Norman, a political science professor for more than five decades. “I absorbed Dad’s passion for teaching, reverence of education, and dedication to fairness and conscience.”

After Norman passed away in 2007, Matt and his family worked with the Doreen B. Townsend Center for the Humanities to create the Norman Jacobson Teaching Award, a fellowship that supports a graduate student in the arts and humanities.

“It has been gratifying and enriching to witness these bright and energetic young people and their passion for pedagogy,” Matt says. He and his wife, Margaret, also created a fellowship supporting humanities faculty.

Throughout his life, Matt has found inspiration in the Berkeley atmosphere, and he suggests that donors do the same when considering making a gift.

“I would encourage fellow alums to expose themselves once again to the energy and passion that is present every day on the campus and in the classrooms,” he says. “They will witness young people in action whose ideas and dedication will change the world.”