Greetings from Cal Parents.

We are especially pleased to welcome the families of new students and to say hello to current members.

Cal Parents was initiated in 1993 by parents who wanted a closer relationship with their students' college experience. The organization's purpose is to serve as a resource for families and a link between home and the University.

Parents from throughout the state serve on the Cal Parents board. There is also a campus office staffed by the Public Affairs unit.

Among the benefits of Cal Parents is this newsletter, which is mailed three times a year to members. A telephone Helpline in the campus office operates weekdays during business hours.

Cal Parents also assists with CalSO orientations and Move-In Day in the summer, Homecoming, Reunion & Family Weekend in the fall, Cal Day in the spring, and various regional events throughout California.

Some of you may have met us at Cal Day. This is one of several times a year when members of the Cal Parents board have the opportunity to talk to prospective students and their families. Just as new students like to talk to current Cal students, so parents enjoy talking to other parents. We enjoy these opportunities to share our enthusiasm for Cal and encourage prospective students and families to choose this great university. This year the gorgeous spring weather seems to have been the clincher for some. One student told us that she walked over to the creek, looked up at the redwoods, and knew this was her place. We smiled.

The annual fall Homecoming, Reunion & Family Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for you to connect more closely to your student's Cal experience. Mark your calendars now for Sept. 24-26. Some families also bring grandparents (we did) and young children.

We've heard from many parents that the best part of the weekend is connecting with other parents and hearing that they have the same concerns you do: Is my student adjusting to university life? Is he safe going to class? Is she balancing the rigorous academics with personal life?

We encourage your participation in Cal Parents and its events. Along with other members of the Cal community, we can help educate the people of California and our state legislators about the excellence and accomplishments of Cal, its faculty, and our students.

We also hope you will consider joining Cal Parents with a $25 voluntary membership (see page 6 for the form).

Please introduce yourself to us and our board members when you see us at Cal. We would love to chat with you about your student and about Cal. We also have some stories to tell about our own Cal student -- Jack, a sophomore biology major.

Go Bears!

Richard and Mary, '69, McKenna