Steven E.F. Brown
March 20, 2013
San Francisco Business Times
Even as the University of California, Berkeley struggles hard to save money and cut its budget, large and small construction projects are still going on all over its campus.
Under severe pressure from cuts in support from both California and the U.S. government, Cal has tried many ways to cut the fat and improve efficiency through its “Operational Excellence” program.
But meanwhile, there’s a yellow tower crane beside the Campanile, and this week campus tour guides had to raise their voices to be heard over jackhammers in more than one place at the university as they shepherded curious tourists or future students around.
Since much of the money for buildings and construction comes from private donations, and since that money is usually earmarked and ring-fenced so it can’t be spent on anything else, these projects continue, recession or no, as the university goes on reinventing its physical self while also tinkering “under the hood” to remain a world-class school on a weaker budget.
Click on the photo to see a slideshow of construction work going on all over campus.
Steven E. F. Brown 