“Anjika represents the very best of UC Berkeley, in all its dimensions from intellectual growth to social justice and public service to the pursuit of artistic passions,” wrote Alastair Iles, associate professor of environmental studies, in his glowing letter recommending Pai for the University Medal.
Each year, a medal and $2,500 are awarded to the most distinguished graduating senior on the UC Berkeley campus—a student that the espouses the university’s highest ideals. To become a candidate, undergraduates must meet a Berkeley grade point average of at least 3.96 by the end of the semester preceding their graduation date. Candidates must then undergo an extensive application and selections process. Selection criteria include a well-rounded academic transcript; independent scholarly work; public service; and “outstanding extracurricular contributions to the University.”
Pai is a recipient of The Leadership Award, awarded by the Cal Alumni Association through its Alumni Scholars Program. The Leadership Award recognizes undergraduates who demonstrate innovative, initiative-driven leadership impacting their academic, work, and community environments.
Meet Anjika Pai, the 2022 University Medal Recipient
The University Medal was established in 1871 by California state Governor Henry Huntly Haight. (Three years earlier, on March 23, 1868, Haight signed the Organic Act that established the University of California.) Frederick Harrison Whitworth, a graduate of the College of Arts and Letters, was its inaugural recipient.
Pai will address her fellow Class of 2022 at a campuswide commencement ceremony at California Memorial Stadium on May 14. After graduation, she will head to Northeastern University in Boston to study environmental law on a full-tuition graduate scholarship.
The Leadership Award is available to all incoming and continuing students at UC Berkeley, including transfers!
