January 30, 2025
Dear Cal alums, parents, and friends,
Just as 2025 — and a new semester — were beginning to come into focus, unprecedented fires broke out in Southern California that have profoundly affected members of the UC Berkeley family. While the fires are now mostly contained, the destruction defies description, and the heartbreak demands our compassion.
We continue to learn about students, faculty, alums, and staff who are facing egregious losses, displacement, and other challenges. In a Daily Californian article, student Anya McCue recounts that after her own neighborhood burned down in 2008, she often played “insurance Barbie,” replicating the meetings her parents had with their agent. Anya reminds us that climate crises live long past the headlines, and that, “We need to grasp the longevity of our impact on nature along with its impact on us. We need to ask ourselves how we can endure alongside nature.”
We have shared with students a variety of support services available to them. I also ask that you consider making a gift to the Student Emergency Fund, which provides direct assistance to students experiencing unforeseen financial crises. These funds can be quickly mobilized to address a range of needs, including food, household goods, clothing, books, and other essential items. To date, 10 students affected by the fires have received crucial resources. We are aiming to boost the Student Emergency Fund as a whole to enable us to support about 150 students a year — especially as crises like the LA fires increase in frequency and impact.
During turbulent times like these, remember to turn to Berkeley for expert analysis, research-based solutions, and other resources. You can find a slew of articles related to climate change on Berkeley News, including articles on the future of home insurance in California and the Bay Area’s readiness for wildfires.
Whether you are seeking to give support or find knowledge, I am grateful for your caring and compassion. I know we can come together to support our Cal community.
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
Just as 2025 — and a new semester — were beginning to come into focus, unprecedented fires broke out in Southern California that have profoundly affected members of the UC Berkeley family. While the fires are now mostly contained, the destruction defies description, and the heartbreak demands our compassion.
We continue to learn about students, faculty, alums, and staff who are facing egregious losses, displacement, and other challenges. In a Daily Californian article, student Anya McCue recounts that after her own neighborhood burned down in 2008, she often played “insurance Barbie,” replicating the meetings her parents had with their agent. Anya reminds us that climate crises live long past the headlines, and that, “We need to grasp the longevity of our impact on nature along with its impact on us. We need to ask ourselves how we can endure alongside nature.”
We have shared with students a variety of support services available to them. I also ask that you consider making a gift to the Student Emergency Fund, which provides direct assistance to students experiencing unforeseen financial crises. These funds can be quickly mobilized to address a range of needs, including food, household goods, clothing, books, and other essential items. To date, 10 students affected by the fires have received crucial resources. We are aiming to boost the Student Emergency Fund as a whole to enable us to support about 150 students a year — especially as crises like the LA fires increase in frequency and impact.
During turbulent times like these, remember to turn to Berkeley for expert analysis, research-based solutions, and other resources. You can find a slew of articles related to climate change on Berkeley News, including articles on the future of home insurance in California and the Bay Area’s readiness for wildfires.
Whether you are seeking to give support or find knowledge, I am grateful for your caring and compassion. I know we can come together to support our Cal community.
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
Chancellor’s Choice
Cal Performances’ Winter Sale — Some of the season’s biggest events are still available for just $25 per ticket. Choose from select seats to two or more qualifying events, including William Kentridge’s The Great Yes, The Great No, Broadway star Patti LuPone, and Brazil’s riveting Grupo Corpo. Sale ends February 4, and inventory is running out.
Podcast series on transformation — This season of Berkeley Voices explores how transformation — of ideas, of research, of perspective — shows up every day in the work that happens at Berkeley. Recent topics have included how to change our perception of what’s dangerous, and how new discoveries are challenging long-held beliefs about dinosaurs.
Podcast series on transformation — This season of Berkeley Voices explores how transformation — of ideas, of research, of perspective — shows up every day in the work that happens at Berkeley. Recent topics have included how to change our perception of what’s dangerous, and how new discoveries are challenging long-held beliefs about dinosaurs.