This year, fueled by your time, talent, and Berkeley spirit, the Cal Alumni Association (CAA) leaned into a shared aspiration, becoming the #1 alumni association for the #1 public university. This work is grounded in our mission to connect and inspire alums, students, and our campus community through meaningful, inclusive opportunities, and intent on our vision that every Cal alum worldwide, feels welcomed and actively engaged for life.
Students first. Our alumni-powered programs helped new Bears find their footing from day one. We expanded scholarship awards and scaled our mentoring network, ensuring more students gained financial support, career guidance, and a true sense of belonging. Together we grew advising, mentoring, and scholar support, in sync with Berkeley’s momentum in research and teaching. These are the kinds of meaningful, inclusive opportunities our mission calls us to create; so every Golden Bear feels they belong from day one.
Moments that matter. We packed the house as NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joined us in Oakland; at least 700 attendees filled the venue. Marquis Chambers, a student at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, was there to ask him a few personal questions about his lifelong fight for social justice. (Read their conversation on the next page.) We also hosted Chancellor Rich Lyons and TSU President J.W. Crawford III for a standing-room-only conversation on leadership and community.
California magazine, front and center. California continued its tradition of award-winning storytelling, engaging popular Berkeley professor Poulomi Saha in a conversation about our collective fascination with cults.
Community and belonging. From SF Pride, where hundreds marched with Cal students, alums, and families, to Cheers to Cal, where new grads felt the welcome: we’re widening the circle and deepening the ties. Each touchpoint moves us toward our vision of alums engaged with Berkeley for life.
Experiences for every Golden Bear. The Lair of the Golden Bear continues to provide a haven for alums seeking a breath of fresh air. During this off-season, staff are finishing construction on the new Lair Lodge, a retreat and special-events center that we look forward to opening in 2026. Cal Discoveries Travel drew alums to experience the wonders of Palau through snorkeling and kayaking, led by Professor Pat Scannon Ph.D. ’72. The program’s custom-curated trips showcase the high-quality scholarship and research at UC Berkeley.
When I think about what makes Berkeley special, it’s this: the bond between alums, students, and our university is lifelong. Together we’re turning first touches into lifelong connections—that’s our vision in action.
If you’re ready to do even more in 2026, I invite you to join or renew your CAA membership, mentor a student, attend a chapter event, and support scholarships; these are the ways in which we live our mission and advance our vision. Once a Golden Bear, always a Golden Bear, and CAA is with you at every step.
Fiat Lux and Go Bears!
Kirk Tramble ’93, MBA
Interim Executive Director
Cal Alumni Association
