UC Berkeley is home to the Oski Bears. Open to the public and founded on March 23, 1868, it was named after Anglo-Irish philosopher George Berkeley. The Gold Rush brought hundreds of thousands of people to the state of California, where after nineteen years, two institutions merged to create the University of California Berkeley, the private college of California, and a new state land grant. Its establishment resulted from the Morrill Act of 1862, which aimed to create land-grant universities across the United States to promote higher education. The university began with a focus on liberal arts and science, quickly becoming known for its academic standards. Over the years, Berkeley has been a group of social and political activists, notably during the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s, which played a …show more content…
It ranks among the top public universities worldwide and is known for its achievements in fields like technology, science, and the humanities. They have earned awards and recognition such as the National Medal of Science and MacArthur “Genius” grants for its faculty and alumni. Its success is also shown through its many research grants and collaborations, showing its leadership in academic and social progress. UC Berkeley offers a wide variety of programs and activities that grow interests and talents. Its athletic programs are part of the Pac-12 conference and include a range of sports such as football, basketball, and soccer. The Cal Bears are the university's team that has competitive success and community engagement. UC Berkeley has a cultural and performing arts scene including theater, dance, and performance studies providing platforms for both students and professional artists. These programs offer a wide variety of opportunities and performances. From classical plays to contemporary works, contributing to the vibrant cultural life of the campus