A Chorus by the Lake: The Chicago Chapter in Motion
If you ever find yourself at a Cal Alumni Club of Chicago gathering—say, on the shores of Lake Michigan at their signature Summer Welcome Party—you might hear it first: the familiar strains of the Cal fight song, rising from a circle of grinning alums and new students, echoing against the breeze. Or maybe you’d notice the spread of Golden Bear gear across generations—from recent grads to veterans of the ’60s—sharing stories, trading jokes, and swapping advice over sandwiches and sunscreen.
This isn’t just an alums group. It’s a Midwestern heartbeat of Berkeley spirit, one that stretches far beyond the city limits. “We draw Cal alums, students, and families from across Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio,” shared Leslie Behnke ’77, President. “And our events aren’t just gatherings. They’re celebrations—of connection, mentorship, memory, and momentum.”
Beginnings Rooted in Belonging
The Cal Alumni Club of Chicago (CACC) wasn’t born of convenience. It was forged from longing—a desire among local Berkeley graduates to feel that spark of campus energy in the middle of the country. “A few decades ago, a few Chicago alums came together with overwhelming passion to create a UC Berkeley community in the Midwest,” Leslie recalled.
Since then, the chapter has expanded its reach and evolved in tone—keeping step with the shifting needs of its community. The leadership team now coordinates everything from road trips to athletic events, to volunteer shifts at the Illinois Foodbank, to digital outreach via newsletters and social media. “Our audience keeps growing, and so do our offerings. There’s always something cooking,” she said.
Moments That Make It Matter
If there was ever a night that crystallized why this work matters, it happened in Chicago—over dinner with Cal Women’s Basketball Coach Charmin Smith and Assistant Coach Kai Felton. Organized around a Notre Dame away game, the evening brought alums together not just to cheer, but to connect. Leslie reflected, “It was a remarkable experience. We witnessed the leadership of Coach Smith up close. It reminded us that alums aren’t just spectators—we’re part of the support system for Cal athletes, wherever they go.”
The next morning, CACC hit the road again—this time to pack the stands at Notre Dame, rooting for the Bears in person. “With Cal now part of the ACC, and many games taking place far from the West Coast, the Midwest alums base matters more than ever,” they emphasized.
But no event embodies the soul of the chapter quite like the Summer Welcome Party at Sunrise Beach. Picture it: alums setting up picnic tables, incoming students arriving nervously with their parents, laughter bouncing off the water as name tags blur and conversations stretch long into the afternoon. “At Homecoming last year, parents told us that this event changed their daughter’s life,” one member shared. “She met fellow Midwesterners here—who turned out to be in the same dorm. They became her foundation at Berkeley.”
The People Behind the Spirit
Every vibrant community needs its champions. For the CACC, that includes:
- Leslie, their fearless leader who is the backbone of the organization.
- Nelson, VP of activities, the logistical wizard behind every game watch party and road trip—including the recent rally to the Cal Rugby National Championship in Indianapolis.
- Art and Bhavya, the communications duo responsible for monthly newsletters, live social media updates, and keeping the digital doors open via Facebook and Instagram.
- Edward, who spearheads events and keeps the club connected to recent grads, fostering a sense of continuity and care.
- Bill, treasurer, who keeps their books in order.
Together, they keep the gears turning—but more importantly, they ensure the heartbeat stays strong.
A Midwest Mosaic of Blue and Gold
The Cal Alumni Club of Chicago sits at a crossroad—geographically and symbolically. They’re not just maintaining a network; they’re cultivating a culture. One of joy and pride, yes—but also of mentorship, advocacy, and deep-rooted community. “We’re part of something larger than ourselves,” Leslie shared. “From the Yield events to the Black Athletes Summit, we want to support all parts of the Berkeley experience—wherever it shows up.”
Looking ahead, CACC hopes to reach even more Golden Bears across the region. They’re dreaming bigger: more events, deeper connections, and stronger bridges between generations. “We want the next wave of students and alums to know: there’s a home for you here. We’ll be the ones cheering—on the beach, in the stands, and every step of the way.”
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