Welcome to Sather Gate, one of UC Berkeley’s most iconic landmarks. This gate was donated by Jane K. Sather in memory of her husband, Peder Sather. Peder Sather was a prominent banker and philanthropist in the late 19th century, heavily involved in funding educational institutions and public works. Jane Sather contributed significantly to the university, funding not only the gate but also the Sather Tower and the Sather Professorships. She aimed to create a lasting legacy that would benefit generations of students.

Did you know that Sather Gate made an appearance in the Pixar movie ‘Monster’s University’? The director, Dan Scanlon, chose Sather Gate for its iconic and recognizable structure. He wanted to capture the essence of a traditional university, and Sather Gate’s classic design perfectly fit the bill. In the movie, the gate is featured during a scene where the characters Mike and Sulley first enter the university, capturing their excitement and awe. The gate’s prominence and historical significance made it an ideal choice to represent the entrance of the fictional university in the movie.

Sather Gate has also been a central point for many significant protests and movements. One of the most notable was during the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s. Students gathered here to protest against the university’s restrictions on political activities and free speech. The specific restriction involved a ban on on-campus political activities, including speeches and literature distribution. The movement was pivotal in challenging these restrictions, particularly focusing on civil rights issues and opposition to the Vietnam War. The students demanded the right to organize and speak out on political issues, including civil rights, anti-war activism, and social justice. This movement was instrumental in shaping the university’s policies and cementing Berkeley’s reputation as a hub for activism and social change.

La Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union è un punto di riferimento per la vita studentesca alla UC Berkeley. Intitolata in onore del Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., funge da spazio per attività studentesche, riunioni ed eventi. L'unione è una testimonianza dell'eredità del Dr. King e del suo impatto sui diritti civili e sulla giustizia sociale, fornendo agli studenti uno spazio per impegnarsi nel dialogo, nell'attivismo e nella costruzione della comunità. Lo sapevi? Il Dr. King visitò effettivamente l'UC Berkeley nel 1967 e parlò a Sproul Plaza, ispirando migliaia di studenti.

Il Centro Multiculturale Studentesco all'interno della MLK Student Union si dedica alla promozione della diversità e dell'inclusione nel campus. Offre risorse e supporto agli studenti provenienti da contesti diversi, promuovendo un senso di comunità e appartenenza. Il centro ospita eventi culturali, workshop e discussioni volti a celebrare e comprendere culture e prospettive diverse. Un evento memorabile è l'annuale International Food Festival, in cui gli studenti presentano e condividono la cucina dei loro paesi d'origine. Un altro evento eccentrico è il "Cultural Dance-Off", in cui gli studenti si sfidano in danze tradizionali, creando un'atmosfera vivace e divertente.

La MLK Student Union comprende l'Amazon Student Center, che offre agli studenti un luogo comodo per ritirare i pacchi e accedere ai servizi Amazon. Questa moderna aggiunta riflette le esigenze in evoluzione degli studenti e l'integrazione della tecnologia nella vita del campus. Il centro è progettato per rendere la vita degli studenti più efficiente e connessa. È interessante notare che il centro ha anche un "angolo antistress" dove gli studenti possono rilassarsi con pouf e snack gratuiti mentre aspettano i loro pacchi. C'è stato anche un divertente incidente in cui un gruppo di studenti ha utilizzato i servizi del centro per ricevere un enorme orsacchiotto, che è diventato una celebrità del campus durante la notte.

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.