Dear Cal alums, parents, and friends,
It’s that time of year when newly admitted students are deciding whether UC Berkeley is where they want to be. Over 159,000 students sought a seat in this fall’s class, with increases in almost every key category, including California residents. First-year decisions were posted on March 26, and transfer decisions will be announced April 17. Enjoy this reaction video highlighting the unbridled joy that Cal hopefuls express when they open the email that basically says, “You got in.” Welcome, Class of 2030!
This season got me thinking about what makes Berkeley the right choice. We have been recognized as the nation’s top university in moving students further up the economic ladder. We educate almost as many Pell Grant students as the eight-university Ivy League. This fall, we're guaranteeing two years of on-campus housing to every incoming first-year student — because stability and community are foundational to everything else. These are just a few Points of Pride showcasing Berkeley's impact that I’m excited to share with you.
As we prepare to greet the newest members of our community, we also celebrate the 100th anniversary of Berkeley’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Since a young officer named Chester Nimitz established one of the country’s six original Naval ROTC programs at Berkeley in 1926, our extraordinary officers have helped defend our nation and our democracy through many consequential conflicts. An annual lecture honoring Nimitz’s legacy has brought important voices in national security to the stage, and this year’s lecture in March was no different.
Victoria Coleman, former chief scientist for the U.S. Air Force, now spearheads the Berkeley Air and Space Center, an initiative in Silicon Valley that will unite university, industry, and NASA scientists and engineers to generate cutting-edge research and innovations in aviation and space exploration. In her remarks, Victoria traced warfare’s dramatic changes from the age of steel and steam to the age of software, autonomy, and artificial intelligence. She told the story of Lt. Col. Morris “Moose” Fontenot, a decorated combat aviator who died when his F-15C aircraft crashed during a maintenance mission in 2014. Had today’s Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS) been installed, it would have detected the impending collision and taken control of the aircraft.
Auto-GCAS was just one advancement Victoria discussed that was once considered revolutionary and is now a standard part of aircraft. The frontier keeps moving, she said, “But the goal has never been to replace the human. The goal has always been to extend human capability.” Is that not the heart of all Berkeley research, whether it’s in aerospace engineering or human health? To discover and learn, to trust and adapt, and to lead the way in responsibly integrating new breakthroughs for the betterment of all?
Coincidentally, Naval ROTC’s centennial coincides with America’s 250th birthday. Stay tuned for opportunities to mark this historic occasion and the indispensable role Berkeley has played in the American story. I’m grateful for our ROTC members’ commitment to service and for all that the Cal family does to give back to their communities and country.
Fiat Lux, and Go Bears!
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
Chancellor’s Choice
Event: Connect with graduating students — Alums are invited to connect with graduating students for an afternoon of conversation and career-building opportunities. Activities include a resume review station and speed networking sessions to offer advice on navigating the early stages of a career. Register for this free event on Sunday, April 12, from 1–3 p.m. at Alumni House.
Exhibition: “The Intention to DRAWEVERYWHERE”— Illustrator Forest Stearns has been in residency at the UC Botanical Garden for a year, which included public opportunities to draw or paint in the gardens alongside him. View intimate, on-site studies capturing the discovery, rhythm, and optimism of these shared experiences, as well as large-scale canvases translating the studies into expansive expressions. The exhibit is open through April 20, with additional scheduled events to see Stearns at work.