Veterans Day | Equity & Inclusion

Veterans Day 2023

Each Veterans Day, we take time to honor the individuals who have served and the contributions they bring to the UC Berkeley community.

The theme of Veterans Day this year is “Service.” While this includes their service for our country, it also speaks to the pervasive spirit of ongoing public service they invest in our communities.

Service and scholarship

We have over 250 student GI Bill recipients and 136 staff and 31 faculty self-identified veterans at UC Berkeley. In leadership positions on campus, David C. Wilson, dean of the Goldman School of Public Policy, is a military veteran with 19 years of service in the US Army Reserves, including combat tours for Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Jim Knowlton, director of Cal Athletics, served for 26 years on active duty in the US Army.

Meal Vouchers for Student Veterans

To thank them for their service, student veterans will receive a meal voucher for use at any Berkeley Dining commons for a wide array of healthy and tasty meals. Visit the Cal Veteran Services Center at 102 Hearst Memorial Gym during in person hours to collect the voucher. Vouchers valid through May 12, 2024.

Events

November 11, 2023: Consider participating in a two-minute moment of silence to honor the sacrifice of veterans that will occur simultaneously across the nation on Veterans Day at 11:11am PT.
November 11, 2023: Join us at the Cal vs. Washington State football game as we honor our veterans. Activities will include a special on field recognition event, replicas of Cal Memorial Stadium handed out at the gate, and other 100th anniversary celebrations of Memorial Stadium.
- The Cal Veterans Group and Cal Veteran Services Center will be hosting a Veterans Day Celebration starting three hours prior to kickoff at Wurster Hall Platform Art Space. During this time we will be highlighting service and continued public service of veteran and military-connected students. Cal Athletics will distribute special Challenge Coins to veterans and the Spirit team will pay a visit to honor our veterans.

Campus Resources

The Cal Veteran Services Center (CVSC) provides programs and support, such as financial aid counseling, mental health counseling in partnership with the San Francisco VA Student Veteran Health Program, and peer advising. The CVSC career mentorship program partners with active Berkeley alumni, such as Clayton Chan ‘87, COO and co-owner of Ladle & Leaf, who are helping our veteran and military-connected students and young alums achieve their professional and personal career goals.
The Veterans Benefits unit in the Office of the Registrar assists student veterans with using their educational benefits while pursuing their academic careers.
Berkeley Law offers the Veterans Law Practicum, in which law students advocate on behalf of veterans. The program is currently focused on correcting discharge statuses due to Don't Ask, Don't Tell

100th anniversary of California Memorial Stadium

California Memorial Stadium, the home of Cal Football, has celebrated veterans for over 100 years. The stadium was first dedicated in 1923 to Californians who gave their lives in the First World War. When California Memorial Stadium reopened in 2012, it was rededicated to all Californians who have sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. We continue to honor the military and military-connected community at the Cal football game closest to the Veterans Day holiday.