That’s not the only “Berkeley merger” that Duval, chair of the UC Berkeley Foundation, is celebrating. More than 225,700 donors joined together to contribute to Light the Way’s total of $7.37 billion. She reflects on the campaign below.’
What do you attribute to the campaign’s historic success?
Chancellor Christ! This campaign truly transformed our campus, due to her leadership. Her goals were clear, and she participated in achieving those goals.
Another element was that the campaign reached out to many alums who had not been touched before in any capacity, and it brought them back. You could contribute to many areas and become part of a community that built its success.
Chancellor Carol Christ (left) and Bettina Duval at the closing celebration of Light the Way on Feb. 29, 2024 in Oakland. Photo by Keegan Houser.
What achievements are you proud of?
All of the construction. Our campus is being rebuilt for the next century.
For example, transfer students come in late to a group of students who’ve already had the opportunity to bond and develop among themselves. Instead of feeling like a fish out of water, Anchor House, the new residential building for transfer students, will provide them with a home to build their own community as they embark on becoming part of such a large campus. And its location puts them right downtown.
The gift to renovate Moffitt Library is futuristic in its thinking, and it moved me that it recognizes the chancellor. Isn’t that what Berkeley is all about? We give based on our hearts and what’s interesting to us. And you can’t lose sight of the fact that it’s one of the few buildings on campus named after a woman.
What’s next for the foundation?
We must continue our true support of Berkeley as stewards of our endowment and philanthropic leaders. We’re analyzing the campaign to plan for the next one, and will help the next chancellor, Rich Lyons, develop focus areas.
