NEWS RELEASE, 10/22/98 Class reunions bring in $2 million in gifts from UC Berkeley alumni

By Jose Rodriguez, Development Communications

BERKELEY -- Class reunions this fall at the University of California, Berkeley, inspired alumni to do more than renew old ties. The events also led to a windfall in gifts to the campus - to the tune of nearly $2 million. Nine classes raised $1,905,000, which is a UC Berkeley record for reunion fundraising. Some drives still are in progress. Funds raised will support a variety of programs to benefit students and faculty, particularly the unrestricted Chancellor's Millennium Fund, one of the university's highest priorities. The gifts were delivered to Chancellor Robert M. Berdahl at the recent Homecoming, Reunion & Parents Weekend. The gathering included class reunions, faculty lectures, open houses, a homecoming football victory and a wide range of events held across the campus. "These gifts are by individuals, many of whom have been away from the UC Berkeley campus for years, who still see a connection to the university and to our mission," said interim Vice Chancellor for University Relations John M. Cash. "It's a very moving statement of support for what we're doing here and one of faith in the future. Alumni giving is well on its way toward becoming a new Cal tradition." Leading the way in giving was the Class of 1948, which celebrated its 50th reunion. The Class of '48 was responsible for the creation of the first Oski mascot, Straw Hat Band and UC Men's Octet-Cal traditions still in place today. The 50th Reunion Campaign has raised $711,000 so far, with 35 percent of alumni participating to support the Lawrence Hall of Science and to establish endowments for the Cal Marching Band, UC Choral Ensembles and Cal spirit groups. Other class-giving totals are as follows: o Class of 1938: $60,000 raised in six months; added to existing Class of 1938 Gift Fund. o Class of 1953: $175,000 raised to date toward $250,000 goal; for Class of 1953 West Gate and Bench. o Class of 1958: $40,000 raised in six months; added to existing Class of 1958 Chair. o Class of 1963: $433,000 raised to date for Endowed Chair to support undergraduate teaching. o Class of 1968: $165,000 raised to date for Chancellor's Millennium Fund. o Class of 1973: $100,000 raised to date for Chancellor's Millennium Fund. o Class of 1978: $121,000 raised to date for Chancellor's Millennium Fund. o Class of 1988: $100,000 raised to date for Chancellor's Millennium Fund [largest amount raised, and highest participation rate, by any 10th reunion class]. During the recent Homecoming, Reunion & Parents Weekend, UC Berkeley also launched class reunion fundraising drives for 1999. Drives are underway now for the classes of 1949, 1969, 1974, 1979 and 1989. All gifts raised go toward "The Promise of Berkeley-Campaign for the New Century." More than $820 million has been raised so far in the campaign, which seeks to reach its $1.1-billion goal by 2001.