ACTF & UC Berkeley Changemakers

A Lasting Legacy: How the  Austin Chen Tsai Foundation Is Empowering Future Changemakers at UC Berkeley

At UC Berkeley, the spirit of innovation and the drive for social change are integral to the university’s mission. For the students who attend this renowned institution, the opportunity to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact on the world is part of the very essence of their education. While Austin attended UC Berkeley, his entrepreneurial spirit and innovation added to the spirit of the school and drives our mission everyday. Which is why it only made sense to choose the UC Berkeley Changemakers as the program we wanted to help fund. 

Last fall we raised over $25,000 to donate to the UC Berkeley Changemakers program. Programs like these are integral to our mission and play a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Thanks to the generous support of individuals and families who attended our Inaugural Event back in November we can help empower students like Austin and those in the Changemakers program as they become leaders. 

With all of this said, we are proud to share a message the ACTF team received from UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons. In a recent heartfelt letter to Mr. and Mrs. Tsai, he expressed his deep gratitude for our foundation's incredible support to the Changemaker program. The contribution honors the memory of Austin Tsai, whose legacy can inspire students in the program and help them become innovators and leaders of their own.

Check out the message from the Chancellor to The Austin Chen Tsai Foundation: 

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Tsai:

 I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support of the Berkeley Changemaker Fund. My colleagues tell me that your generosity honors the spirit of innovation, leadership, and dedication to public service that defined your late son. We are so honored to partner with you in ensuring that his memory lives on in this course led by Laura Hassner. 

 Such thoughtfulness is vital to the Changemaker Program, empowering students to launch change-driven startups, shape the future of their chosen fields, and drive informed solutions for a better world. I draw a great deal of inspiration from your partnership to build a framework that equips students across several disciplines with the skills to lead with purpose, especially as it honors the lasting legacy your son will have on this campus. Your investment ensures that this transformative initiative continues to grow, providing more students with the tools and confidence to make a difference. Thank you again for your part in it all — I am truly grateful. 

Sincerely,

Rich Lyons

Looking Ahead

We are proud to support the Berkeley Changemakers and thrilled to see how this initiative continues to grow. Their belief in the power of education, leadership, and innovation is shaping the future of UC Berkeley, and with your support we can continue to inspire generations of students for years to come. We are so grateful to have received this heartfelt letter from Chancellor Rick Lyons and are committed to making a lasting impact for the Changemaker program and other programs to come.

Inaugural Event Recap

A Heartfelt Thank You for an Incredible Evening of Support for the ACTF Family and UC Berkeley Changemaker Program

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us at our recent charity event in honor of Austin’s one year passing, ACTF, and the UC Berkeley Changemaker Program. Thanks to your generosity, enthusiasm, and unwavering support, the evening turned out to be a truly memorable occasion!

The dinner and speakers were nothing short of amazing. Our guests were treated to an evening that celebrated not only the incredible work being done by the UC Berkeley Changemaker Program but also inspiring speeches from Margaret Kim and Donald Gintzig. A special thank you to Laura Hassner, the director of the Changemaker program, for taking the time to speak at our event and inform our guests of the incredible work and impact of Changemakers. Thank you to Vern Davenport who flew out from Carolina to join us for the evening and introduce the keynote speaker Donald Gintzig. Donald inspired us with his business success and leadership. With all the personal stories and insights shared, we were inspired and motivated to continue our work in empowering future leaders and changemakers. So thank you to all the speakers, your words reminded us of why we do what we do – to invest in individuals who will go on to change the world for the better.

A special thank you goes out to our generous donors and supporters who helped us raise more than $25,000 for the Changemaker Program. We are thrilled to report that we not only reached our fundraising goal but surpassed it! The success of the evening was driven by direct donations and the incredible contributions from our silent auction. The generosity of those who participated in both made a significant impact on our ability to further support the Changemaker Program.

We could not have achieved this without the incredible support of our attendees, donors, and volunteers. You all made this event truly special, and we are so grateful for your commitment to our cause. The funds raised will go directly to supporting the program, helping to nurture the next generation of leaders who will continue to make a difference in our world.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make this event possible. Your generosity, your presence, and your belief in our continuing Austin’s legacy are what made this evening so unforgettable. Together, we are making a lasting impact, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future of the Austin Chen Tsai Foundation and all the lives we will touch.

We look forward to seeing you all at future events, as we continue this important journey together.

With sincere thanks and appreciation,
The ACTF Family