Dear Cal alums, parents, and friends,
At its essence, culture is the “operating system” of any institution, reflecting foundational norms and values. If strategy defines what we intend to achieve, culture dictates how we do it and why people strive to advance our mission.
When I was the dean of the Haas School of Business, we developed four defining principles — “Question the Status Quo,” “Confidence Without Attitude,” “Students Always,” and “Beyond Yourself.” These principles aptly describe the university’s culture as well. Given the challenges and opportunities we face, I want to consider one more: “Pride Without Arrogance.” I like it not simply because I’m Cal’s cheerleader-in-chief, but also because genuine pride elevates Berkeley from being a service provider to being an epicenter for a vibrant, lifelong community.
Here’s how. When you’re proud of Berkeley, you become a strong ambassador. Alums hire fellow graduates, faculty are more likely to stay and produce quality research, top scholars want to work where their contributions are celebrated, and students act as our best recruiters. There’s also a direct correlation between pride and giving; donors rarely support institutions they feel indifferent toward. Last, but not least, pride strengthens resilience in challenging times. Our most powerful defenders are those who believe the institution’s mission must be protected.
We will continue to ensure that Berkeley operates in a healthy way, that faculty can sustain their track record of world-changing discoveries, and that students receive the education — and the culture — they need for meaningful, successful lives. When we get that right, we create a virtuous cycle in which accomplishments fuel pride, and pride fuels excellence.
We most often feel pride when we have participated. (Check out our Points of Pride, and I’m sure you’ll learn something new.) If I have learned anything since becoming chancellor, it is that everything Berkeley has taught, discovered, or achieved is the result of our strong, engaged community and how it collaborates to get remarkable things done together. I could not be prouder.
Fiat Lux, and Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
Chancellor’s Choice
Go For Gold campaign— From August 4–6, the entire Cal community is joining forces to Go For Gold — a high-stakes online campaign to support student-athletes. Cal Athletics programs and their communities are competing against each other to top the leaderboards and earn additional prize money in a variety of challenges. Explore the challenges, and consider becoming an ambassador to increase your impact.
HireUC Alumni Career Summit — Whether you’re exploring new career opportunities or want to grow your organization’s team, this career fair will bring together University of California alums from all 10 campuses for a day of networking, career exploration, and connecting with employers across a range of fields. Learn more and register for the summit, happening in Irvine on August 18 and San Francisco on August 20. Once you select a city, you can register as a job seeker or an employer.
Finding the Funny in Hard Times— Join a live conversation with Chris Duffy, a comedian, author, and podcaster, and Kelly Rafferty of the Greater Good Science Center to explore humor as a way through life’s challenges. Learn surprising ways that humor can make us more present, connected, and collaborative. August 20, 12:30–1:30 PT, online. The event is free, but registration is required.