We are so excited to see that we have raised over $7,700 and had 84 donors during Big Give yesterday. This has exceeded last year's total gifts by 126%! We are so grateful for all the support from our donors and could not have done this without you. We are still accepting donations till tonight and urge you to support the academic programs in the CoC. 

With International Women’s Day just earlier this week, we would like to highlight the contributions of a few female chemists in the early history of Berkeley.  

Professor Agnes Fay Morgan

Professor Morgan began teaching courses about nutrition at Berkeley in 1915. There was little information available at the time and used German medical journals to create her curriculum. Her scientific research included the biochemistry of vitamins and the effect they had on adrenal function. In addition, she studies processed food to determine the vitamin composition in them. 

Professor Judith Klinman

Professor Klinman was the first woman to be hired in physical sciences in 1978 and served as the Chair of the Department of Chemistry from 2000 to 2003. Her research involved the fundamental properties of enzyme catalysis. Currently she is studying the oxygen activation mechanisms. During her time at Cal, she has received the Repligen award and Remsen award, and has been Chancellor's Professor, Guggenheim Fellow, and Miller Fellow. 

Professor Darleane Hoffman

Professor Hoffman joined the faculty at Berkeley in 1984 and was a pioneer in nuclear chemistry research. One of her major accomplishments includes discovery about the nature of spontaneous nuclear fission which is used today to store nuclear waste cheaply. She also studied the properties of various radioactive elements including Fermium, Rutherfordium. Bohrium, Hassium, and Seaborgium. 

1872: College of Chemistry Established

Just 4 years after the University of California charter was granted, the College of Chemistry was established with Willard Rising as its first Head. Most of the laboratories and classes were housed in South Hall which at the time were considered to have been very sophisticated. In its initial days, the CoC was a small college which allowed for great interaction between students and faculty. Fun Fact: In honor of the founding in 1872, our campaign has a special prize called “The Founders Legacy” for the 72nd donor! Stay tuned for more details when the campaign goes live to learn more. 

1890: The construction of the “Old Chemistry”

In 1890, an architecturally pleasing brick building was constructed for the college of chemistry. The “Old Chem” housed laboratories for research and classes and faculty offices. However, as the lab safety standards began to increase, the old building started to become obsolete as it didn’t have fume hoods, ventilation, or chemical disposal. The Old Chem was torn down in 1963 to begin the construction of Hildebrand Hall, however, the cupola from the original building is still visible today in the center of the Plaza.

October 1949: The first Nobel Prize awarded to someone in the CoC

William Giaque won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for studying the properties of matter close to 0K. As a response, the college decided to build a special low temperature laboratory between Gilman Hall and Old Chem. The top of this building provided the plaza on top of which Hildebrand and Latimer were later built.

1950s: Creation of Chem 4 as a class

Many schools had begun to incorporate quantitative analysis in their general chemistry courses, but doing so would require investing in new analytical balances. Thus, a small course was designed for high achieving first year students. The first professor to teach this class was George Mahan, who had later compiled his notes and published it as a textbook. George Pimentel later took over teaching this class and is considered a model for the way the course is instructed to this day. In order to recruit students to take this new course in place of Chem 1, administrators went down the line for class registration and asked students to switch over. Many were willing as the line to enroll in Chem 1 was over an hour long! This class was made a requirement for CoC majors after computerized enrollment began. 

Raina Kasera, UGC Chair 

Major: Chemical Biology

Why did you join the Undergraduate Gift Campaign?

I joined the Undergraduate Gift Campaign to help give back to our community and provide more avenues for students to connect with each other. My peers support and encourage me every day. I give to improve their experience and to ensure that future generations of CoC undergraduates enjoy their time at Cal as much I do. College is difficult and the CoC is even more challenging. It is up to us students to lift each other up.

What was your favorite class at Cal?

Chem 12A! I really enjoyed organic chemistry. Once you understand the mechanics and details behind the various reactions, it's really about challenging yourself to come up with a creative synthesis to make a certain compound.

What is the best part of the College of Chemistry?

I would say the community. Ever since I stepped onto campus, all the students and professors in the College of Chemistry have been so warm and welcoming. Everyone is so passionate about everything they do, and I enjoy hearing about other people's stories.

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I absolutely love to bake. My favorite things to make are probably carrot cake, banana bread, and tiramisu. 

What element would you say you are?

Carbon.

Raphael Lee, Head of Social Media

Major: Chemical Engineering

Why did you join the Undergraduate Gift Campaign?

I joined the Undergraduate Gift Campaign because I thought it was a great opportunity for me to help facilitate a tighter-knit community at the College of Chemistry.

What was your favorite class at Cal?

Chem 4A

What is the best part of the College of Chemistry?

I like the fact that the CoC is its own little niche group separated from the rest of Berkeley.

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I like to trade stocks, bike, and play games.

What element would you say you are?

Argon

Pragnay Nevatia, Head of Reporting

Major: Chemical Engineering

Why did you join the Undergraduate Gift Campaign?

The College of chemistry provides the students with so many opportunities to learn and develop academic proficiency. However, due to the lack of funding from the university, it becomes difficult to continue programs to help students. Therefore, I felt the need to take a step towards sustaining these programs. To me, giving is all about understanding and meeting the needs of others. 

What is your favorite class at Cal?

CBE 40- The mix of creativity and science really makes me interested

What is the best part about the College of Chemistry?

CoC's tight-knit community. It is so easy to connect with each other in the CoC when everyone is super helpful and welcoming

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I love to read both fiction and non-fiction. Other than that, one can find me hiking, playing racket sports, listening to music, or having deep conversations

What element would you say you are?

Sodium

The Outreach Heads are responsible for the interaction between the campaign and communities outside the CoC. The Head of Business Outreach, Henri, contacts local businesses to get sponsorships and prizes for Big Give. The Head of Alumni outreach, Sameh, maintains the blog as a way for alumni and community members to stay up to date with updates regarding the UGC.  

Henri Jenoudet, Head of Business Outreach

Major: Chemical Biology

Why did you join the Undergraduate Gift Campaign?

I am part of the Undergraduate Gift Campaign because I believe in helping programs within the CoC as they are so valuable. 

What was your favorite class at Cal?

CHEM113, as I think gathered a lot a chemical knowledge from other chemistry classes I have taken and transform it so that I can actively use this knowledge better.

What is the best part of the College of Chemistry?

I love that there is a true sense of community between the undergraduate students, graduate students and professors. People are easily joinable though everyone in the college are busy. 

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

Making music, skiing, running and planning events. I also like to teach and tutor in my spare time. 

What element would you say you are?

Magnesium because it is my favorite one due to its role in important biological processes such as DNA replication. 

Sameh Shaikh, Head of Alumni Outreach

Major: Chemical Engineering

Why did you join the Undergraduate Gift Campaign?

I joined the campaign because I benefited a lot from the academic support programs in the CoC and wanted to ensure that future generations of students would have access to the same opportunities that I did. 

What is your favorite class at Cal?

My favorite Class would is probably Chem 12A. I really liked how the course built upon itself throughout the semester and provides a more intuitive understanding of how chemical reactions work. 

What is the best part about the College of Chemistry?

The best part of the College of Chemistry is definitely the people that surround me. From the amazing professors to hardworking students, I am constantly inspired by the passion and dedication that this school seems to be built upon. 

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy baking and embroidery in my spare time. I also  recently started to learn how to sew and have been making dresses for my cats. 

What element would you say you are?

Gold! It is relatively inert metal which reminds me to stay true to myself even in the most difficult circumstances. 

Interested in joining our team?

If you would like to be involved in the campaign, we would love to have you join our team as an Ambassador! Ambassadors have inside access to our events and an unparalleled opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the CoC community. Contact Raina Kasera (raina.kasera@berkeley.edu) to learn more.

Our Class Heads are responsible for unifying their respective classes and instilling a sense of pride and enthusiasm amongst each year of students. This week, get to know Class Heads Kylie, Ashley, and Chuying, and how their time here at the College of Chemistry has benefited them. 

Kylie Cheong, Head of Freshman Class

Major: Chemical Engineering

1. Why did you join the Undergraduate Gift Campaign?

I joined the Undergraduate Gift Campaign because I think it is a great opportunity to give back to the CoC community. I have been gaining lots of help from CoC, particularly from the peer tutoring services. By giving, we are able to continue supporting these awesome programs and help one another in the community.    

2. What was your favorite class at Cal?

My favorite class so far is CBE 40 because it gives insights into the ChemE field and how chemical engineers contribute to the society.   

3. What is the best part of the College of Chemistry?

My favorite part would be the peer tutoring services since they allow fellow students to feel connected and supported whenever they need help or encouragement.    

4. What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I like watching movies and listening to music.    

5. What element would you say you are?

I would say Al. Al is a soft metal, and similarly, I am mentally tough and flexible to change.

Ashley Huang, Head of Sophomore Class

Major: Chemical Engineering

1. Why did you join the Undergraduate Gift Campaign?

I find a sense of belonging from the students and faculty here at CoC. By being a part of the Undergraduate Campaign, I get to help with the process that supports the college and its fantastic programs. I hope to let more students know about giving and its benefits to ourselves and others.    

2. What is your favorite class at Cal?

University Chorus. The conductor always makes my day. I get to sing and relax from more academic work with a comfortable group.    

3. What is the best part about the College of Chemistry?

I love the small community feeling at the CoC. We meet some new people and some we’ve had class with before. Even though classes are challenging, we help each other and get through together.    

4. What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I love music. I think it’s very inclusive. There is a song that fits my feeling at any moment. I also love playing instruments or singing to take a break, enjoying the time by myself or bonding with others. Recently I got into musicals, and hope to watch them in person when theaters open again.    

5. What molecule would you say you are?

I would say my molecule is water. I think I’m a very accepting and tolerant listener. I rarely get on my tempers. I get through challenges with patience, creativity, and persistence. 

Chuying Huang, Head of Junior Class

Major: Chemistry1. Why did you join the Undergraduate Gift Campaign?

The Undergraduate Gift Campaign provides students with valuable resources and a promising future. I became part of the Undergraduate Gift Campaign because I wanted to make a positive contribution to our CoC community.    

2. What was your favorite class at Cal?

CHEM 120A by Prof. Leone    

3. What are some of your hobbies and interests?

Table Tennis    

4. What element would you say you are?

Iodine

We want to share stories of the students in the College of Chemistry and the impact an education at Berkeley has had on them. We will be releasing a series of introductions of the members of our leadership team so you can hear from them directly why they support the Undergraduate Gift Campaign. Up first, hear from Lucy and Ethan about why they are a part of the team, their favorite classes at Cal, and more!

Lucy Tran

Lucy is a first-year Chemistry major serving as the Head of Marketing this year. She is the mastermind behind the lovely graphics and flyers you see on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

1. Why are you a part of the Undergraduate Gift Campaign?

Coming into my first semester of Cal, I was terrified; I didn't know anyone and all of my high school friends were in a different college than me. I didn't get to join any clubs, so I had to only talk to people virtually via classes. However, when I found out about the Undergraduate Gift Campaign, I thought of it as a way to connect with others that are in the College of Chemistry!

2. What is your favorite part of the College of Chemistry?

My favorite part of CoC is all of the support that we're receiving-- the programs and the advising! Since the college is so small, everything is really accessible! I've felt very welcomed in the college, and I have been enjoying my experience so far!

3. What are some of your hobbies/interests?

Interest-wise, I'm currently really into environmental chemistry! However, I'm still exploring and I'm super excited to see other branches of chemistry. Outside of school, I enjoy crossword puzzles, taking food pictures, and volunteering!

4. What element would you say you are? 

Potassium!

Ethan Yu

With Big Give just a couple of months away, our Head of Events, Ethan has been planning some exciting events for the CoC community. He is a second-year student majoring in Chemical Engineering. 

1. What is your favorite class at Berkeley?

Chem 4A with Saykally!! LOVED HIS DEMOS

2. What are some of your hobbies/interests?

I like running and biking, and ever since we went remote, I started cooking and baking quite a bit.

3. What is your favorite part of the College of Chemistry? 

Pimentel. I just really miss standing outside of Pimentel waiting for class with my friends.

4. What element would you say you are? 

Lithium

5. Why are you a part of the Undergraduate Gift Campaign? 

I decided to be part of the campaign because the resources at the College of Chemistry have helped me so much and I want other students to have the same benefits.

The past year bears witness to the fact that the community at Cal comes together and finds solutions to overcome whatever we have been faced with. Taking virtual classes with classmates scattered across the globe and aiming to find a sense of normalcy in the air of uncertainty that surrounds us has been challenging to say the least. Yet, despite everything, our community has come together to stay connected and support each other whether it be through academic support offered by our college’s tutoring programs or social events arranged by the various student organizations. 

The tenacity and generosity of our community is truly amazing. Despite the challenges and hardships from last year, our fund saw an immense growth in the number of donors, exceeding that of any other fund on campus. The gifts from our generous community allowed us to support the maintenance of a variety of programs to benefit students. The Chem Scholars Program includes an extra discussion section every week for general, organic, and physical chemistry as well as introduction to chemical engineering. The College of Chemistry Peer Tutoring program provides additional support for the core classes in the CoC. These programs benefit hundreds of students to succeed while maintaining the academic rigor that our college is known for. 

This is the first year the College of Chemistry is having our own official group of undergraduates dedicated to fostering a sense of camaraderie amongst our students and ensuring that current and future generations of CoC students prosper. Our team is composed of ten undergraduate students across the College of Chemistry with diverse interests who are committed to building a sense of community and instilling a culture of philanthropy amongst our students, alumni, faculty and staff.  Through the campus wide initiative Big Give, we hope to bring together our family through events that celebrate Cal, the CoC, and most importantly the diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, and staff that make it such an amazing place to learn.  

Stay on the lookout for some of our events coming up this semester. We hope you will join us to make this year one of our best. Go bears!