The Matsui Center engages Cal students in public life through internships, public events, and the presence of distinguished campus visitors. In this way, the Center serves as a fitting legacy to Congressman Robert T. Matsui and his belief that public service is a noble profession that should be open to all, a commitment that made him one of California's most important and respected political figures for more than three decades. The Center is strictly nonpartisan.
In addition to sponsoring its own events, the Center helps to publicize and support political happenings sponsored by other campus groups and academic departments. The Center works regularly with such organizations as the Cal Berkeley Democrats, the Berkeley College Republicans, the Goldman School of Public Policy, the Graduate School of Journalism, and BerkeleyLaw.
The Center is a component of the Institute of Governmental Studies, California’s oldest public policy research institute.
For the latest Matsui Center news, go to our Blog or our Facebook page!
The 2013 Cal-in-Sacramento Fellows toured the Capitol this spring as they get ready for their summer in the heart of California's policymaking community.
The students had their picture taken on the floor of the state Senate, toured the historic building, and met with state Finance Director Ana Matosantos over lunch. Many of the students also interviewed for potential internship placements as they search for their summer positions. Learn more about the Cal-in-Sac program.
Will the world's population be well-fed in the future, or will people go hungry? That was the subject of the 2013 Matsui Lecture, "Can the World Feed 9 Billion People?" Former Congressman Douglas Bereuter delivered the talk to a standing-room-only crowd March 13, describing the progress that has already been made to increase sustainable agricultural production and the challenges that lie ahead. For more on Bereuter's lecture, read the blog from the Asia Foundation, where he served as president after leaving Congress.
Congratulations to Alana Baum and Austin Bergstrom, selected as Matsui Washington Fellows for spring 2013! Bergstrom (l) a history major, will be working at the National Archives, Boeing Student Learning Center. Baum (r), a Peace & Conflict Studies and history major will intern at OtherWords with the Institute for Policy Studies.
Four Cal undergraduates will be interning in local governments around California this summer as part of the Matsui Local Government Fellowships.
Maria Buxton, Grecia Elenes, and Tyler Hill have been named 2013 Matsui Local Government Fellows. Each will receive placement assistance from the Matsui Center in finding a summer internship in local government, and a $2000 stipend to help offset living expenses. Learn more about the program and this year's Fellows.