As this summer comes to its close, so do Summer Welcome Parties. Summer Welcome Parties are the Cal Alumni Association’s traditional signature summer event for alumni across the country to welcome incoming first-year and transfer students to the UC Berkeley community.
Cal Club of San Joaquin County
The Cal Club of San Joaquin County hosted a successful Summer Welcome Party for incoming UC Berkeley students this summer from local high schools. Students and their families gathered safely in person at the lovely lakeside home of Dr. Willard Price ’61 and Kelly Price on Stockton’s Lake Lincoln. Learn more about the Cal Club of San Joaquin County.
University of California Berkeley Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association, East Bay (UCB CLAA, East Bay)
UCB CLAA, East Bay hosted an in-person welcome BBQ for incoming students at Codornices Park in Berkeley. With nearly 50 in attendance, UCB CLAA, East Bay, introduced their hosts, including faculty and staff. This was followed by great—sometimes emotional—advice from many alumni and family members. Participants were happy to connect and find their new Cal familia with the help of their older UCB CLAA, East Bay, siblings. The final activity of the day was a “Tug-o-Peace” in the sunshine. Learn more about UCB CLAA, East Bay.
Cal Alumni Club of San Diego County
The Cal Alumni Club of San Diego County hosted an in-person welcome event this summer, an exciting change of pace after being apart for so long! The event was a great success and allowed incoming students to meet each other and form relationships. Learn more about the Cal Alumni Club of San Diego County.
Black Engineering and Science Alumni Club (BESAC)
BESAC invited Black students in STEM across many disciplines to join a virtual welcome event, hosted by BESAC alumni, representatives from the Black Engineering and Science Students Association (BESSA), key student services staff, and three deans. Participants were joined by Dean Tsu-Jae Liu from the College of Engineering, Executive Dean Jenna Johnson-Hanks from the College of Letters and Science, and Dean Richard Allen, Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Dean in the College of Letters and Science. After opening remarks from Marvin Lopez, director of student programs in Engineering Student Services, the floor was opened for a general Q&A from students. Students’ questions and concerns were addressed and they shared their hopes for the upcoming school year. The biggest piece of advice given to students was to take the starting point—their acceptance to Cal—as a tremendous opportunity to learn, grow, and engage with the community. Learn more about BESAC.
Cal Alumni Club of Monterey County
The Cal Alumni Club of Monterey County hosted a warm welcome and congratulations to the new Golden Bears in the area. Many of the students are the first of their families to attend college, so it was important to demonstrate the warmth of their new Cal family. Yousef Al-Shinnawi ’21 spoke about the challenges of adapting, the importance of joining small support groups, and how special his Cal experience was. Simon, an incoming student, commented “I would like to express my gratitude for participating in this terrific event for new students. My mother and I had a wonderful time. The welcome speeches were warm, and the interactions were useful! I would like to thank the club for hosting such a resourceful event.” Jessica, also a new student, said “It was great to meet the Cal alumni and I will definitely keep in touch. They are wonderful people with big hearts.” Learn more about the Cal Alumni Club of Monterey County.
UC Berkeley Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association, Los Angeles (UCB CLAA LA)
The UC Berkeley Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association, Los Angeles (UCB CLAA LA) hosted their second virtual Summer Welcome Party Somos Berkeley (We Are Berkeley). The chapter facilitated open conversations and answered student’s questions regarding living on campus, majors, class loads, and living away from home. The event provided incoming students with a peer network to depend on. Learn more about UCB CLAA LA.
Summer Welcome Parties have been in full swing this summer to welcome UC Berkeley students. Read about earlier 2021 Summer Welcome Parties hosted by the CAA Chinese Chapter, Cal Bears in the Desert, and more.
