🐻 Cal Bears in the Desert
Chapter Newsletter — November 2025
A Chartered Chapter of the Cal Alumni Association for the Coachella Valley
Greetings, Cal Bears!
Our first newsletter received an incredible response — thank you for helping us launch Cal Bears in the Desert with so much Bear pride! This month, we’re keeping that energy going with exciting updates, new events, and opportunities to connect with fellow alumni across the Coachella Valley. The fall season has been full of meaningful connections and milestones for Cal Bears in the Desert.
📌 Chapter Updates — Upcoming Chapter Meeting
Monday, November 10, 2025 | 7 PM (Zoom)
Join fellow alumni, students, and friends as we share campus updates, upcoming events, and networking opportunities. 📄 The agenda package is available anytime through our Linktree.
📍 Event Highlights
🎓 Cal Bears in the Desert at the 2025 Coachella Valley Regional College & Career Fair
On September 18, our chapter proudly represented UC Berkeley at the annual Coachella Valley Regional College & Career Fair, hosted by OneFuture Coachella Valley at the Agua Caliente Resort in Rancho Mirage. Our alumni team — Martin Mercado (’19), Steve Overcashier (’74), Jerome Joseph Gentes (’92), and Maximiliano Ochoa (’14) — connected with hundreds of prospective Bears eager to learn about academic programs, campus life, and financial aid opportunities.
🎙️ Coming Home Speaker Series — Launch Event at Stiles Hall
On October 3, Cal Bears in the Desert partnered with Stiles Hall and UC Berkeley alumna Itcelia Segoviano-Ramirez to launch the Coming Home Speaker Series. The inaugural event featured Ángel-Max Guerrero (’91), who shared insights on navigating higher education and career pathways while staying grounded in community. Over 25 participants joined both in person and via Zoom for a conversation centered on mentorship, belonging, and returning home to uplift the Coachella Valley.
📅 Upcoming Events — Coming Home Speaker Series, Session 2
November 21, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM — Stiles Hall, UC Berkeley
Join Cal Bears in the Desert as we welcome our second speaker, Amanda Sarkowsky. Amanda grew up in the Coachella Valley and attended Palm Springs High School before starting her Cal journey in 2011. She is currently Senior Manager of Undergraduate Hiring & Programs at Bain & Company in San Francisco.
🪶 Community Events Spotlight — UFW History Lecture Series at College of the Desert
Thursday, November 6 & December 4, 2025 | 4:00–5:30 PM
College of the Desert, Indio Campus – Room B324, Makerspace
Join Dr. Christian Paiz for the second lecture in a six-part history series on the United Farm Worker movement, co-organized by Dr. Senorina Saldivar. Open to the public.
🌹 UFW–Chicana/o Movement Reunion
November 8, 2025 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM — Coachella Library, 1500 6th Street
Reconnect with the history and spirit of the United Farm Worker and Chicana/o movements over lunch. Meet local activists and organizers. Open to the public.
Stay Connected with Your Bear Family
Our alumni chapter is growing, and we want YOU to stay connected! Take 2 minutes to update your contact info so you don’t miss out on chapter news, events, and opportunities.
Do you have news or opportunities to share with fellow Bears in the Coachella Valley? Send your announcements to: calbearsinthedesert@gmail.com
Cal Bears in the Desert 