The Cal Alumni Association Fund, which enables us to serve our alma mater and our alumni community.