When Roger Lo ’99 left Taiwan to pursue a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at UC Berkeley, he was not aware how profoundly the experience would shape his future.
“My time at Berkeley changed my life,” Lo said. “It set the foundation for everything that followed. From beginning to the end of my studies at Berkeley, I was immersed in intellectual rigor that pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of, given the freedom to question and think independently, and supported by a culture of generosity that shaped how I view mentorship and giving back.”
That generosity was tangible. During his graduate studies, Lo’s advisor David Bogy provided research funding that allowed him to focus fully on his work without financial strain. Three years ago, Lo returned to campus to celebrate Bogy’s distinguished career, a full-circle moment that reminded him how mentorship and support can change a student’s trajectory.
A year later, another milestone brought Lo and Yining Wang back to Berkeley in a new way: their son, Alexander, was admitted to Berkeley’s top-ranked data science major.
“We cried with joy,” Lo said. “It’s a dream come true. Berkeley is the best place to study one of the most transformative fields of our time. Students are challenged intellectually, and they are also encouraged to think about how their work serves society.”
As active members of Cal Parents Board, Lo and Wang found connections to other families who share a commitment to Berkeley’s public mission and supporting students through philanthropy.
Inspired by their experiences, they recently made a gift to the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS) Student Success Fund to help connect first-year and transfer students with mentors, study groups, social events and career exploration opportunities. Alexander has also volunteered as a mentor, extending the family’s commitment to supporting others.
Lo said he’s particularly excited by the founding of CDSS as a new college bringing together the university’s strong research and education programs in computer science, data science and statistics while collaborating across disciplines on campus.
“Berkeley is taking a proactive and interdisciplinary approach to artificial intelligence,” he said. “It’s not just about advancing technology, it’s about understanding broader impact and responsibility.”
For Wang, the college years represent a uniquely formative time. “These four years of college are incredibly precious in your entire life,” said Wang. “Building a strong community among CDSS students helps them discover their passions, clarify their career paths and develop confidence.”
The family’s philanthropy is also driven by a broader concern for the future of public higher education. “Funding for higher education is increasingly uncertain,” said Lo. “Berkeley is a crown jewel of California and a driving force in the world. We want to do our small part to help preserve it and ensure it continues to thrive for future generations.”
For the Lo family, generosity is not only something they once received – it’s something they now actively pass forward.
