For the past 6 years, OMBO has coordinated the Fabric of Cal fashion show. One of the most anticipated events of Caltopia, the Fabric of Cal is designed to showcase the diversity of Cal students, staff, and faculty, and features stylish, licensed Cal-logoed and fashion apparel in a high-energy setting. On August 25th, 2008, the Fabric of Cal 2008 theme focused on “Making a Difference.” As the global community is impacted by increasing environmental and social pressures, OMBO wanted to showcase how UC Berkeley is responding in a positive manner to effect change and how each person can make a difference. This year, we asked our models and sponsors to identify how they contribute to the community. Singly and together, we can make a difference.

Nancy Jurich, Director of Administrative and Business Services for Residential and Student Services Program, was a model at Caltopia a few years ago. A chance conversation between Maria Rubinshteyn, Marketing & Business Outreach Director, and Nancy led to an awareness of and future inclusion of members of the Cal Independent Scholars Network Program (CISN) as Fabric of Cal models.

Nancy shared with OMBO the compelling story of a Cal student, a former foster youth who described her life and experience in arriving at Cal alone with nothing more than a duffel bag of clothes. Recognizing there were no programs at Cal to support independent students, CISN was created.

What exactly is CISN? CISN is dedicated to providing support to incoming freshman and transfer students to Cal who are former foster youth, orphaned, or otherwise independent of parental support. The goal is to assist these students in their transition to Cal, as well as to monitor their academic progress leading to graduation from the University. Upon arrival at Cal, CISN provides students with residential hall room furnishings, books, supplies and mentorship by faculty, staff and community with CISN Scholars to provide personal support to these students throughout their matriculation at the University.

OMBO immediately decided to provide support to CISN in a tangible way to enhance the Cal experience for them. They arranged for CISN models to be supplied with a Cal-logoed ensemble which they can wear with pride throughout the year.

In addition, members of the OMBO team have served as CISN volunteers, providing homemade goodies and other contributions for the finals care packages. At the end of each semester, CISN volunteers gather to assemble the packages. Some of the items that have been donated include blue books, pens, highlighters, fresh fruit, energy drinks, water, gift cards, hot chocolate, homemade cookies and trail mix, popcorn and other munchies.

For more information on the Cal Independent Scholars Network, donations, volunteer opportunities, and to join OMBO in encouraging these students, please contact Deborah Lowe Martinez, J.D., at dlowemartinez [at] berkeley [dot] edu or CISN's website at http://trsp.berkeley.edu/cisn.htm.