Get Involved!
Our campaign is looking for motivated CoC undergraduates to join our team as an Ambassador. Being an Ambassador means you get inside access to upcoming events hosted by the Undergraduate Gift Committee and can be as involved as you would like. If you are interested, please contact Raina Kasera at: raina.kasera@berkeley.edu
About Us
The Undergraduate Gift Campaign is the official student philanthropy group of the College of Chemistry. Our goal is to galvanize undergraduate students of the College of Chemistry to support the next generation of scientific leaders at UC Berkeley.
Led by a team of passionate and dedicated undergraduate students, our campaign works to build a school-wide culture of philanthropy amongst our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Through student events and participation in the campus-wide initiative Big Give, we educate our community on the importance of philanthropy and instill a sense of comradery and pride for being a Bear.
Letter from the Chair
Dear students,
Welcome back! I hope you are enjoying your time back on campus. I would like to begin by thanking you for supporting the Undergraduate Gift Campaign this past year. We are so proud of our community for coming together during a time of need to support each other. This would not have been possible without you.
This year, the Undergraduate Gift Campaign is excited to continue building our community of support by working with you, the CoC undergraduates, to make our experience the best it can be. By collaborating with each other, we hope to create an inspiring and inclusive environment that makes our time at Cal just a little bit easier.
I encourage you to take a moment to reflect upon your experiences in the CoC and the impact your peers and faculty have had on you. Which students have made your college experience fun? What resources have helped you the most? Why do you give?
Every gift makes a difference, no matter how much. By taking these steps as students, we are creating a community of support that will last us a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Raina Kasera
Undergraduate Gift Chair
Why we need YOU
Until 1968 the State of California provided 95% of Cal’s budget. Today that number has dropped to only 14%. As state funding for public universities declines, the College of Chemistry relies increasingly on private philanthropic support. In order to continue equally serving our students and adequately supporting our faculty, annual donations from our alumni, donors, and current students are critical to our College's continued excellence. Your donation will not only improve our student experience through greater resources and services such as the Student Advising Center & Advisors, Peer Tutoring Program, dedicated Undergraduate Career Advisor, and upgrades to study and collaboration spaces, but your support will also provide greater opportunities for future students that will follow our footsteps. Our donations will help our College continue to provide a high standard of education for us - and future undergraduate students.
Our 2021 impact
We had a record-breaking 2021 – our campaign surpassed our fundraising goal by over 192%! Our funds helped support two major programs in the CoC:
- CoC Peer Tutoring Program – $200/day to run Provides undergraduates with peer advising and tutoring in the various academic programs and classes in the College. Program resulted in a 1/3 decrease in the number of students on academic probation.
- CoC Chem Scholars Program – $100/day to run Provides faculty mentorship and leadership opportunities to help students succeed in our rigorous academic environment. Program served 160+ students in 2020 alone.
Student Donor Spotlights
Here are some quotes from our 2020 student donors about why they give.
GIVING BACK
Emily Hayman ‘21, Chemical Engineering
No matter how much we have to give, be it a little or a lot, it is impossible to overcome any challenge without some help. I am where I am today because of many people selflessly contributing to my well-being; be that fiscal or emotional assistance. If I do not always take every opportunity to give back to others in the way others have given to me, I am doing myself and all those who came before me a great disservice.
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
Colby McCann ‘20, Chemistry
As one of the first recipients of the College of Chemistry's Peer Tutoring program, I recognize how important the college's resources are to the success of students. I was happy to donate to make a good undergraduate experience possible.
ENSURING EVERY STUDENT’S FUTURE SUCCESS
Grant Gechtman ‘21, Chemical Engineering
I contributed to ensure the College of Chemistry continues to instill its students with the mindset to push boundaries and make a difference… I feel Berkeley prepared me well for the professional world and I want others to experience the high quality of learning that I am fortunate to have.
PAY IT FORWARD
Chinoros Ruttanasupagid ‘23, Chemical Engineering
As an undergraduate student, I get to experience the college's excellent commitment to education. I wanted to provide the resources they need to support students and maintain their high standards in education.
2021 Donor Wall
This Honor Roll reflects gifts made by current students from March 10, 2021 through March 12, 2021.
Anoohya Panidapu
Anthony Escobio
Chinoros Ruttanasupagid
Chuying Huang
Danna Nozik
Emily Hayman
Ethan Yu
Glen Gilbert Jr.
Henri Jenoudet
Hong Tang
Hongda Mi
Hung Lee
Isabela Nangca
Kyla de Villa
Leticia Matsubara
Matthew Moy
Nadia Berndt
Nicholas Watanabe
Patrick Bupara
Pragnay Nevatia
Prisha Davda
Rachel Soong
Raina Kasera
Ryan Tran
Sameh Shaikh
Sean Fu
Tengyue Ren
Tso Yang
Verena Yiu
Ziheng Ma
Zoie Zhu
Connect
Connect with us on social media to be notified about events, raffles, and other fun opportunities!
Contact Us
Raina Kasera
Undergraduate Gift Chair
raina.kasera@berkeley.edu
2021-22 Events
Sep. 9, 2021
Ice Cream Social
Dec. 3, 2021
Hot Cocoa Social
Feb. 8-15, 2022
Valentine’s Day Candygrams
March 10, 2022
Big Give Bash