As Executive Director of Berkeley’s Cal Alumni Association, one of the most rewarding aspects of my job has nothing to do with alumni at all. “Blasphemy,” you say? Not at all! That most rewarding aspect has everything to do with the future of our University and the future of our alumni community—it’s current Cal students. Read more about Supporting Students at Cal »
Posted on June 17, 2014 - 1:29pm
These days you hear a lot of people talking about the power and value of “the brand.”
As a 20-year veteran of the advertising industry, I’m well acquainted with brand strategy and the critical role a well-managed brand can play in building positive awareness, preference, and advocacy among customers, constituents, and ambassadors. Here at Cal, we pay a great deal of attention to the ways in which our very unique University brand is conveyed and how our story is told. Read more about The Power and Value of “The Brand” »
Posted on April 22, 2014 - 3:36pm
The Cal Alumni Association (CAA) is very pleased to unveil our refreshed website. Not only does the refreshed site reflect the energy and spirit of our alma mater, it has been redesigned to better serve as a digital hub for all things Cal alumni. Updated functionality and improved navigation will result in an improved user experience. By employing a responsive design, users’ site experience will be customized to fit your device screen — laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Read more about Welcome to our New Website! »
Posted on October 31, 2013 - 9:00am
Dear Lair Campers, Cal Alumni, and Friends,
The Tuolumne County Rim Fire remains at 80% contained with a forecast of 100% containment by September 20. It’s clear this fire is not going away quietly, and so we continue to be very thankful for the amazing work of the firefighters and crews who are battling this blaze. The air quality in Pinecrest is still poor, though we’re hopeful in the days ahead that conditions will improve enough so we can reopen the Pinecrest Chalet. Read more about Update for Cal Alumni Regarding the Tuolumne County Rim Fire »
Posted on September 11, 2013 - 10:10am
Dear Lair Campers, Cal Alumni, and Friends,
Some good news — the most recent update on the Tuolumne County Rim Fire is that it is now 75% contained with a forecast of 100% containment by September 20. Additionally, the evacuation advisory has been lifted for the Pinecrest and Mi-Wuk areas. Read more about September 3: Update for Cal Alumni Regarding the Tuolumne County Rim Fire »
Posted on September 3, 2013 - 6:10am
Dear Lair Campers, Cal Alumni, and Friends,
I would like to provide you with an update regarding the Tuolumne County Rim Fire. The fire is now 35% contained and continues to burn approximately six miles from the Lair. An advisory evacuation order remains in place from Mi-Wuk to Pinecrest, where the Lair of the Bear and Pinecrest Chalet are located. At this point, all Lair and Chalet staff and guests have been sent home. Read more about August 31: Update for Cal Alumni Regarding the Tuolumne County Rim Fire »
Posted on August 28, 2013 - 4:42pm
Dear Lair Campers, Cal Alumni, and Friends,
I would like to make you aware that an advisory evacuation notice has been extended along the south side of Hwy. 108, from Mi-Wuk Village all of the way up to Pinecrest, where the Lair of the Bear and Pinecrest Chalet are located. While the evacuation is not mandatory at this time, we are advising all remaining guests at the Chalet to depart from the area. The Lair has already been vacated, and all camp sessions through August 29 have been canceled. Read more about August 26: Update for Cal Alumni Regarding the Tuolumne County Rim Fire »
Posted on August 26, 2013 - 1:50pm
Dear Cal Alumni and Friends,
The Rim Fire, now burning in Tuolumne County, has unfortunately had an impact on the Cal Alumni Association’s two properties in Pinecrest, CA—Lair of the Golden Bear and Pinecrest Chalet. Read more about A Message to Cal Alumni Regarding the Tuolumne County Rim Fire »
Posted on August 22, 2013 - 4:25pm
Dear Cal alumni and friends,
Excitement and pride are in the air on campus. The women’s basketball team made history with Cal’s first trip to the Final Four. Prospective students tour campus with their hopeful parents—freshman and transfer applications to Cal were up by eight percent and rose to a record high of 83,640. The renovation and revitalization of the Lower Sproul Plaza area began in March. It is a great time to be part of this invigorating campus and an amazing honor to be a Golden Bear! Read more about Giving Notes Spring 2013 »
Posted on May 20, 2013 - 11:07am
Cal lost one of its most loyal—and nicest—alumni when Howard “Howdy” Brownson ’48 passed away on April 19, just a few weeks short of his 89th birthday.
The death notice in the San Francisco Chronicle said it all: “Howdy Brownson—song leader, barbershopper, safety engineer, community volunteer, and Cal alum extraordinaire—has sung his last tune.” Read more about Remembering Howdy »
Posted on April 26, 2013 - 3:26pm
If you are curious about learning more about our upcoming travel reception June 2, 2013 (2:30-4:30 p.m.) here are some questions and answers to guide you:
Q: What exactly happens at the travel reception? Read more about Travel Reception and 2014 Program Preview »
Posted on March 15, 2013 - 10:00am
In today’s resource-challenged climate, it seems all too often strategic planning and programmatic reality live in separate dimensions. It’s sometimes tempting to define the “new normal” as a state of difficult compromise. But what if organizations viewed this as an opportunity to reinvent, reinvigorate, repurpose, and propel their organizations forward? CAA is beginning to implement a dynamic new five-year strategic plan with this perspective guiding us. The focus of CAA’s new plan is—focus. Read more about Our New Strategic Plan »
Posted on December 21, 2012 - 10:48am
Posted on December 10, 2012 - 4:28pm
This photo was taken during the Axe Rally held Monday, November 22, 1982, two days after “The Play”. Mariet Ford (most left) was one of the players who lateraled their way to the endzone. Go Bears! Photo courtesy of Ken Raust. Read more about The Big Game of 1982 »
Posted on October 19, 2012 - 3:11pm
Jane Krom Sather, who died 100 years ago on Dec. 11, 1911, became one of the early and most significant benefactors of the University of California after she settled on UC, in the words of emeritus university archivist Jim Kantor, as “a dependable trustee for her considerable fortune.” Read more Read more about Remembering Jane Sather, the Woman behind the Campanile »
Posted on October 2, 2012 - 6:42pm
