Cal Culture

Love Drafting: Stories Carried by the Berkeley Wind

By Jessie Fisher

Jessie Fisher captures the heartbeat of UC Berkeley through the voices of four graduating seniors in a moving portrait of everyday rituals, major shifts, and quiet resilience. From machine learning to music, their stories echo with gratitude—for the campus that shaped them and the futures they’re about to shape.

Shattering the Lens: Sara Maamouri’s Courageous Cinema of Truth

By Urja Upadhyaya

From Tunisia to UC Berkeley to the global stage, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Sara Maamouri is redefining how Arab women are seen—and heard—through the lens of truth. Her documentaries illuminate identity, justice, and the power of authentic representation.

Golden Bear Love Stories: Academic Edition

By Kerry Wong

With memories full of love, Cal alums reminisce on some of the reasons they fell in love with their majors.

What’s One Good Thing You Can Say About Stanford?

By Kerry Wong

In the spirit of good sportsmanship, Cal alums share their Stanford appreciations to celebrate the healthy rivalry ahead of the 2024 Big Game.

The Cal Alumni Association’s Year In Events: 2024

By Nia Coats

In all of 2024, the Cal community has done incredible things, from moon travel to the Olympic games to discussing AI’s impact on our future. In case you missed them, here are some Cal highlights from 2024.

Valuing Family and Social Impact Launched Kevin Lee into Entrepreneurship

By Amanda Chiu

immi co-founder Kevin Lee ’12 practiced his business skills and learned about the social sector at UC Berkeley.

Caffè Strada: Where Espresso and Community Meet

By Alejandra Granados Dominguez

Daryl Ross ’85 made Caffè Strada into more than just a coffee shop by drawing inspiration from the concept of the third place. Thirty-five years after opening to the public, Strada carries a legacy as a Berkeley community landmark.

Building Year-Round Community at the Lair

Reflections from the Lair staff on their connections to the Lair, a home away from home for all who visit.

Creator of the Bear Territory Chant: Ahmad Anderson ’83

By Josephine Thornton

As an undergrad, board member Ahmad Anderson ’83 created the now-famous Bear Territory chant, inspired by the music he heard in an African American Studies course on jazz.

UC Berkeley Alumni Share Their Favorite Locations

Across every corner of UC Berkeley’s vast campus, alumni reminisce on the spots that made their experiences at UC Berkeley memorable.

There’s No ‘Medium’ Switch for Journalist and Travel Lecturer Dianne Fukami ’77

By Amanda Chiu

Journalist Dianne Fukami ’77 credits UC Berkeley’s investment in her as a student for her continued loyalty to all things Cal, including the Cal Discoveries Travel program.

CAA Staff and Board Members Share Favorite Locations at UC Berkeley

Among UC Berkeley’s vast 1,232-acre campus, certain spots can leave a lasting impact, as staff and board members of the Cal Alumni Association demonstrate.