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Industry Support for New Transfer Students at Annual Alumni Mixer

August 4, 2021
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The Cal Alumni Association is thrilled to announce its annual Alumni–Student Mixer for transfer students on Sunday, August 22, 2021. The Cal transfer student community is a diverse and vibrant group of individuals who are eager to begin their academic and professional development. Events like these allow incoming students to connect and engage with alums from the expansive global Cal community.

Former transfer students, now proud Cal alums, can attest to the importance of community events like these. “The first few weeks on campus were really hard,” notes Amy Bartel, class of 2016. “I experienced imposter syndrome.” Bartel credits the Transfer Student Center for positively impacting her Cal experience. “Walking into a center full of other transfer students that was full of resources focused on supporting students just like me, was when I finally felt welcome to Cal. I was exactly where I belonged.”

Fellow transfer student Enrique Marroquín agrees. “I never thought I would have ended up at Cal,” explained the first-generation Los Angeles local. “My first time on a plane was when I was brought out for Transfer Weekend.”

“I was amazed by the people that I met because so many of them shared similar experiences to my own.”

“It is so important to show up and welcome incoming transfer students, so they know before they even start classes, that they are welcome here and that they are exactly where they belong.” —Amy Bartel ’16

Although this event will be held virtually, the Cal Alumni Association and the Career Center are looking forward to hosting an engaging and fruitful event to support this year’s incoming class of transfer students. Join us in welcoming the newest Golden Bears to our community by volunteering. This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the Cal community, meet fellow alumni, and, in this new virtual age, introduce our newest students to the UC Berkeley community.

This year’s incoming transfer students include first-generation students, student veterans, and student parents. Volunteers will be divided into networking groups based on their industry experience. These themed industry groups include Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), Business, Environment and Energy, Nonprofit and Social Impact, Education, International Affairs, Law, Public Policy and Public Service, Media and Communications, Arts and Entertainment, Architecture, Planning and Environmental Design, and Biological and Physical Sciences.

Young alum Enrique Marroquin recalls connecting with fellow transfer students around shared experiences. // Image courtesy of Enrique Marroquin

“Transferring to Cal was the best decision I have ever made,” said Bartel. “That’s why I think it is so important to show up and welcome incoming transfer students, so they know before they even start classes, that they are welcome here and that they are exactly where they belong.”

“During my journey at Cal, I learned that it was important to have a network of support to help you through it all. In order to succeed at Cal, it’s important for incoming students to know that support and community can make all the difference. You don’t have to do it all on your own,” Marroquín said.

Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) is UC Berkeley’s orientation for new undergraduate students. This program helps new students form connections with peers, faculty, and staff members; learn more about available resources and campus traditions; broaden one’s understanding of this diverse and dynamic community; and create a sense of community within new student’s orientation groups.

Register today to uplift our incredible incoming transfer students. Go Bears!