Peter S. Van Houten ’53

Early Life

Cal Education, SAE & Early Career Years

Entered Cal Fall 1952. Lived at Bowles Hall
Lettered and earned Big C in baseball. Earned Circle C in volleyball
Pledged SAE Fall 1953. Became EA Fall 1955
Attended SAE Leadership School in Evanston, IL
President of Big C Society. Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Honor Roll
ASUC Representative at Large
Graduated in 1956 with honors in Physical Education
Regimental Commander (Cadet Colonel) in Army ROTC
2nd and 1st Lt. Armor at Fort Knox and Camp (now Fort) Irwin
Coached Cal JV baseball team while attending graduate school
Taught Junior High School in San Leandro, CA 1958/59
Earned his Master (M.A.) in Education in 1962 and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in 1973

U.C. Berkeley Career

Spanned 40 years from 1960 to his retirement in 2000
Began as Assistant Dean of Students. Was advisor to the IFC
In 1968 became the first Dean of Orientations
In 1973 was appointed Director, Office of Student Advising & Assistance
Director of Pre-Graduate and Pre-Professional Advising
Director, Graduate School Services
Started the program for advising student-athletes
Became the announcer at many campus events
President, Western Regional Association of Advisors for the Health Professions
President, Pacific Coast Association of Pre-Law Advisors
Editor of The Advisor, Journal of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions

Awards, Honors & Post-Career Activities

At retirement, awarded the Berkeley Citation and Helmet Award
Past-President of Cal Alumni Club of Tuolumne County
Visits high schools all over the state to talk about Cal
Helps high school students edit their personal statements for their UC applications
Active with Class of 1956 reunion and gift committee
Continues to serve as emcee at Cal commencement convocations
In 2014, received the Cal Alumni Association’s “Award for Excellence in Service”

Personal & Family

Married Betty Jane Mitchell on Dec. 15, 1956. She was an ADPi at Cal.
According to Betty, “Peter is really married to Cal.”
Have five children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild
Have lived in Twain Harte, CA for 40+ years
Travel extensively including to Cambria, Palm Springs, and Mammoth Lakes
Also enjoy attending jazz festivals
According to Peter, “Cal deserves my every effort to become the best ambassador I can be. As with so many other alums, it’s a labor of love. I’m just True Blue. Probably far too much. But that’s me.”