For the first time ever, students graduating from the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs in the Boalt Hall School of Law achieved 100 percent participation in their gift campaign — raising a remarkable total of $106,000.
“I’m still wrapping my mind around it,” wrote Dean Christopher Edley in an email to UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau. “It demonstrates the willingness of our students to do their share to ensure the success of Boalt’s strategy for leadership.”
Among peer schools conducting similar campaigns last year, Boalt’s Class of ’06 led the way with 97 percent participation. According to Sarah Angel, a Class of ’07 committee cochair, having all 363 students participate this year was more important than the amount each individual gave.
“The campaign committee worked hard to encourage every student to give,” she says. “We were aiming to build a strong sense of community.”
Their dedication paid off unexpectedly. The average gift amount was $292 — significantly higher than many peer schools — and an anonymous gift helped bump the total to its impressive all-time high. Most students gave to specific funds that had supported their own education.
The class organized into small modules that raced to achieve the goal of 100 percent participation. Thanks to the enthusiastic leadership of Glenn Sulmasy, the LL.M.s reached the finish line first, an inspiring victory considering they only attend Boalt for one year.
“We are truly proud of this record-setting achievement,” says Dean Edley. “These students send a powerful message about the vitality of Boalt and the strength of its future.”
