“The enthusiasm on campus, the sense of support between students, the caliber of the professors. It all leads us to want to continue to support the university,” says Sydne, a retired social worker who now tutors first-grade schoolchildren from immigrant families.

Though the Bortels both earned graduate degrees at Cal, they are particularly inspired by the potential of the university’s talented undergraduates.

“These students have an incredible challenge ahead,” says Allan, a retired investment banker, “and Berkeley provides focus and a culture of responsibility beyond any experience that I or our grown children received.”

Allan and Sydne’s wide-ranging support of Cal — from the Haas School of Business and the School of Optometry to the Library and the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life — reflects their belief in its ability to transform lives in a variety of ways.

“A contribution to UC Berkeley is an investment in the future of our world,” Sydne says.