Just as the butterfly effect suggests that small actions can cause large, resonating effects, small actions that support Berkeley Law make a big impact on the school and the world around us.
This concept stood at the heart of “The Berkeley Effect,” the theme of UC Berkeley’s annual Big Give—a one-day, campuswide fundraising campaign held November 17, 2016. And the law school’s alumni mobilized en masse to support future generations of Boalties.
“We are humbled and incredibly grateful for the outpouring of generosity from our alumni during Big Give,” says Interim Dean Melissa Murray. She notes that the majority of gifts were allocated to the Boalt Hall Fund, which finances student scholarships, programming, public interest fellowships, and Berkeley Law’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
From the jovial “carpool karaoke” video featuring Dean Murray and current students to a stream of photos, good wishes, and support via social media channels, Boalt pride overflowed during the 24-hour fundraising blitz.
During the campaign, Berkeley Law raised a total of $803,866 for its students, with more than 1,000 gifts from alumni, faculty, staff members, students, and friends. Thanks to its community’s robust participation, Berkeley Law received an additional $12,880 from the university, which provided incentive- based funding based on various benchmarks.
A special shout-out to graduates of classes 2006- 2016: Thanks to you, Berkeley Law tied for the most young alumni donors of all units on campus. What’s more, those gifts were matched 2-to-1 by the alumni-supported Boalt Young Alumni Matching Gift Program.
The law school also received great support from seed gift donors, who pledged $5,000 or more in advance of Big Give.
International alumni also stepped up, sending gifts to their alma mater from Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and the Virgin Islands.
“For over 100 years, Berkeley Law has empowered its graduates to influence change across the country and the world,” says Assistant Dean of Advancement Amy Ambrose. “Now, through Big Give and other fundraising initiatives, our alumni are helping the students of today have access to the same opportunity. We’re so thankful for their ongoing support and pride in this outstanding institution.”
Mark your calendars for this year’s Big Give on Thursday, November 16.
—Rachel DeLetto