Berkeley Economics alumnus Roy Tan credits his time as a Social Sciences student with inspiring his lifelong passion for learning and education.
Today, Tan leverages his successful career as an insurance agent for New York Life in San Mateo to give back to the Economics Department to help students prepare for meaningful careers in public and private sectors and tackle society's biggest challenges.
Since he graduated from Cal in 2006, Tan has made meaningful contributions to Berkeley Economics and other academic units over the years. He is the fourth founding member of the Charter Hill Society for Economics — a group of dedicated alumni who further Berkeley's education, research and public service through donations of more than $1,000 a year.
Tan, who has 16 years of experience in investment and insurance strategy, works with clients and professional advisors on estate planning, and business and tax planning strategies. He draws on his passion for helping others achieve their dreams by incorporating life coaching and proactive financial planning into his work as an agent.
Tan spoke with Berkeley Social Sciences about his inspiration for giving back to Berkeley Economics, passion for community service and mission to create more educational opportunities for the next generation. This interview has been edited for clarity.
When did you graduate from Berkeley Economics and how did your degree shape your career and life?
Roy Tan: After I graduated from Berkeley Economics, I pursued a career as a life insurance agent, gaining the trust of my clients and building a successful business. Alongside my professional work, I have always been deeply committed to serving my community through volunteer work.
The years I spent at UC Berkeley were an invaluable experience, shaping not only my knowledge but also my outlook on life. At Cal, I discovered the joy of pursuing knowledge and, more importantly, the significance of having a mission in life. UC Berkeley provided me with the foundation for what I now consider a meaningful life.
What were your main takeaways from your time at Berkeley Economics?
Roy Tan: My time at UC Berkeley taught me two key values that I carry with me to this day: effective learning and the importance of serving others. Berkeley's motto, "Serve your neighbors and light the way," resonated deeply with me and aligns perfectly with my own philosophy. Bruce Lee once said, "Empty your mind. Be formless. Shapeless. Like water." Water, regardless of its size, possesses the same excellent qualities. This metaphor teaches us to adapt to any environment and to apply our best qualities in everyday life.
As a Cal alumnus, I strive to live by these principles. I hope that through my actions, others will come to appreciate the values that Berkeley stands for and be inspired to give back, as I have. I am immensely proud of my time at Cal, which remains the world's top public university and home to the No. 1 Economics Department. The knowledge I gained there is invaluable, from mastering lifelong learning to the power of group study and the importance of "doing good while doing well."
Can you talk about the gifts you have contributed to the economics department?
Roy Tan: My journey of giving back began in 2014 when I made my first donation of $2,000 to Berkeley Economics. In 2016, I received an invitation from Berkeley Economics Professor Shachar Kariv to contribute to the Berkeley Economics Annual Fund, and I gladly donated $1,000. Since then, I have made it a personal commitment to donate annually to the fund.
In addition to this, I contributed $10,000 to the Gateway Building Fund, which supports the development of new facilities at the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society. In total, I have donated approximately $33,000 to UC Berkeley, becoming the fourth founding member of the Charter Hill Society for Economics.
Beyond my personal contributions, I have encouraged my friends (Berkeley Economics and other Cal alumni) to support Berkeley's mission as well. My friend Ying Lin donated $38,888 to the Department of Economics for foundational research. Linda Li, another friend, contributed $10,000 to the Gateway Building Fund, while Bill Zhao and Guohua Wu donated $20,000 and $3,000 respectively. My friend Roland Shen also made a $3,000 donation to the Gateway Building Fund. Together, we are helping build a better future for UCB and its students.
What do you hope the impact of your contributions to Berkeley Economics will be?
Roy Tan: I see myself as just one drop of water in Berkeley's vast ocean of influence. The mission of Berkeley's founders — to serve the community and create a brighter future — is also my mission. I believe that by sharing my experiences and education, I can help others follow a similar path.
Lighting the way means leading by example. When I donate to Cal, my friends are inspired to do the same. When they see me embracing lifelong learning, they, too, are motivated to pursue it. Berkeley's construction of the Gateway Building at the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society will have a profound impact on future research and education. Recognizing its importance, I immediately donated and encouraged others to follow suit.
My connection to UC Berkeley is more than just an educational experience — it is a lifelong commitment to the values of knowledge, community and service. I will continue to give back to Cal and inspire others to do the same, knowing that our collective efforts will light the way for future generations of students. Berkeley's mission is my mission,and I am proud to be a part of its enduring legacy.
How did your experiences at UC Berkeley inspire your passion for education?
Roy Tan: In 2004, I had the privilege of participating in a group discussion led by Berkeley Economics Professor Shachar Kariv on the topic, "What will the best universities look like in 20 years? How will they teach, and what will they teach?" This conversation planted the seed for a lifelong reflection on the future of education. Whenever I come across new knowledge, I actively seek to learn and apply the most effective learning methods. I also extend this passion for education to my volunteer work. When leading high school students in community service, I encourage them to pursue personal growth and to apply to the best universities.
I was born and raised in Zhongshan City, China, where opportunities like those offered by UC Berkeley are rare. Whenever I travel back to China, I visit high schools to share my experiences and encourage students to consider studying in the United States. My own journey serves as an example of how education can open doors to a brighter future, and I hope to inspire these students to pursue their dreams.
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