Since our founding in 1868, Berkeley has served as a primary engine for the country’s success, transforming the lives of our students and the trajectory of our society. Berkeley research has helped shape modern science and technology; our students and alumni have served in uniform across generations; and the Berkeley campus is a vital laboratory for democracy and civic participation.
In this historic year, few institutions can proudly claim such a varied legacy — to make the nation stronger, to question its choices, and to insist it live up to its ideas — but Berkeley can. On this page, you will find stories and events that illustrate how, through innovation, opportunity, and civic courage, UC Berkeley is and has always been a cornerstone of the American journey.
For a Berkeley ROTC cadet, the road less traveled rises toward service and leadership
Isshin Shiraishi had no plans for a military education when he arrived at UC Berkeley. Now he’s preparing to serve as cadet commander of the Army ROTC battalion — and he’s made a commitment to service that few students can match.
Upcoming Events
America 250: UC Berkeley and the Future of the American Experiment
On Friday, October 9, from 3-4 p.m. join Chancellor Richard K. Lyons and a panel of faculty experts to explore how ideas of citizenship, democracy, participation, and higher education have shaped the American experience.
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America at 250: Reimagining Who We Are
Bringing together students, scholars, innovators, journalists, and civic leaders, America at 250 will explore how the United States can renew its democratic promise and foster a stronger sense of belonging and common purpose in an increasingly diverse and interconnected society.
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Rewriting the code: The inside story of the first CRISPR cure
Victoria Gray spent 34 years battling the debilitating pain of sickle cell disease. Then she volunteered to be the world’s first “prototype” for a CRISPR therapy — trading a life that felt hopeless for a future she never thought she’d see.
25 UC Berkeley breakthroughs to commemorate America’s 250th birthday
As the U.S. observes its 250th birthday, we’re looking back at some of the most notable ideas, people and innovations that have emerged from Berkeley over the course of its history, shaping the fabric of our nation and the world beyond.
Basic research on Listeria bacteria leads to unique cancer therapy
Microbiologist Daniel Portnoy cofounded a startup that’s turning Listeria into a tool to improve survival in children with leukemia and potentially other cancer patients.
For 20 years, this UC Berkeley program has helped students who’ve been in foster care succeed
Hope Scholars started with one employee and one student. It has since grown to offer hundreds of students holistic support, including mentorship, emergency funds and move-in day supplies.
Meet three Black trailblazers in STEM
Berkeley alumni Lloyd Ferguson, Mary Blackburn and Marvin Poston paved the way for Black scientists and engineers. Black Lives at Cal is developing a tour that spotlights their stories.
To understand youth experiencing homelessness, this UC Berkeley professor hires them
Coco Auerswald has dedicated her life to working with unhoused young people. Doing research alongside them is key to learning about — and solving — youth homelessness, she says.
Berkeley Talks: Musician Lara Downes celebrates the sound of America
The acclaimed pianist reflects on music’s power to unite across division and express the nation’s most complicated emotions over the past 250 years.
New research says framing protests as fights for civil rights ‘backfires.’ So what might work?
Kim Voss, a UC Berkeley professor of sociology, says appeals rooted in American values may be more effective today than those evoking memories of the Civil Rights Movement.
Bridging divides: from anger and mistrust to belonging — and hope
As UC Berkeley celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Free Speech Movement, it is emerging as a national leader in developing science-based practices that nurture constructive dialogue. The goal: Cool tensions, promote understanding and ease polarization.