In 1925, Harold Ellis, a journalist from the Sacramento Bee, established the University of California's first news bureau at UC Berkeley. Ellis was appointed by then-UC President Robert Gordon Sproul to help communicate the university's achievements and needs to Californians.

Ellis worked on a limited budget and traveled across California to build relationships with news editors. He introduced the UC Clip Sheet, a weekly digest covering news from Berkeley and other campuses that were part of UC's expansion. Among the notable achievements during his tenure was publicizing the invention of the cyclotron by Berkeley physicist Ernest O. Lawrence, which led to significant scientific advancements and a Nobel Prize in 1939.

Ellis' efforts also contributed to the passage of California Prop. 10 in 1926, which funded state buildings including those at Berkeley. By 1927, he reported that his work had improved media coverage about the university.

Today, UC Berkeley’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs continues Ellis’ legacy by adapting to modern communication methods including social media and digital communications. Chancellor Rich Lyons emphasized its importance: “Now, more than ever, it’s essential to Berkeley’s mission to tell our distinctive story effectively.”

After Ellis retired in 1950, his office evolved into what is now known as UC Berkeley News and Media Relations. It played a key role in crisis communications during decades marked by protests such as the Free Speech Movement.

Ray Colvig headed this office from 1964 to 1991 through periods of significant campus unrest and global media interest in events like Patty Hearst's kidnapping and incidents involving the Unabomber. Colvig managed both challenging situations and positive developments such as faculty Nobel Prizes.

Robert "Bob" Sanders has been with Berkeley since 1991, focusing on promoting scientific discoveries. His team works closely with faculty to ensure research is communicated effectively.

The department faces challenges due to changes in public higher education funding and shifts in media landscapes. Aileen Zerrudo recently joined as associate vice chancellor and chief communications officer with plans to maintain Berkeley’s reputation while adapting communication strategies for new opportunities.

“For 100 years,” Zerrudo stated, “this department has been a bridge to the world... Today, we’re building on that foundation by ensuring Berkeley’s contributions are clearly understood.” As they enter their second century, they remain committed to upholding their tradition of excellence in communication.