Like a fish drawn to a pulsating school of its species, Jesse was drawn to several student groups. He held leadership positions with the UC Rally Committee, the keepers of Cal spirit and traditions; Cal Student Philanthropy, a peer-to-peer fundraising group; and the Senior Class Council, which plans events for the graduating class. It was from this merging of service, friendship, and fun that his philanthropic mindset took shape: He made his first gifts to Berkeley during his first year. “I’ve always given back to things that matter to me,” Jesse says.  

Jesse has contributed to the Fiat Lux Torch, a 10-foot-tall propane torch that the Rally Committee began incorporating into its Big Game Bonfire Rally in 2016 as well as the Cal Fund, which supports 24-hour library access during finals week and other student needs. He also gave to Cal Athletics. “It was a big part of my time here,” he says, recalling setting up card stunts, waving a giant Cal flag, and other memories on game day.

Jesse thinks about what he’s going to support next, reflecting on the great diversity of people, activities, and study paths that he loves about Cal. In fact, he hopes to one day become a planned giving donor. “I have grown and learned so much because of other people’s generosity, and I want to give back as much as I can…. I want to grow old with Cal.”