Impact Report Story: Mac McCraw ’93

Beth and I chose Berkeley for Roy and Cabe for several reasons. First, we knew Berkeley would provide an environment where they could grow and be successful. We were also confident in the Berkeley community. As an alumnus, the community is engaging, and I appreciate the relationships I have made. Naturally, I wanted my children to have the same opportunity.

I joined the Berkeley Open Committee shortly after Roy enrolled in the sixth grade. This evolved into a role on the Alumni Executive Committee (AEC). Dedicating my time is a more meaningful way for me to make an impact. Hopefully, after observing my experience, Roy and Cabe learn the value and enjoyment that come from giving back. My children and current students will be the beneficiaries of a stronger alumni community.

As a Berkeley parent, I appreciate the importance of the Berkeley Fund and the impact it has on the students and faculty.  However, as an alumnus, I am most proud that our fundraising supports scholarship. For alumni, providing scholarship exemplifies the motto of putting people into the world who make a positive difference.

As co-chairs of the Berkeley Open, Dan Harari ’05 and I are following a solid history of past chairs who played much larger roles in crafting the event into what it is today. It’s rewarding to see alumni, students, family, and faculty come together each year to celebrate our connection to Berkeley. Many have participated in the Open for over 30 years.

Berkeley is extremely supportive of its alumni, and the AEC promotes a variety of engagement activities throughout the year, from regional events to Love Berkeley Day. The best part for me is meeting alumni that graduated from Berkeley in the last 10 years. I think it’s important that the newer graduates recognize the value and support offered by their fellow alumni. I encourage them all to take advantage and participate in engagement events each year. The community is strong.

That strength was obvious when we dropped Roy off at Florida State University, where he enrolled as a freshman in summer 2024. I was happy to observe and hear about the Berkeley students, who he immediately connected with upon his arrival at Summer B. The inclusiveness and support was special and just one of many reasons why it’s so meaningful to be a part of the Berkeley community.

At a recent AEC meeting, Headmaster Joe Seivold quoted Jason Dickey ’92, and it resonated with me. Jason had said, “The first 50 years were about the students; the next 50 years need to be about the alumni.” By fostering a strong, connected alumni base, the Berkeley community can continue to thrive and empower future generations. I think that’s what it is all about.