Leading the way in making the first major gift to Berkeley’s new law and business building, Koret Foundation Funds has awarded $3 million toward construction of this landmark facility to be shared by Boalt and Haas. The new structure is designed to provide state-of-the-art classrooms and learning spaces, offices for faculty, student journals and student organizations, conference facilities, and space for innovative research centers.
As the first major benefactor of the planned building, Koret leadership recognizes the project’s innovative partnership and vision.
“Collaboration between the law and business schools seems so obvious, yet it took the foresight and planning genius of Deans Edley and Campbell to bring it about in a meaningful way through the new Boalt/Haas building,” said Richard L. Greene ’63, a member of Koret’s Board of Directors. “When completed, this new academic center will further Berkeley’s longstanding tradition of interdisciplinary education and allow the schools to jointly influence scholarship and public policy. This is one of the most important projects on the Berkeley campus which deserves the full support of all the friends of the University of California. Koret is proud to be one of the first major supporters with its $3 million gift. From a personal standpoint, (fellow Koret board member) Michael Boskin (Economics, B.A.’67, Ph.D. ’71) and I are very pleased that our colleagues on the board wanted the foundation to provide this leadership gift.”
The design will forge a physical and intellectual bridge between the two professional schools, promoting innovative collaboration on important issues at the intersection of law and business. The 180,000 square-foot building, located between Boalt and Haas, will feature two mid-rise structures linked by a striking multi-story forum. It will not only embrace a dynamic collaboration between law and business, but will create an important destination venue for the Berkeley campus.
In welcoming one of the largest single gifts ever to benefit Boalt, Dean Christopher Edley said, ”This investment in our excellence—this vote of confidence in our vision—is a dramatic jump start for Boalt and Haas’ new building.”
Koret is recognized for promoting educational excellence, supporting a diverse cultural landscape and assisting agencies that are innovative in their approach to meeting community needs. Since 1979, it has directed more than $315 million toward projects that enhance the Bay Area’s vitality and opportunities.