Honoring Legacy and Inspiring Leadership: The Berkeley Business Excellence Program
The Michael J. Berkeley ’85 Business Excellence Program at the Providence College School of Business provides a platform to empower business students from underrepresented groups to grow as leaders and professionals. This opportunity is open to all business students, providing guidance and connections beyond the classroom for the Berkeley Scholars to thrive beyond PC Business.
The program was founded in 2021 in honor of Michael J. Berkeley ’85, who majored in finance. He was an accomplished finance executive who embodied perseverance and excellence in his successes, such as founding The Berkeley Group after years on Wall Street. Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short during the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. However, the Berkeley Business Excellence Program continues to embody his commitment to opportunity and inclusion in the business industry.
What Opportunities Does the Program offer?
The program offers workshops, guest speakers, alumni networking, and personalized career advising to strengthen the scholar’s academic foundation, explore future career opportunities, and develop the professional skills of leadership, project management, and communication. It offers an immersive experience for first-year business students through mentorship and access to financial support while becoming part of a tight-knit community with shared success. In addition, scholars will attend summer orientation events to help other students feel at home in our PC Business community.
How Has the Program Impacted Current Scholars?
What challenges have you faced at PC that you were able to overcome with the skills and mentorship gained through the Berkeley Scholars Program?
“A challenge I faced coming to PC was imposter syndrome because before going to a PWI [predominantly white institution] I never have been in this type of environment. But Berkeley helped me connect with other PC students who are on similar paths as myself, and allowed me to connect and gain mentors.” — Alecia Monteiro ’28
In what way did the program influence your career goals, confidence, or understanding of the business world?
“The Berkeley Scholars Program has given me a clearer understanding of the business world through hands-on experiences, like visiting companies and hearing directly from professionals in different fields. These opportunities have helped me picture myself in similar environments and think more intentionally about my future career goals. The workshops and events have also boosted my confidence and strengthened my communication and networking skills. Overall, the program has made me feel more prepared to pursue a career in business.” — Juliana Gomes ’28
What challenges have you faced at PC that you were able to overcome with the skills and mentorship gained through the Berkeley Scholars Program?
“A challenge that I have faced while at PC is time management. At times I’ve found myself not managing my time wisely, leading me to rush to complete tasks. Through the mentorship in Berkeley, I’ve been able to gain insights into how my peers manage their time, and I’ve applied these methods into my own life and have seen success.” — Jovanni Perez ’28
What challenges have you faced at PC that you were able to overcome with the skills and mentorship gained through the Berkeley Scholars Program?
“I would tell them to take advantage of every single opportunity that is offered and to go up to everyone because you never know how one conversation can impact your career.” — Pamela Alzate ’28
In what way did the program influence your career goals, confidence, or understanding of the business world?
“The Berkeley Scholars program has broadened my knowledge as to what to expect as a professional in the business world, providing me with the necessary resources to prepare me for the next step.” — Anderson Rosal ’28
In what way did the program influence your career goals, confidence, or understanding of the business world?
“As a Berkeley scholar, I am able to get a head start in planning my career. I am given the opportunity to explore what I enjoy and what may not be for me through off campus visits.” — Irie Albizu ’28
The 2024-2025 Berkeley Scholars Cohort
- Irie Albizu ’28, management
- Pamela Alzate ’28, marketing
- Edwin Fernandez ’28, finance
- Sofia Galvis ’28, finance
- Juliana Gomes ’28, management
- Yngrid Mendizabal ’28, marketing
- Alecia Monteiro ’28, finance
- Jovanni Perez ’28, finance
- Anderson Rosal ’28, finance
- Ava Vidal ’28, finance
Why Become a Berkeley Scholar, and How?
The Berkeley Business Excellence Program does not just prepare students for an internship or a career, but rather, for every leadership position they will take on in their future. With business road treks to visit leading companies and networking opportunities with Providence College alumni, this program will create a foundation for lasting growth and success for the scholars.
Applications for the next cohort of the Berkeley Scholars close Saturday, November 2. If you are interested in building connections, being a part of a supportive community, and becoming a leader, the Berkeley Business Excellence Program is the next step for you.
