Although Zachary and Joy Liang Kruth hold degrees from private institutions, it’s Berkeley — where Zachary earned his undergraduate degree in political economy — that benefits the most from their philanthropy.

It was during his time at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business — including a pivotal summer internship at Microsoft Game Studios — that Paul Ibarra resolved to parlay his love of video games into a viable career path.

An alum and frequent donor to UC Berkeley, Randy Wu is philosophical about the role of Cal in his life and in society. “Fiat Lux has a double meaning for me,” says Randy, a retired executive who worked in the energy industry and helped develop solar energy projects. “Like renewable energy, Cal is an invaluable resource that is worth many times the investment and deserves our support.”

As a Cal student in the 1990s, Bill Tarantino kept busy with the Cal Band, a fraternity, student orientations, and more, all while earning a dual degree in psychology and social welfare. He also had a work-study job in fundraising, where he learned how important philanthropy is to maintaining Cal’s excellence.

Even before becoming a first-generation college student at UC Berkeley, Oscar Olivas appreciated the support that the campus provided him. “I connected with the recruiter, who was later instrumental in launching my career at a Berkeley Haas case competition,” he recalls.

The proud parents of a Cal graduate, Jennifer and Doug Claman maintain a big-picture approach when it comes to supporting the university. “We give to Cal because of our personal commitment to higher education and because of Berkeley’s perpetual pursuit of academic excellence,” says Jennifer. “Where else can you find Nobel Laureate-only parking spaces?”