Peter E. Haas Public Service Award

The Peter E. Haas Public Service Award recognizes a UC Berkeley alum who has made significant voluntary contributions to the betterment of society within the United States. 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. The winner receives $30,000, an engraved medallion, and an additional $30,000 to be donated to a charity of their choice. The award is presented at the May commencement ceremony on May 13, 2023. The recipient is asked to speak about the value of public service to Berkeley students and faculty.

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.

Learn more about Peter E. Haas

2022 Recipient

William Rogers

William Rogers ’91, Rhetoric (2022, Social Service) is an insightful community leader and compassionate administrator who has greatly strengthened the Bay Area’s capacity to serve the needs of its citizens over a seventeen-year career in service. His work for the City of Berkeley’s  departments of public health and parks and recreation has deepened and enhanced resources for Berkeley’s elders, for at-risk youth, for those struggling with HIV and economic hardship, and for those who simply want to enjoy the city’s public spaces. He currently serves as the president and CEO of Goodwill of the San Francisco Bay and on the boards of organizations focused on smoothing the path to higher education and ensuring that members of the LGTBQ community are seen, heard, and met.

Nomination Process

Deadline:

February 15, 2023

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. Note: Anyone nominated for work that is directly related to his/her livelihood or place of employment will not be considered. Please submit a nomination package that includes the following:

  1. A nominating letter with the address, email, and phone number for you and your nominee. Give examples of your nominee’s leadership skills and voluntary contributions to his/her community in one of the four fields listed above.

  2. Up to three letters of recommendation that reflect a variety of relationships to the nominee and viewpoints on their service.

  3. Up to five supporting documents (maximum of 15 pages) such as a curriculum vitae, news articles, or an organizational brochure or newsletter.

Nominate

PDF, Word Doc, ODT, or RTF files accepted. Multiple files may be selected at once.

* required