This year, the UC Berkeley School of Information launched four alumni chapters across the United States. Chapter hubs were established in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle. Each chapter is led by alumni leader(s) who serve as liaisons between the I School and alums in their respective hubs.
“Building out our chapters in cities across the country and world is one of our alumni relations initiatives and key cornerstones of what we do at the I School. We want I Schoolers interacting with one another, networking and getting together in their cities,” said Charles Wollin, director of alumni relations. “I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to create and credit to our volunteer alumni chapter leaders for stepping up.”
In January, the I School launched its first local chapter in San Francisco, with MIMS ’08 graduate Jill Blue Lin and MIDS ’23 graduate Prathyusha Charangola serving as the leaders. The event was held at Standard Deviant Brewing Company in the Mission District, where attendees enjoyed drinks and freshly-made local tacos.
In February, the LA chapter was launched, led by MIDS ’25 alum Rob Horrobin. The chapter launch was held at Tom’s Watch Bar, where the group also watched the Cal men’s basketball team as they took on Stanford.
After Los Angeles, a New York chapter was launched in March with the help of MIDS alums Amina Alavi (’24) and NK Krishnaswami (’16) at Hide Rooftop. Over 60 alums attended the New York event, including those from all current degree programs and from the Master of Library Sciences (M.L.S) degree from the Library School.
Most recently, in June, I School staff and graduates Aishwarya Sriram (MIMS ’25), Anya Svan (MICS ’26), and Matthew Schull (MIDS ’25) hosted a Seattle chapter launch at The Nest Rooftop Lounge, surrounded by seaside views. Each hub received its own special area stickers to commemorate the launch of its chapter.
“Building out our chapters in cities across the country and world is one of our alumni relations initiatives and key cornerstones of what we do at the I School.”
This year, the I School also introduced its inaugural Spring Week, a week full of alumni-oriented events in March. Activities included a jazz brunch, a Warriors Game meet-up, a town hall with the Dean, and more. Attendees from both recent and past classes met at these events, talking about their jobs, families, hobbies, and more.
“It’s incredible to have met so many alumni at our events over the last year, and I’m excited for more coming soon!” added Wollin.
The I School alumni chapter network is expanding, with new chapters coming soon to San Diego and Washington, D.C. To learn more or get involved, visit our Stay Connected page.
