the achievement award program

Co-owners Linda Sanchez ’14 and Jesus Chavez ’13 pose inside of Casa de Chocolate. Co-owners Linda Sanchez ’14 and Jesus Chavez ’13 pose inside of Casa de Chocolate. / Courtesy of Linda Sanchez
Career

Sometimes, Your Career After Cal Is Like a Box of Chocolates

By Chinwe Oniah and Amanda Chiu

Coming to UC Berkeley with a passion for social justice and advocacy, Linda Sanchez ’14 found a career path that aligned with those values: co-owning a chocolate shop.

UC Berkeley campus scene at sunset
Honors

Honoring the 2024 Achievement Award Recipients

The University honors these alumni and faculty with the Achievement Awards, co-presented by the UC Berkeley Foundation and the Cal Alumni Association. These awards were formally presented at the Berkeley Charter Gala, on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

The Campanile at UC Berkeley. View of the Campanile, UC Berkeley / UC Regents
Scholars

To Receive Is to Give: TAAP Scholars’ Legacy of Service

TAAP Scholars John Lam ’24 and Alishba Sardar ’23 both came from nontraditional education backgrounds. Their experiences laid the groundwork for their advocacy efforts.

Jayden Zheng poses outside Bancroft Library wearing his graduation stole. Jayden Zheng ’23. / Hey Zinah Photography
Scholars

Becoming Yourself through the Struggle

As a first-generation student from a low-income background, Jayden Zheng ’23 attributes the resources and support he found at Cal for allowing him to achieve his goals.

Alishba Sardar speaking at the 2023 Senior Brunch Ceremony. Alishba Sardar ’23 delivering her speech at the 2023 TAAP Graduation Brunch / Hey Zinah Photography
Scholars

Building Hope

Alishba Sardar ’23 found community and empowerment at Cal as a foster youth through Berkeley Hope Scholars.

Rona Osmani and Jesse Ante pose together at the 2022 TAAP dinner venue. Rona Osmani ’06 (left) and Jesse Ante ’68, M.S. ’70 (right). / Courtesy of CJ Poloka
Scholars

The Tale of Two Scholars: A Mentorship Story

By Chinwe Oniah

As one of a few Filipino students at Cal, Jesse Ante ’68, M.S. ’70, guided himself through his own path toward success. Years later, his mentorship supported Rona Osmani ’06 as she paved her own Cal journey.

Neil Arcellana poses with his dance club at the University of Pacific’s 25th Pilipino Cultural Night. Neil Arcellana (second from right) and his dance club perform a Philippine folk dance in 2022 at the University of Pacific’s 25th Pilipino Cultural Night. “Pilipino Cultural Night is an annual tradition that many colleges and high schools participate in…to celebrate and showcase Pilipino Culture and history.” / Courtesy of Neil Arcellana
Scholars

Finding Your Story

TAAP and TLA Scholar Neil Arcellana ’24 shares his story of overcoming obstacles and hopes to advocate for other students facing similar challenges.

Cheryl Wright, president of the Cal Black Alumni Association Cheryl Wright ’83, president of the Cal Black Alumni Association / CJ Poloka
Chapters

Helping Students Rise in Community, Toward Purpose

Though there are many resources for those who pursue higher education, navigating the post-grad landscape is less clear, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds.*