Class of ’66 leaves a historic legacy

A reunion is a natural time to reflect on your college experience. It’s also a chance to look forward, by leaving a legacy that makes the dream of Berkeley possible for future students.

For the first time in Cal history, the Class of ’66 invited its members to make a planned gift that will count toward its fundraising goal for the university. At press time, the class had raised $12.5 million — $2 million of which is through documented bequests. If they meet their $15 million goal, they will set a new record for a reunion class gift.

In the past two years, Joffa ’66, M.B.A. ’67 and Ellen ’66 Dale have celebrated both their 50th anniversary and 50 years since they graduated from the university that brought them together.

Photo of the Dales donning Cal clothes at a game at Memorial Stadium.

Ellen ’66 and Joffa ’66, M.B.A. ’67 Dale

“We can’t think of a more meaningful way to mark this occasion than by including Berkeley in our will,” says Ellen.

While life swept the Dales away from Cal, they reconnected to it when their son, Jeff, started playing in the Cal Band.

“We became band groupies,” says Joffa, “and for over 20 years, we have continued to broaden our commitment to the campus areas that have shaped our lives.”

When it came time to think about their will, they wanted to make sure the organizations they care passionately about continue on — and that includes Cal.

Their granddaughter, Audrey, started at Berkeley this fall — a 4th-generation Golden Bear. “She represents the future in a very personal and powerful way,” says Ellen. “We hope our gift will support more bright young people like her in learning, growing, and making their own memories of Cal.”

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