Bienvenue à Sather Gate, l'un des monuments les plus emblématiques de l'UC Berkeley. Cette porte a été offerte par Jane K. Sather en mémoire de son mari, Peder Sather. Peder Sather était un banquier et philanthrope éminent à la fin du XIXe siècle, fortement impliqué dans le financement d'établissements d'enseignement et de travaux publics. Jane Sather a contribué de manière significative à l'université, finançant non seulement la porte, mais aussi la Sather Tower et les chaires Sather. Elle visait à créer un héritage durable qui profiterait à des générations d'étudiants.

Saviez-vous que Sather Gate a fait une apparition dans le film Pixar "Monstres Academy" ? Le réalisateur, Dan Scanlon, a choisi Sather Gate pour sa structure emblématique et reconnaissable. Il voulait capturer l'essence d'une université traditionnelle, et le design classique de Sather Gate correspondait parfaitement à ce qu'il recherchait. Dans le film, la porte est présentée dans une scène où les personnages Mike et Sulley entrent pour la première fois à l'université, capturant leur excitation et leur émerveillement. La proéminence et l'importance historique de la porte en ont fait un choix idéal pour représenter l'entrée de l'université fictive dans le film.

La Sather Gate a également été un point central pour de nombreuses manifestations et mouvements importants. L'un des plus notables a eu lieu pendant le mouvement pour la liberté d'expression dans les années 1960. Les étudiants se sont rassemblés ici pour protester contre les restrictions de l'université sur les activités politiques et la liberté d'expression. La restriction spécifique impliquait une interdiction des activités politiques sur le campus, y compris les discours et la distribution de littérature. Le mouvement a joué un rôle central dans la contestation de ces restrictions, en se concentrant particulièrement sur les questions de droits civiques et l'opposition à la guerre du Vietnam. Les étudiants ont exigé le droit de s'organiser et de s'exprimer sur des questions politiques, notamment les droits civiques, l'activisme anti-guerre et la justice sociale. Ce mouvement a joué un rôle déterminant dans l'élaboration des politiques de l'université et dans la consolidation de la réputation de Berkeley en tant que plaque tournante de l'activisme et du changement social.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union is a central hub for student life at UC Berkeley. Named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it serves as a space for student activities, meetings, and events. The union is a testament to Dr. King’s legacy and his impact on civil rights and social justice, providing students with a space to engage in dialogue, activism, and community building. Did you know? Dr. King actually visited UC Berkeley in 1967 and spoke at Sproul Plaza, inspiring thousands of students.

The Student Multicultural Center within the MLK Student Union is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. It offers resources and support for students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The center hosts cultural events, workshops, and discussions aimed at celebrating and understanding different cultures and perspectives. One memorable event is the annual International Food Festival, where students showcase and share cuisine from their home countries. Another quirky event includes the “Cultural Dance-Off,” where students compete in traditional dances, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere.

The MLK Student Union includes the Amazon Student Center, providing students with a convenient place to pick up packages and access Amazon services. This modern addition reflects the evolving needs of students and the integration of technology into campus life. The center is designed to make student life more efficient and connected. Interestingly, the center also has a “stress relief corner” where students can relax with bean bags and complimentary snacks while waiting for their packages. There was even a humorous incident where a group of students used the center’s services to receive an enormous teddy bear, which became an overnight campus celebrity.

Upper Sproul Plaza is the heart of student life and activities at UC Berkeley. It was a key location during the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s and continues to be a central spot for student gatherings, protests, and events. The plaza is always bustling with energy, reflecting the dynamic and vibrant spirit of the campus. Did you know? The steps of Sproul Hall, which face the plaza, are often referred to as “Mario Savio Steps,” named after the prominent leader of the Free Speech Movement.

In the 1960s, Sproul Plaza became the epicenter of the Free Speech Movement. Students gathered here to protest against the university’s restrictions on political activities and free speech. They demanded the right to organize and speak out on issues such as civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War. One of the pivotal moments occurred in 1964 when police attempted to arrest a student activist, sparking a massive sit-in around a police car that lasted for 32 hours. This event marked a significant turning point in the movement, leading to widespread changes in university policies.

Mario Savio, a key figure in the Free Speech Movement, delivered some of his most famous speeches at Sproul Plaza. His passionate and eloquent calls for student rights and social justice resonated with thousands of students. One of his most famous lines, “There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious…you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears,” was delivered on these very steps. Savio’s legacy continues to inspire activism and free expression on campus.

Zellerbach Hall is home to Cal Performances, the west coast’s largest presenter of performing arts, including music, theater, and dance. The Zellerbach Auditorium can seat 1,984 people and is equipped for symphony orchestra, grand opera, ballet, and dramatic events. The hall plays a crucial role in Berkeley’s cultural life, offering a venue for both world-renowned artists and student performances.

Zellerbach Hall hosts a wide array of performances that cater to diverse tastes. From classical ballet and opera to contemporary dance and experimental theater, the hall has seen it all. Notably, the annual Cal Performances season features artists from around the globe, bringing international culture and artistry to the Berkeley community. Did you know? Zellerbach Hall also hosts the Berkeley Symphony, a local favorite known for its innovative programming.

Over the years, Zellerbach Hall has welcomed many famous performers and speakers. One notable event was a performance by the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who praised the hall’s acoustics as some of the best he has ever experienced. Other notable guests include the Dalai Lama and former President Jimmy Carter, whose lectures here have drawn large, enthusiastic crowds.