On Sunday, **September 14, 2025**, the Berkeley Student Cooperative Alumni Association hosted a brunch and gathering on the deck of BSC’s Central Office. It was a way to celebrate a new wave of co-opers with a lively **Welcome Brunch**. The event brought together new students and BSCAA board members for an afternoon of food, conversation, and connection.
The event started with a lively game of social bingo and a brief introduction of what the BSC Alumni Association and the importance of the community that living in the BSC creates not just for students, but the thousand of alumni of the BSC.
The BSC has a 92 year history of providing low cost affordable student housing in Berkeley and is the largest student cooperative in the U.S.
In addition to incoming freshman, we also were fortunate to have exchange students who were there spending a year in Berkeley and had moved into the coops. Some of the countries represented included France, Britain, Ireland, and Spain.
Students also had a chance to networks with the alumni about careers and the alumni’s school and BSC experiences.
The brunch was more than just a chance to enjoy delicious food. It served as a vibrant introduction to cooperative living, offering new members an opportunity to meet housemates from other co-ops and learn about the rich history and values of the BSC. Laughter, name tags, and fresh coffee flowed freely as students swapped stories about move-in day and the quirks of their respective houses.
Adding to the sense of community was the support of the **BSC Alumni Association (BSCAA)**. The alumni group—founded to foster connections between former and current co-opers—organized the event and shared information about its free programs, including mentorship opportunities and networking events. Representatives from BSCAA were on hand to answer questions and explain how alumni involvement strengthens the cooperative’s legacy.
For many attendees, the brunch underscored what makes the BSC special: its people. Whether you’re a brand-new co-oper learning the ropes or a seasoned member welcoming the next generation, events like these keep the cooperative spirit alive.
With full plates, new friendships, and a shared sense of purpose, the September 14th Welcome Brunch was the perfect start to the semester.
