Campus announces 10-Year Partnership with Herff Jones as Exclusive Provider of Graduation Regalia
Partnership introduces EarthGrad™ gowns – the only fully sustainable regalia made from 100% recycled materials
Berkeley, CA - January 1, 2026 - UC Berkeley is proud to announce a 10-year partnership with Herff Jones, the nation’s leading provider of handcrafted graduation and educational achievement products, as the exclusive provider of the university’s graduation regalia.
This partnership was driven by UC Berkeley’s Cal Zero Waste program and its commitment to sustainability. As part of the agreement, UC Berkeley will outfit graduates in EarthGrad™ regalia, Herff Jones’ fully sustainable and industry-leading academic attire. EarthGrad gowns are the only regalia of their kind to be certified as manufactured from 100% recycled materials, offering both an environmentally responsible choice and a superior wearing experience. The fabric features a luxurious, soft, woven hand with a matte finish, ensuring graduates look and feel their best on commencement day.
"UC Berkeley has long been a leader in environmental stewardship, and our commencement ceremonies are no exception,” said Lin King, zero waste manager at UC Berkeley. “By selecting EarthGrad™ gowns, we are ensuring that our graduates can celebrate their achievements in attire that aligns with our campus sustainability goals, reduces waste, and demonstrates that style and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
EarthGrad™ regalia is a custom Herff Jones offering that reflects a growing commitment from higher education institutions to align tradition with sustainable innovation.
"We are honored to partner with such a prestigious and forward-thinking university,” said Zach Baird, general manager and senior vice president of college sales at Herff Jones. “EarthGrad gowns are proof that graduates can enjoy a premium commencement experience without compromising their values. Together with UC Berkeley, we are setting a new standard for sustainability in academic regalia.”
The 10-year agreement underscores both organizations’ dedication to tradition, academic excellence and environmental responsibility, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of commencement celebrations.
Learn More
For more details about the UC Berkeley and Herff Jones partnership, including frequently asked questions, please visit our Graduation Regalia FAQs page. For details about
Graduates may place their regalia orders directly through the Herff Jones Ordering Portal.
Information about upcoming commencement ceremonies, key dates, and visitor details is available on the UC Berkeley Commencement website.
About Herff Jones:
Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the nation’s leading provider of handcrafted graduation and educational products and services. With more than 100 years of experience, Herff Jones inspires achievement, fosters memorable student experiences, and builds lasting connections with educators, students, and their families. For more information, visit www.herffjones.com
About UC Berkeley:
The University of California, Berkeley, is the world’s premier public university and the flagship of the 10-campus University of California system. The university was chartered in 1868 with a mission to excel in teaching, research and public service. Enrolling more than 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the campus is home to approximately 1,500 full-time and 500 part-time faculty members across more than 130 academic departments offering nearly 400 degree programs. UC Berkeley's outstanding research has led to a distinguished record of scholarship, innovation, a concern for the betterment of our world and consistently high rankings of its schools and departments. Its community of faculty and alumni includes nearly 60 Nobel laureates, underscoring Berkeley’s legacy of excellence and global impact.