Chevron Corporation was once again the premier sponsor for Charter Gala 2014, CAA’s signature event held this past March. Over the years, Chevron has expanded its partnership with CAA by providing funds for scholarship programs, including The Equity Scholarship and The Achievement Award Program (TAAP). “Both programs are excellent examples where together we can make a difference in the lives of students pursuing higher education, particularly underrepresented minorities, first-generation college students, and low-income students,” stated Cynthia Murphy, Chevron University Affairs Manager, “It is through our involvement with CAA that a wonderful intersection occurred via Charter Gala and TAAP.”
A few years ago, Chevron had the opportunity to meet Christopher Ategeka, a former TAAP Scholar and Mechanical Engineering graduate of Cal working on his Ph.D. in Engineering. Christopher is the founder of CA Bikes, which manufactures bicycle and motorcycle ambulances and distributes them to local hospitals, non-government organizations, and government clinics in Uganda to provide people with faster access to health care. Christopher was recently named one of Forbes magazine’s “30 under 30 for Social Entrepreneurs.” He credits his TAAP scholarship with helping him to attend UC Berkeley and Chevron for providing funds for CA Bikes. Chevron’s spontaneous contribution to CA Bikes is another example of how the many accomplished graduates of Berkeley can benefit from the support of alumni, CAA and its partners.
Chevron is committed to improving access to quality education, a critical element in the development of communities—in particular in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. “At Chevron, we believe the most important energy is human energy. The ability to innovate, to solve problems, and to turn visions into reality is at the very heart of the California character—and at the heart of Chevron,” adds Murphy. Through its University Partnership Program (UPP), Chevron works with college and university partners around the world to attract and develop the talented students and educators necessary to ensure a technically proficient global workforce—and to ultimately deliver tomorrow’s energy.
The Cal Alumni Association is grateful for its partnership with Chevron Corporation.
