What Makes University of California, Berkeley So Special?

Berkeley is one of the most unique and special places in the United States, and there are a few reasons why.

First of all, the campus itself is absolutely gorgeous. From the iconic Sather Tower (also known as the Campanile) to the picturesque paths that wind through the Berkeley Hills, there's always something beautiful to look at. The architecture is also fascinating, with a mix of old and new buildings that all have their own unique charm.

Another thing that makes Berkeley so special is the people. The student body is incredibly diverse, with students from all over the world and from all walks of life. This creates a truly vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels welcome. Additionally, the faculty and staff are some of the most dedicated and passionate people you'll ever meet, and they truly care about the success and well-being of their students.

But perhaps the most unique thing about Berkeley is the culture of activism and social justice that has been ingrained in the university since its founding. From the Free Speech Movement of the 60s to the current student-led movements, Berkeley has always been a place where people come together to fight for what's right. This spirit of activism and social change is palpable on campus, and it's something that truly sets Berkeley apart from other universities. This spirit of academic rigor and cultural activism has manifested itself in the form of an outsized impact for the nation and world.

Here are few key events that have happened in small northern California town.

1. The Free Speech Movement of 1964: A student-led movement that began at Berkeley and led to a nationwide debate about the limits of free speech on college campuses.

2. The Third World Liberation Front Strike of 1968-69: The first successful student strike of a college campus in the United States, which resulted in the creation of Ethnic Studies departments at Berkeley and other universities.

3. The Berkeley Barb: The first underground newspaper in the United States, which was published at Berkeley in the 1960s and 1970s.

4. The discovery of the element berkelium: Berkeley scientists Glenn T. Seaborg, Stanley G. Thompson, and Albert Ghiorso discovered berkelium in 1949, which is a chemical element with the symbol Bk and atomic number 97.

5. The development of the first PC operating system: Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) was developed by the Computer Systems Research Group at Berkeley in the 1970s, which was the first PC operating system.

6. The discovery of the top quark: Berkeley scientists David Politzer, David Gross, and Frank Wilczek discovered the top quark, a subatomic particle, in 1995.

There are countless things that make Berkeley unique and special, but the combination of its stunning campus, diverse community, and culture of activism is truly one-of-a-kind. If you ever have the chance attend Berkeley, don't pass it up – you won't be disappointed!