Dear Cal alums, parents, and friends,
Last week was bookended by two very special events. On Nov. 18, I had the honor, on behalf of our university, of ringing the New York Stock Exchange closing bell. It was thrilling to represent UC Berkeley that day, considering the tremendous impact this remarkable institution has on the marketplace of ideas, products, and programs. The audience included donors and volunteers from the East Coast, underscoring our broad geographical reach and influence. Five days later, the Cal Bears made a memorable comeback and defeated Stanford 24–21 in the 127th Big Game. (Visit the football team’s Instagram account for highlights.) For the fourth consecutive year, the axe is staying in Bear Territory. I’m grateful for all of the different ways we get to celebrate Berkeley.
With Thanksgiving upon us, expressing gratitude can get lost amid long lines at the airport, hours of preparation, and other holiday stresses. Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center offers science-based insights on why we should practice gratitude, not the least of which is because it affirms that there are good things and good people in the world.
I have taken that great guidance to heart and want to share my own list of things I am grateful for:
- Professor Fran Van Loo. While I was an undergraduate at Berkeley Haas, she was the first person to encourage me to think about graduate school in economics. Then she supported me along the way, at every step. I could not see that path when I arrived here: Neither of my parents had a four-year degree. Berkeley is outstanding at helping people be what they can not see.
- A band of high school friends. I share the first weekend in December with them every year. Such long-lived and trusting relationships are not easy to find, and I treasure them.
- The arts. In particular, I get a lot of joy out of playing guitar and singing every day when I am not on the road. That joy arrived late — in my 20s — and has rebalanced me rather fundamentally ever since.
Finally, I am grateful for our brilliant students and faculty, hardworking staff, proud alums, caring parents, and generous donors. Our dedicated community makes our grand mission possible and our university so much more than just another institution of higher education.
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
Chancellor’s Choice
Holiday Pop-up Shop — Are you looking for unique, handmade gifts? Support local artists at the Berkeley Art Studio’s pop-up shop, featuring pottery, textiles, paintings, jewelry, and greeting cards. Open Dec. 6–15 in the MLK, Jr. Student Union. Visit artstudio.berkeley.edu for the hours and location details.