Universities of California
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University of California at Berkeley ("Cal")
The beginnings of the University of California go back to the gold rush days of 1849, when the drafters of the State Constitution, a group of vigorous and farsighted people, required the legislature to "encourage by all suitable means the promotion of intellectual, scientific, moral and agricultural improvement" of the people of California. These early planners dreamed of a university which eventually, "if properly organized and conducted, would contribute even more than California's gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations."
Berkeley student-athletes compete intercollegiately as the California Golden Bears. A member of both the Pacific Ten Conference and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation in the NCAA, Cal students have won national titles in many sports, including: football, men's basketball, baseball, softball, water polo, rugby and crew. In addition, they have won over 100 Olympic medals. The official Cal Berkeley colors are blue and gold. The official university mascot is Oski the Bear, who first debuted in 1941. Previously, live bear cubs were used as mascots at Memorial Stadium. It was decided in 1940 that a costumed mascot would be a better alternative to a live bear.
Haas Pavilion #4422
Berkeley, CA 94720-4422
(510) 642-0580
QUICK FACTS
Location: Berkeley, CA 94720
Founded/Enrollment: 1868/33,558
Colors: Blue & Gold
Chancellor: Robert Birgeneau
Athletic Director: Sandy Barbour
Deputy Director of Athletics: Steve Holton
SWA: Teresa Kuehn Gould
Stanford University
On October 1, 1891, Stanford University opened its doors after six years of planning and building. In the early morning hours, construction workers were still preparing the Inner Quadrangle for the opening ceremonies. Today, Stanford is recognized as one of the world's leading universities. Their renowned faculty offers students a remarkable range of academic pursuits that are paired with an extraordinary breadth of extracurricular activities and opportunities for research and public service.
The unique origins of Stanford’s mascot and have a history that dates back to the University’s founding in 1891. While the Cardinal has always been one of the school’s official colors, the nickname has gone through a series of changes, student votes, controversy and confusion.
Since 1981, Stanford has been known as the Cardinal. Stanford was known as the "Indians" from 1930-72. As for the mascot, Stanford does not officially have one. The "Tree," which is a member of the Stanford Band, has been mistaken as the school’s mascot, but it is not.
Arrillaga Family Sports Center
641 East Campus Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
(650) 723-4591
QUICK FACTS
Location: Stanford, CA 94305
Founded/Enrollment: 1891/13,075
Colors: Cardinal & White
President: John L. Hennessy
Faculty Rep: Ellen Markman
Athletic Director: Bob Bowlsby
SWA: Beth Goode
University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)
Since its founding in 1919 at a temporary site and its move 10 years later to a permanent home in Westwood, UCLA has grown immensely during its 84 years. UCLA is a leader in many fields of study, pursuing its mission through excellence in education, research and service. They are a dynamic and diverse community that not only is enhancing our university’s proud legacy, but also enriching their community.
After the athletic teams entered the Pacific Coast conference in 1926, the Southern Branch student council adopted the nickname "Bruins," a name offered by the student council at Berkeley.
The university has many traditions and annual events involving students, community, or the city. The school hosts events that usually require participation from more than just the student body, and competitions can occasionally involve celebrity judges and performers.
Morgan Center
325 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1639
(310) 825-8699
QUICK FACTS
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90024
Founded/Enrollment: 1919/37,500
Colors: Blue & Gold
Chancellor: TBA
Faculty Rep: Donald G. Morrison
Athletic Director: Daniel Guerrero
Sr. Assoc. AD (SWA): Petrina Long
University of Southern California (USC)
When USC first opened its doors to 53 students and 10 teachers in 1880, the “city” still lacked paved streets, electric lights, telephones and a reliable fire alarm system. Today, USC is home to more than 33,000 students and nearly 3,200 full-time faculty, and is located in the heart of one of the biggest metropolises in the world.
Traveler, the noble white horse that appears at all University of Southern California's home football games with a regal Trojan warrior astride, is one of the most famous college mascots. Traveler first made an appearance at USC football games in 1961. Bob Jani and Eddie Tannenbaum had spotted Richard Saukko riding his white horse, Traveler I, in the 1961 Rose Parade. They persuaded Saukko to ride his white horse around the Coliseum during USC games, serving as a mascot. Ever since, whenever USC scores, the band plays "Conquest" and Traveler gallops around the Coliseum. The current Trojan mascot is Traveler V. Even though the breed of horse may have changed over the years -- Traveler's color has always remained pure white.
Heritage Hall
3501 Watt Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0602
(213) 740-3843
QUICK FACTS
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90089
Founded/Enrollment: 1880/32,000
Colors: Cardinal & Gold
President: Dr. Steven B. Sample
Faculty Rep: Noel M. Ragsdale
Athletic Director: Mike Garrett
Associate Athletic Director (SWA): Carol Dougherty
