President James B. Milliken and his wife, Nana Smith (center), pose with UCOP staff and members of the UC Berkeley Nazakat dance group.

University of California President James B. Milliken and his wife, Nana Smith, joined the UC Office of the President’s Diwali celebration on Oct. 21, 2025, bringing warmth and personal reflection to the annual festival of lights.

In his remarks, President Milliken shared memories of India and his colleagues and friends there, along with his delight in celebrating California’s recognition of Diwali as a new state holiday with UCOP colleagues. He drew a meaningful connection between Diwali and UC’s identity: “Diwali is known for its imagery of light,” President Milliken said. “This is the perfect place to have a Diwali celebration — in the state that has recognized this holiday, and at our university, whose motto is ‘Let There Be Light.’”

A growing celebration of shared values

Sponsored by the Asian Pacific Islander Staff Association (APISA), a UCOP employee resource group, the Diwali event welcomed approximately 250 staff in Oakland and via Zoom. APISA executive sponsors Nathan Brostrom and Yvette Gullatt joined APISA chair and vice chair Barbara Hui and Shirley Bittlingmeier in lighting diya, ceremonial candles that represent light overcoming darkness and good defeating evil.

“This festive gathering reflected our shared belief that diverse cultures strengthen our organization and that traditions like Diwali can reveal our common values,” said APISA member Laurel Skurko. “Attendees enjoyed connecting with our new president and his wife, learning about his global ties and passion for this celebration, and seeing our leaders reaffirm UC’s commitment to honoring the rich tapestry of cultures that unite our community.”

Performances, food and cultural immersion

The Diwali event featured several performances and contributions from returning artists and artisans:

• UC Berkeley dance group Nazakat gave an energetic, interactive performance, demonstrating North Indian dances and inviting the audience to participate.
• Culinary delights transported guests to South Asia, including savory aloo tikki (spiced potato patties), pakora (mixed vegetable fritters), paneer (Indian cheese), muruku (crunchy spirals) and chutneys; chai and lassis; and authentic Indian desserts, including kheer (creamy cardamom-flavored rice pudding), barfi (sweet milk-based coconut confections), and gulab jamun (dumplings in rose syrup).
• Specially curated Indian music playlists and videos provided an immersive cultural atmosphere.

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Event video and photos

(Above: UC Berkeley Indian dance group Nazakat shares a performance.)

APISA executive sponsors Nathan Brostrom and Yvette Gullatt join members in lighting ceremonial diya candles

APISA’s 2025 Diwali celebration was an opportunity for community and connection

Acknowledgements

APISA would like to recognize the leaders and 2025 Diwali Planning Committee who helped to make this event a success:

• APISA executive sponsors Nathan Brostrom, executive vice president and chief financial officer, UC, and Yvette Gullatt, vice president for Graduate and Undergraduate Affairs, vice provost for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and chief diversity officer, UC
• Event chairs: Barbara Hui (California Digital Library, APISA chair) and Shirley Bittlingmeier (Information and Technology Services [ITS], APISA vice chair)
• Event managers and APISA volunteers: Anvita Seth Kapoor (Business Resource Center [BRC]), Sushant Prasaad (ITS) and Laurel Skurko (ITS)
• APISA leaders and event volunteers, Anna Chan (BRC, APISA secretary), Melvin Tangonan (Office of the General Counsel, APISA co-treasurer), and Ni Qiu (Retirement Administration Services Center, APISA co-treasurer)
• UCOP employee resource group leads: Lalitha Sankaran and Dennis McIver (Office of Culture and Inclusive Excellence)
• UCOP events staff, particularly Alexis Santos, whose creative and professional guidance and suppxort were instrumental in making this event a success.
• Many additional dedicated volunteers made this celebration possible, including: Vagdevi Akella, Anisha Ashraf, Marri Atienza, Arun Duggal, Veeresham Merugu, Deepak Patil, Brenda Perez, Darpan Potnis, MJ Saechao, Mey Saechao, Swapna Rachamalla, Hemalatha Ramaiah, Aarti Sharma, Juliet Shin, and Pikka Sodhi

About APISA

APISA promotes and enhances the well-being of its members and supports equitable access for all through active participation and representation at UCOP and the community at large. APISA sponsors activities that foster inclusivity, understanding and community building related to the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander cultures. Learn more at APISA’s website.

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