サザーゲートへようこそ。ここはカリフォルニア大学バークレー校の最も象徴的なランドマークの1つです。この門は、ジェーン・K・サザーが夫のペダー・サザーの追悼として寄付しました。ペダー・サザーは19世紀後半に活躍した著名な銀行家であり慈善家で、教育機関や公共事業への資金提供に深く関わっていました。 ジェーン・サザーは大学に大きく貢献し、門だけでなく、サザータワーとサザー教授職にも資金を提供しました。彼女は、世代を超えた学生に利益をもたらす永続的な遺産を作り出すことを目指していました。

サザーゲートがピクサー映画『モンスターズ・ユニバーシティ』に登場していたことをご存知ですか？監督のダン・スキャンロンは、その象徴的で認識しやすい構造からサザーゲートを選びました。彼は伝統的な大学の雰囲気を捉えたかったのです。そして、サザーゲートの古典的なデザインは、その目的にぴったりでした。 映画では、マイクとサリーが初めて大学に入るシーンでゲートが登場し、彼らの興奮と畏敬の念を捉えています。ゲートの目立つ位置と歴史的意義から、映画の中で架空の大学の入り口を表すのに理想的な選択肢となりました。

サザーゲートは、多くの重要な抗議活動や運動の中心でもありました。最も注目すべきものの1つは、1960年代の言論の自由運動でした。学生たちは、大学の政治活動や言論の自由に対する制限に抗議するためにここに集まりました。 具体的な制限には、スピーチや文献の配布を含む、キャンパス内の政治活動の禁止が含まれていました。この運動は、特に公民権問題とベトナム戦争への反対に焦点を当てて、これらの制限に挑戦する上で中心的な役割を果たしました。学生たちは、公民権、反戦活動、社会正義など、政治問題について組織し、発言する権利を要求しました。この運動は大学の政策を形作り、バークレーをアクティビズムと社会変革の拠点としての評判を固める上で重要な役割を果たしました。

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.