Berkeley Preparatory School Alumni Association

Tony Award-winning producer Kirsten Berkman ‘96 returned to Berkeley and served as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2026!

Kirsten shared an empowering message about embracing life’s unexpected twists, reminding the class that changing your mind isn’t a failure, but instead, part of life, because each new possibility has the potential to teach something extraordinary.

She said, “I give you permission to change your mind, permission to try something unexpected, permission to fail, permission to redefine success on your own terms, and permission to become someone entirely different from the person you may have imagined.”

We were honored to welcome Chad Harrod ‘95 as this year’s Baccalaureate speaker! It is a Berkeley tradition for this honor to be passed to an alum who has a child in the graduating class.

Beyond being a proud alumnus and Berkeley parent, Chad serves as a member of Berkeley’s Board of Trustees and his leadership was instrumental as Chair of the Head of School Search Committee.

During his address, he urged the class not to run from obstacles but instead let challenges shape them. Chad said, “When the brutal stuff shows up—and it will—don’t waste it. Let it forge you. Let it give you scars with good stories attached.”

Caitlin Reiner Glover '02 and Board Chair Fraser MacKechnie ’93 came to campus to congratulate the Cum Laude Society inductees on their hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

In her remarks, Caitlin shared that “putting the reps in” while at Berkeley gave her the confidence to tackle difficult challenges. She told the students, “Say yes to uncomfortable things, trusting what you’ve been building here. In two or five or 10 years, some of you will be handed problems you’ll feel you have no business solving. The preparation you received in this place will enable you to bring your gifts to those problems when they find you, and the world will be better for it.”

Huge congratulations to Bailey Higgins ‘24 on being named to the All-Big 12 Team!

Bailey has been absolutely dominant on the sand this year for the Seminoles, putting up a massive 30-3 record while competing on courts four and five.

Best of luck to Bailey and Florida State in the NCAA Championships!

Photo Credit: Reaghan Berthiaume

The 8th annual Buccaneer Inshore Invasion Fishing Tournament casted off and was a resounding success! From alumni and current families to our faculty and staff, the Berkeley community came together on the water in support of the Endowed Alumni Scholarship Fund!

A massive shoutout to our Exclusive Title Sponsor, Bubble Down Car Wash, for their continued support! None of this would be possible without all of our sponsors and the hard-working committee members. Whether you were reeling in snook and speckled trout or joining us for the lively dockside afterparty, your energy made the day unforgettable.

Shoutout to Ronav Benak ‘25 on being named the Patriot League Golfer of the Week!

After 7 seasons at Berkeley, Ronav took his talents to Colgate and is standing out for the Raiders in his first year.

For our most recent Berkeley Connect Lunch, Upper Division students sat down with Stefan Anthony ’15, Dori Goodman ‘14, George Peek ‘14, and Jenn Harb ‘07 who are currently making their mark in the healthcare industry.

Thank you for returning to campus and helping our students learn more about a career in healthcare!

At SXSW, Katie Diasti ’15 and Liam Ryan ‘15 discussed what it’s like being a Gen-Z leader in the workplace on a panel hosted by Fast Company!

Katie, founder and CEO of Viv Period Care, and Liam, CEO of Streetleaf, shared the lessons they’ve learned in launching and leading their companies.