BERKELEY, Calif. (Diya TV) — Berkeley Journalism, alma mater to countless renowned journalists, is celebrating its largest-ever single donation: a $10 million pledge from Angela Filo and her husband, David Filo, co-founder of Yahoo. The gift marks the beginning of the Campaign for Berkeley Journalism, aiming to raise $54.4 million over the next five years.
Angela Filo, a Berkeley Journalism alumna of 1999 and member of the school’s Advisory Board, emphasized the critical role of journalism in a thriving democracy. “Great journalism is essential to a thriving democracy,” she stated. “We have to invest in training the next generation of journalists who will ensure that communities have access to reliable and responsive information they can trust.”
Dean Geeta Anand expressed profound gratitude to the Filos for their longstanding support to the school, spanning two decades. Their previous contributions have provided essential operating funds, supported student fellowships, and endowed a faculty chair.
Anand hailed the $10 million pledge as an extraordinary investment in journalism education, one that aligns with the school’s mission to foster justice, democracy, and environmental stewardship. The pledge will significantly bolster student support, including doubling financial aid for incoming students starting in fall 2024.
In addition to immediate financial aid and strategic support, the gift includes endowment funding aimed at sustaining future generations of Berkeley Journalism students. Through a matching gift challenge, the Filos hope to inspire additional contributions for new master’s fellowship endowments.
Following her journalism studies, Filo embarked on a career as a high school teacher and photographer, utilizing journalism as a tool for civic education. Alongside her husband, she established the Skyline Foundation, dedicated to supporting journalism, democracy, education, and climate change initiatives.
The Filos’ commitment to journalism extends beyond Berkeley, with contributions to organizations such as ProPublica and local news outlets. Angela Filo emphasized their focus on nurturing institutions with a lasting impact, citing Berkeley Journalism as a prime example.
