TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFTS

Berkeley Haas is fortunate to have visionary donors who recognize the power of philanthropy to drive positive change. Over the past year, these donors have leveraged their own success to benefit Berkeley Haas with gifts that empower the school to reimagine business education and develop leaders who can transform the future of business.

Planned giving makes Haas and Berkeley dreams possible

More than 200 proud Haasies have decided to leave a legacy through a planned gift to the Haas School or to UC Berkeley. By making a gift in a will or revocable living trust, donors are recognized with membership in the Benjamin Ide Wheeler Society. Most importantly, they make possible the dreams of future leaders.

Matt Masters and Ken Niemi outdoors wearing Berkeley baseball caps and sweatshirts.

You don’t have to be Bill Gates to do this.”
Careers in energy sparked both lifelong friendship and philanthropy for Matt Masters, MBA 80, and Ken Niemi, MBA 87. The two met at PG&E, and when Masters included Haas and Cal in his estate plans, it inspired Niemi to do the same. “You don’t have to be Bill Gates or Warren Buffett to do this,” Niemi says. Both prioritize sustainability. “We need bright people thinking deeply about these issues,” says Masters. “Whatever support I can lend to Haas programs and students, I feel like it’s doing good.”

Matt Masters, MBA 80, and Ken Niemi, MBA 87

Colleen Cassidy, MBA 86 in a black turtleneck with colorful scarf.

I don’t want anyone to miss out.”
“Haas truly changed my life,” says Colleen Cassidy, MBA 86. A successful pharmaceutical consulting career has allowed her to give back, including a bequest in her will and endowing an undergraduate scholarship. “Consulting was good to me,” she says. “I first thought, ‘Oh, I don’t have that much money,’ but I realized it really won’t affect my retirement at all.” Noting that some students struggle with basic needs, she says, “I don’t want anyone to miss out on a Haas education because they’re so busy just paying for their lives. We can help them have the same opportunities we’ve had.”

Colleen Cassidy, MBA 86

New support for students blends business and science

A new undergraduate scholarship for students in the Robinson Life Science, Business, and Entrepreneurship Program—who are earning dual degrees from Haas and the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology—was awarded for the first time in FY24. Established by Jessica W. Nagle, BA 83, the scholarship helps ensure that students who are passionate about the intersection of science and innovation will have the financial support necessary to become industry leaders in biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and healthcare.

Daphne Situ smiles by a body of water

I am the first in my family to attend a four-year university. I have struggled with the responsibilities and pressures that come with this, but because of this scholarship, I can focus on my studies—removing any guilt of placing a financial burden on my family by attending college. I am particularly interested in biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and aim to be involved in the “bench to bedside” process. I am motivated to do my best at Berkeley and beyond to set myself up for success and hopefully pay it forward to support someone else’s success.”

Daphne Situ, BS 25 (business administration and molecular & cell biology)
First recipient of the Jessica Waxman Nagle Life Science Scholarship

Chancellor’s Chairs boost Berkeley Haas faculty

Berkeley Haas has now filled seven Chancellor’s Chairs, thanks to the generous support of the donors below. The Chancellor’s Chair represents a new model for UC Berkeley, one designed both to retain outstanding faculty and to attract new talent. Each chair supports the appointed professor’s research, teaching, and academic initiatives. The remaining amount funds a new full-time faculty member, when applicable.

Boost flips the script for high school students from underserved communities

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Boost, which has given more than 1,350 high school students mentorship, business skills training, and college advising. Of the 275 Boost alumni who completed the program between 2010 and 2019, more than 98% enrolled in a higher education institution, and more than 80% earned their bachelor’s degree. Donors, foundations, and corporate giving keep Boost going and growing. This includes financial support from Norman Schlinger, BS 75; the gift of time and money from Boost Board Chair Anthony Brekke, MBA 03; and programming ideas and support from Haas School Board member Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz and the Charles Schwab Foundation.

Michelle Mariscal and three family members celebrate her graduation from Boost.
Michelle Mariscal-Lona graduated from Boost in May and started at Berkeley this fall. She was a recipient of Boost’s Ray Miles Scholarship, a $1,000 annual award. Photo: Jim Block

New course and fund prepare students to lead an economic revolution

Students will gain the financial skills to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy by leading a new Climate Solutions Fund this fall—the first of its kind at a major business school. MBA students in the course will serve as investment managers for the $2.37 million fund, learning how to structure financing in complex private markets by investing in real-world deals focused on solutions to climate change. The Climate Solutions Fund was made possible by a lead gift from Allan Holt, MBA 76, along with generous founding donations from Larry Johnson, BS 72; Charlie Michaels, BS 78, and his wife, Doris; Scott Pinkus; and Professor Laura D. Tyson, former Haas dean.

New center keeps Haas at the forefront of behavioral economics

Just as behavioral economics pioneers drew on psychology and the social sciences, it can look to neuroscience, neuropsychiatry, medicine, epidemiology, genetics, and other fields to get a deeper understanding of human decision making. Haas is now poised to lead this cutting-edge work with the Robert G. and Sue Douthit O’Donnell Center for Behavioral Economics, which launched last fall.

Bob and Sue O'Donnell sitting on a bench
Thanks to a philanthropic investment of almost $17 million by Bob O’Donnell, BS 65, MBA 66, and his wife, Sue O’Donnell, the center will advance the next generation of behavioral economics research, extend learning opportunities to students, and position Haas as the preeminent hub for the field. The interdisciplinary nature of the O’Donnell Center ensures that the teaching of behavioral economics and finance will expand to students campuswide.