Achievement Awards | Berkeley Awards

The Berkeley community is filled with people pushing the edges of what’s possible — business leaders whose achievements have shaped entire industries and benefited humankind; alums whose dedication to Berkeley has had a profound and lasting impact on students and faculty; and young alums whose early achievements are already showing great promise for their fields or communities. Each year, the university honors them with the Achievement Awards, co-presented by the UC Berkeley Foundation and the Cal Alumni Association.

The nomination deadline for 2026 was November 17, 2025.

The 2026 recipients will be formally presented with their awards at the Berkeley Charter Gala on May 21, 2026.

2026 Award Recipients

Alum of the Year Award

Amy Tan Ph.D. student ’74–’76

Berkeley Founders Award

Charles Huang ’93

Campanile Excellence in Achievement Award

Dick Levy Ph.D. ’65

Gary S. May M.S. ’88, Ph.D. ’91

Fiat Lux Faculty Award

John DeNero Ph.D. ’10

Mark Bingham Award for Excellence in Achievement by Young Alums

Paige Balcom M.S. ’18, Ph.D. ’22

Arjun Singh ’10, Ph.D. ’16

Alum of the Year Award

Honors a prominent alum who exemplifies the very best of Berkeley, whose professional leadership and contributions have led to extraordinary advances that benefit the greater good of society, who gives back to the community and university, and who inspires others in their careers and personal lives. One award will be given each year.
Nomination Form

Past Recipients
Berkeley Founders Award

Celebrates an alum or friend who has given long-term distinguished leadership and service to a broad range of academic, athletic, philanthropic, and other programs across the university. One award will be given each year.
Nomination Form

Past Recipients
Campanile Excellence in Achievement Award

Recognizes an alum whose remarkable professional achievements reflect the excellence of a UC Berkeley education. A maximum of two awards will be given each year.
Nomination Form

Past Recipients
Fiat Lux Faculty Award

Awards a faculty member whose extraordinary contributions go above and beyond the call of duty to advance the university’s philanthropic mission and transform its research, teaching, and programs. One award will be given each year.
Nomination Form

Past Recipients
Mark Bingham Award for Excellence in Achievement by Young Alums

Commends young alums who graduated within the last 10 years and have made a significant contribution to their community, country, or the world at large. This award pays tribute to Mark Bingham ’93, who died on September 11, 2001, defending the United States on United Airlines Flight 93. A maximum of two awards will be given each year.
Nomination Form

Past Recipients

Nomination Form

Please consider this nominee for the following award(s): *

Alum of the Year Award (lifetime achievement)

Berkeley Founders Award (leadership service)

Campanile Excellence in Achievement Award (professional achievement)

Fiat Lux Faculty Award (faculty achievement)

Mark Bingham Award for Excellence in Achievement by Young Alumni

Full name of nominee: *

UC Berkeley degree(s), major(s), and class year(s), if known/applicable: *

Nominee’s preferred pronoun, if known: *

Nominee’s address:

Nominee’s phone number: *

Nominee’s email address: *

Your name: *

Your relationship to the nominee: *

Your address: *

Your phone number: *

Your email address: *

Give examples of the nominee’s contributions to their community, profession, and/or our state, nation, or world. Explain how the nominee’s values and achievements reflect our university or the excellence of a Berkeley education. * Maximum word count 500.

Give examples of the nominee’s commitment and connections to Berkeley. * If the nominee has participated in a philanthropic program for Berkeley, please give specific examples such as the amount raised, methods for engaging others to participate, or new programs created. 500 word count maximum.

Describe the nominee’s leadership skills and accomplishments. * 500 word count maximum.

Share a personal anecdote that gives some insight into the nominee’s character. What motivates them to dedicate their time and skills to Berkeley? How do they inspire others? 500 word count maximum.

Provide links to websites or videos relating to the nominee.

You may provide up to five supporting documents, including letters of reference, the nominee’s résumé, or related articles. CDs, DVDs, and videos are not accepted (but you may provide links to videos in the field above).

* required