Order of the Golden Bear

The Order of the Golden Bear (the Order, OGB) is a prominent honor society at the University of California, Berkeley composed of students, faculty, and alumni committed to serving the University of California. Founded in 1900, the Order serves as a forum for discussion, where fellows gather to exchange ideas on a variety of topics pertinent to the well-being of the campus community.[1] Fellows are free to discuss ideas amongst themselves, but never to attribute opinions or remarks to their authors.[2]

Not to be confused with the Golden Grizzlies, the Oakland University sports organisation.

Order of the Golden Bear
The Order's historic residence, Senior Hall, designed by John Galen Howard.
Formation1900
TypeHonor society
Location
Membership
Secret
LeaderThe Warden

Despite its mystique, the Order is not a traditional secret society per se, although membership is usually kept in strict confidence, and many of its traditions rival those of typical collegiate secret societies. Membership in the Order includes influential members of the University administration, California government, and the Board of Regents. When it was founded, student membership was limited to undergraduate senior men; in 1972, this restriction was lifted and all students, with at least sophomore standing, have been eligible for fellowship.[1] In its earliest years, and through members like Robert Gordon Sproul, John McCone, and Clark Kerr, the Order was commonly associated with the Bohemian and California Clubs.

Since 1906, the Order has been housed in Senior Hall, a log cabin on the Berkeley campus designed by John Galen Howard.[3] In recent years, however, the Order has been forced to relocate due to building closures.[2] Every fall semester, the Order hosts one event open to the general public during Homecoming weekend called the Arleigh Williams Forum, either featuring a prominent speaker or a panel of engaged student and faculty to discuss campus issues.[4]

Notable members

The Order's fellows have included:[5]

See also

References
  1. "About the Order". Order of the Golden Bear. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
  2. "OGB | Chronicler's Notes". ogb.berkeley.edu. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  3. "OGB | Senior Hall". ogb.berkeley.edu. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  4. "OGB | Arleigh Williams Forum". ogb.berkeley.edu. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  5. "Summer 1999 – Order of the Golden Bear".
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