NEWS RELEASE, 4/8/96 UC Berkeley welcomes everyone to its annual Cal Day Open House on Saturday, April 13

by Patricia McBroom

Berkeley -- The University of California at Berkeley opens its doors to the public on Saturday, April 13, welcoming visitors to a cornucopia of events, from original dance performances to a children's book fair, a martial arts tournament, toucheable tarantulas, concrete canoes and fascinating lectures by world leaders. The day-long Cal Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is mostly free of charge, excluding some sports events. Museums are free, including the Lawrence Hall of Science. For the first time during open house, the university will also hold its annual Charter Day celebration, with banners and a full academic procession taking place at Dwinelle Plaza, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara will address the audience. Other highlights include: Sports -- Major competitive sports, including an all-day track meet, the 27th Annual Taekwondo Open, women's water polo and a men's tennis match; also, Cal's football team under the direction of new head coach, Steve Mariucci, in open practice on the football field from 9 to 11 a.m. Children's Activities -- Introduction to live insects with hands-on demonstration; also, fully assembled T. rex skeleton and continuous viewing of Cal student work with concrete canoes and innovative cars. Dance and Drama -- Dance premiers including an original opera about the Book of Job and a lively musical work about ecology called "Humphrey Saves the Day;" also, a video recreation of Shakespeare's Globe Theater with live preformances from "Much Ado About Nothing." Special Events -- Poetry reading by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, culminating a two-day conference on the beats in San Francisco; also, an all-day celebration of children's literature with 25 authors and a pow-wow celebrating Native American song and dance. Lectures -- Nobel Laureate Charles Townes in a special public address on the challenges of a scientific career; also, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara on global security in the next century. Throughout the day, prospective UC Berkeley students can visit schools on campus that are prepared to greet them and provide information on undergraduate programs. Last year's Cal Day drew more than 20,000 people to the UC Berkeley campus. Parking is free at campus lots. The Bart Berkeley station is one block from the West Gate and free shuttles will transport visitors throughout the campus. Visitors can pick up a schedule of events at information centers located at six entrances to the campus, including Sproul Plaza and Sather Gate. Disabled visitors may also arrange for services at the information centers. For more information, contact Visitors' Services at 642-5215.