From a CAA Alumni Scholar to an Inspirational Alumnus

Samuel Averbach has fond memories of his undergraduate years at Cal. He majored in political science, volunteered with campus organizations, and was a three-time CAA Alumni Scholar.

As a recipient of The Leadership Award, Samuel was able to take his leadership skills to the next level. He served as an Associated Students of the University of California, Berkeley senator during his sophomore year, served on the board of directors for Berkeley Hillel, and helped start the Golden Apple Award. “The Leadership Award was important because it recognized me for getting involved in our Cal community and it provided me the financial support to volunteer on a regular basis.”

Not only did Samuel receive financial benefit, at CAA’s Annual Leadership Award Recognition Luncheon he had the opportunity to connect with the daughter of Jane Smith and Larry Fitzsimmons—the founders of his scholarship’s endowment. “I appreciated meeting the person who was supporting my scholarship. I consider her a Cal leader; she inspired me to give back.”

And give back is what Samuel did. When he graduated in 2009, he became a donor. His senior gift was designated to The Class of 2009 Endowed Scholarship Fund and matched by his employer. However, Samuel’s desire to give back went beyond his financial contribution to his alma mater. As an alumnus, he wanted to stay connected to Cal and interact with incoming Cal students. Samuel found he was able to do both by becoming a district chair for The Leadership Award.

CAA provided him the opportunity to participate in the interview and selection process for international students who apply for The Leadership Award. “As an international district chair I was in the unique position to hear incredible stories from around the world. I learned what students were doing in their local communities of Pakistan, Dubai, and Nairobi.”

Samuel’s experience at Cal has come full circle. Inspired by the alumna he met and the recognition he received as a CAA Alumni Scholar, Samuel is now giving back as a volunteer and a donor. “Making a gift to The Leadership Award is the best way to give back—it supports the best and most influential students, ensuring student leadership thrives on the Cal campus.”

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