A Message from Chapter Leadership

As we enter the summer season, Cal Bears in the Desert is excited to celebrate one of our favorite traditions: welcoming the next generation of Golden Bears to the UC Berkeley community.

Our Annual Summer Send-Off and Welcome Gathering provides an opportunity for alumni, current students, newly admitted students, and families to connect before students begin their journey at Berkeley this fall. Events like these continue to strengthen the connection between the Coachella Valley and UC Berkeley while helping students feel supported as they prepare for this exciting next chapter.

This season also marks an important transition for our chapter leadership as we conclude the 2024–2026 Board term. Over the past two years, the chapter has continued to grow through expanded communications, increased community engagement, stronger alumni outreach, and continued support for local students and families. We are incredibly grateful to all board members, volunteers, alumni, and supporters who have contributed their time and energy to helping the chapter move forward.

With gratitude,
Maximiliano F. Ochoa
Chapter Vice President
On behalf of the Cal Bears in the Desert Board

📣 Upcoming Chapter Meeting

Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM — via Zoom
Topics expected: Summer Send-Off Planning, 2026–2027 Chapter Priorities, Alumni Engagement & Membership Growth, Future Events & Community Partnerships, Board Transition Updates, and Communications & Outreach Initiatives.
The agenda package, Zoom link, and all meeting materials are available through our Linktree.

🎓 Summer Send-Off & Welcome Gathering 2026

Sunday, June 7, 2026 | Palm Desert
Join Cal Bears in the Desert as we celebrate our incoming UC Berkeley students and connect with fellow alumni across the Coachella Valley. All alumni are welcome and encouraged to attend — a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Golden Bears, meet the newest members of the Cal community, and strengthen the local alumni network.

🙋 Alumni Volunteers Needed! Whether you can help with setup, greet families, or simply share your Cal story, your presence makes a real difference. Interested in volunteering? Reach out at calbearsinthedesert@gmail.com.

📬 Alumni RSVP Welcome: Please send a friendly note to calbearsinthedesert@gmail.com letting us know you plan to attend, so we can plan accordingly. Note: UC Berkeley T-shirts and gift bags are reserved for incoming students — alumni are welcome to bring their own Cal spirit!

UC Berkeley Summer Send-Off — Class of 2026 Welcome, in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, for Coachella Valley & Imperial Valley incoming freshmen and transfer students. Sunday, June 7, 2026, 3:00–5:00 PM. Lift to Rise Building, 75-175 Merle Dr. #100 (off Cook St.), Palm Desert, CA 92211. Refreshments provided, parents welcome. RSVP by Monday, May 25th to calbearsinthedesert@gmail.com — please include number attending and t-shirt size(s).

🌟 Spring Admissions Reception Success

Thank you to all alumni, parents, students, and campus partners who helped make this year’s UC Berkeley New Admitted Student Reception in the Coachella Valley a success. The event showcased the strength of the Cal community in the desert and helped newly admitted students envision themselves as part of the Berkeley family.

🤝 Get Involved with the Chapter

Cal Bears in the Desert continues to grow, and we are always looking for alumni interested in helping strengthen the chapter — planning events, supporting student outreach, assisting with communications and social media, volunteering at admissions and scholarship events, or sharing ideas for future programming. Whether you have a few hours a year or want to take on a larger role, we welcome your involvement.

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