September 10, 2025
Dear Cal alums, parents, and friends,
For the first time in nearly four years, Cal’s football team held its opponent without a touchdown, claiming a 35–3 victory over Texas Southern on Saturday at California Memorial Stadium. After the game, the team erupted with “Bear Territory,” the rhythmic crowd-rousing chant created in 1982 by then-player Ahmad Anderson ’83, who was inspired by a jazz class he was taking at the time. While we’re only two games — and two wins — into the season, we can all “tell the whole damn world this is Bear Territory.”
Last spring I told you that Ron Rivera, a former All-American Cal linebacker, NFL player, and legendary NFL coach, had been hired as the team’s general manager. After only a few months on the job, it's clear that Ron's experience and skills perfectly position him to advance Cal Athletics in general, and Cal Football in particular. His passion for and allegiance to his alma mater are already paying off. He has found ways to support as many Cal sports as possible and is a natural collaborator. In addressing why he chose to come back home, Ron said, “I love the university. A lot of things that I have in this world — including the dearest thing in my world, my wife — all came about from being here at the University of California.”
There are two new ways to show your Cal colors and cheer on the Golden Bears:
For the first time in nearly four years, Cal’s football team held its opponent without a touchdown, claiming a 35–3 victory over Texas Southern on Saturday at California Memorial Stadium. After the game, the team erupted with “Bear Territory,” the rhythmic crowd-rousing chant created in 1982 by then-player Ahmad Anderson ’83, who was inspired by a jazz class he was taking at the time. While we’re only two games — and two wins — into the season, we can all “tell the whole damn world this is Bear Territory.”
Last spring I told you that Ron Rivera, a former All-American Cal linebacker, NFL player, and legendary NFL coach, had been hired as the team’s general manager. After only a few months on the job, it's clear that Ron's experience and skills perfectly position him to advance Cal Athletics in general, and Cal Football in particular. His passion for and allegiance to his alma mater are already paying off. He has found ways to support as many Cal sports as possible and is a natural collaborator. In addressing why he chose to come back home, Ron said, “I love the university. A lot of things that I have in this world — including the dearest thing in my world, my wife — all came about from being here at the University of California.”
There are two new ways to show your Cal colors and cheer on the Golden Bears:
- New seating section: Cal Football and the Black Hole, the iconic fan group of the Las Vegas Raiders, have created a new section in the south end zone — the Black Bear — for fans who purchase a ticket through a special link on CalBears.com.
- New TV show: Cal Football and NBC Sports Bay Area have launched a 30-minute show, “Inside Cal Football,” that will air every Thursday and include game footage, player features, and interviews. Check out the first episode.
During 2024–25, donors gave a record $82 million to Cal Athletics. Even with the challenges and changes facing college athletics, the Cal community remains steadfast in its commitment — year after year. We are grateful for our donors’ support in ensuring student-athletes have the tools and resources they need to perform at their very best on the field, in the pool, or wherever their athletic and academic pursuits find them.
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
Chancellor’s Choice
Attend: Homecoming — It’s Berkeley Time, that magical time of year when alums return to campus, students reunite with their parents, and all Golden Bears celebrate what makes our Cal community so extraordinary! Join us for Alumni and Parents Weekend at Homecoming, Oct. 3–5, as we transform our beloved campus into an unforgettable experience filled with engaging lectures, vibrant celebrations, and cherished traditions. Online registration closes Sept. 19.
Learn: Speaker series on AI — The rapid and continuing advancement of AI capabilities poses serious social, political, and economic challenges. This fall, experts from academia, civil society, and industry will speak on AI safety and alignment, AI’s potential impacts on society, AI governance, and more. The series takes place every other Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. PT. You may either join in person, or join the mailing list at the top of this page to receive a Zoom invitation.
Learn: Speaker series on AI — The rapid and continuing advancement of AI capabilities poses serious social, political, and economic challenges. This fall, experts from academia, civil society, and industry will speak on AI safety and alignment, AI’s potential impacts on society, AI governance, and more. The series takes place every other Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. PT. You may either join in person, or join the mailing list at the top of this page to receive a Zoom invitation.