Congratulations to Trustee Rene Kern and Trustee Cathy Unger for receiving the Spirit of 1868 Volunteer Award!

The Spirit of 1868 Volunteer Award acknowledges alumni and friends who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer leadership and accomplishments in support of the university’s philanthropic and outreach efforts. With the Volunteer Awards, Berkeley honors the people who give generously of their time and expertise to serve the Berkeley community. Volunteers rally classmates during a reunion year, raise money for scholarships, make new connections possible at special events, and much more. Awards were presented during the 2021 Reunion and Parents Weekend in October.

Trustee Rene Kern is a 2021 recipient of the Spirit of 1868 Volunteer Award in recognition of his passionate volunteer efforts to further Berkeley’s mission of public service and to advance  Berkeley’s role as a preeminent public university. An active member of the Board of Trustees as member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Finance Committee, he has served as a member of the New York Chancellor’s Council since 2015. Rene has has been an active peer advocate for philanthropy, most recently inspiring a fellow alumnus interested in Berkeley Changemaker to make their first major gift to the campus. A major tenet of Rene’s contributions to Berkeley is his commitment to helping launch new programs and initiatives that are priorities for campus.

Trustee Cathy Unger is a 2021 recipient of the Spirit of 1868 Volunteer Award in recognition of her outstanding volunteer leadership and accomplishments in support of the university’s philanthropic and outreach efforts. In addition to her many board commitments at Cal and beyond, she is committed to helping UC Berkeley tap into the expertise and philanthropic potential of Southern California – home to Berkeley’s second largest alumni population. Cathy has contributed her enthusiasm, fundraising savvy, and unparalleled follow-through as a member of the Southern California Chancellor’s Council, and consistently advises Chancellor Christ on time-sensitive and critical matters related to Berkeley’s future.