Peter E. Haas Public Service Award

Mrs. Peter E. Haas established the Haas Public Service Award on her husband’s 80th birthday. A counterpart to the Elise and Walter A. Haas International Award, which recognizes distinguished Berkeley alums overseas, it honors those whose commitment to their community exemplifies the university’s mission to serve the public good.

Criteria

The Peter E. Haas Public Service Award recognizes a UC Berkeley alum who has made significant and impactful contributions to the betterment of society within the United States through volunteering. It includes four major categories — community/social service, healthcare, the environment, and education — and especially acknowledges grassroots activities that illustrate the broad impact one individual can have in inspiring creative social change across communities.

Award

The winner receives $30,000, an engraved medallion, and an additional $30,000 to be donated to a non-profit organization of their choice. The 2025 award will be presented at the commencement ceremony on campus on May 17, 2025. The recipient is asked to speak about the value of public service to Berkeley students and faculty.

Eligibility Requirements

Alums who attended the university for at least three quarters and who live in the United States are eligible for the Haas Public Service Award. A Berkeley degree is not required. Nominees should be nominated for volunteer work that is performed that is in addition to their livelihood or place of employment. The Nomination Deadline for the 2025 award has been extended to November 30, 2024.

Learn more about Peter E. Haas

Past Recipients

2024 Recipient

Martha A. Ryan

Martha A. Ryan M.P.H. ’89 (2024, Community/Social Service) is a visionary leader who has dedicated her life to serving others and built a remarkable legacy based on this principle. A former nurse practitioner, she is the founder and former executive director of the Homeless Prenatal Program, a nationally recognized family resource center in San Francisco that empowers homeless and low-income families — particularly mothers motivated by pregnancy and parenthood — to find within themselves the strength and confidence they need to transform their lives. She started her professional life as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa, later returning there to work as a nurse in refugee camps in Uganda and Somalia. Her other awards include alumna of the year at Berkeley’s School of Public Health, a CNN Hero Award, and the James Irvine Leadership Award.

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Nominate

Full name of nominee: *

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Your name: *

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Your nominee’s contributions to society: * Give examples of your nominee’s significant and impactful volunteer contributions to the betterment of society within the United States in any of these categories — community/social service, healthcare, the environment, or education. 500 words maximum.

Your nominee’s grassroots work: * Describe your nominee’s grassroots activities that illustrate the broad impact one individual can have in inspiring creative social change across communities. Note their leadership skills and accomplishments. Maximum word count 500.

Your nominee’s character: * Share a personal anecdote that gives some insight into your nominee’s character. What motivates the nominee to dedicate time to the cause they support? How do they inspire others?* Maximum word count 500.

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Document Upload Provide at least two letters of reference and any additional supporting documents, such as the nominee’s résumé or related articles (no more than six pages total).

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