Undergrad Transformation

Berkeley Haas received its largest single gift ever to expand our top-ranked, two-year undergraduate business program into a four-year program. In recognition of the $30 million gift from Warren “Ned” Spieker, BS 66, and his wife, Carol, BA 66 (political science), UC Berkeley will name the Haas School’s four-year undergraduate business program the Spieker Undergraduate Business Program.

Historically, undergraduates have applied to Haas as sophomores and enrolled as juniors. Now, prospective Berkeley students will have the option to apply directly to Haas and enter as freshmen, giving them an additional two years for deeper learning, including career development, study-abroad opportunities, entrepreneurship programs, capstone projects, mentorship engagements, and internships.

As part of the gift, the new Spieker Scholars Program will award a select number of students per class with significant financial support and enrichment opportunities. Additionally, scholarships will be expanded for students who have financial barriers to attending UC Berkeley. Classrooms in Cheit Hall will also be upgraded to provide a state-of-the-art learning experience.

At a Glance

The expanded four-year undergraduate program has also received a number of gifts from other generous supporters. They include: Steve Etter, BS 83, MBA 89; Maria and Gene Frantz, BS 88; Joanne and Jon Goldstein, BS 82; Melissa and Clif Marriott, BS 99; Adria and Brian Sheth; Roshni and Jagdeep Singh, MBA 90; Melody and Jerry Weintraub, BS 80, MBA 88; and Janelle Grimes, BA 86 (political science), and Michael Grimes, BS 87 (electrical engineering and computer science).

The generosity from the Grimes family extends to numerous parts of Haas. They’ve previously supported the Entrepreneurship Hub, the Grimes Chair, the Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology program (M.E.T), and our dean’s priorities.

Fall 2023

Applications open

Fall 2024

Inaugural first-year cohort enrolls at Berkeley Haas