Dear Cal alums, parents, and friends,
I have exciting news to share. Longtime UC Berkeley benefactors Ned and Carol Spieker have made a transformational gift of $26 million to endow the men’s aquatic programs. The largest gift in Cal Athletics history, it will provide dedicated support for years to come.
In recognition of the Spiekers’ generosity — and of the gift’s immediate and profound impact — the coach positions will be named the Ned Spieker Men’s Swim Head Coach in perpetuity, and the Ned Spieker Men’s Water Polo Head Coach for 20 years. “As an alum and coach, it’s hard to put into words what it means to see this kind of commitment,” said men’s water polo head coach Kirk Everist. “It honors our past, supports our present, and guarantees a strong future for the program we all love.”
This investment comes at a time when the Cal’s men’s aquatics programs have achieved extraordinary success. Men’s water polo won three consecutive NCAA titles from 2021–23, and the swimming and diving team has finished in the top two nationally for a remarkable 15 consecutive seasons, including NCAA championships in 2022 and 2023. Both teams have brought home multiple Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medals, most recently from Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
The gift also represents a significant step toward Cal Athletics’ ambitious goal to endow its programs by bringing the total number of endowed sports to five — men’s golf, women’s golf, rugby, men’s water polo, and men’s swimming and diving. At a time of unprecedented change in college athletics, these endowments help us cover crucial needs, such as day-to-day operations and the ability to attract and retain elite coaching and support staff. I’m grateful to the Spiekers and other valued partners like them for their unwavering commitment to upholding the student-athlete experience and their ability to thrive — in sports and in the classroom.
Our student-athletes represent the best of Berkeley. From early morning practices to late-night study sessions, they push boundaries daily, driven by passion and commitment that requires steadfast support. Whether you are cheering them on from the sidelines or contributing to the program endowments, your generosity fuels their journeys today while securing their future for generations to come.
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
Chancellor’s Choice
Volunteer: Golden Bear Orientation — The university is seeking alums from the Classes of 2010–25 to welcome incoming first-year and transfer students at Golden Bear Orientation on Saturday, Aug. 23. Share your personal and professional experiences with new students at a free Cal-themed dinner on campus from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Sign up to volunteer.
Nominate an alum for public service— Nominations are now open for the 2026 Peter E. Haas Public Service Award, an annual award that recognizes an alum whose volunteerism has had a profound impact on the community, healthcare, the environment, or education. The winner receives $30,000, plus an additional $30,000 for a nonprofit organization of their choice. The deadline is Sept. 5.