Beyond Yourself Consumption Function

Beyond Yourself!

That was the rallying cry for a great event we recently held at Haas (and not coincidentally one of the four Haas Defining Principles). One Friday evening each month, different student clubs host a “consumption function” on campus. It’s like a big happy hour with free food and a different theme each time. On March 16, which coincided with the first Days at Haas for admitted students, we wanted to show off all the great social impact work that’s going on at Haas.

More after the jump.

There were too many highlights to discuss in detail here. The International Development and Enterprise Club served up beers from around the developing world – but only if you passed their geography quiz first.

The Berkeley Energy and Resources Collaborative sponsored a bike-powered blender where students could mix up a smoothie if they could muster enough horsepower. Uncommon Brewers, a community-oriented organic microbrewery based in Santa Cruz, treated us to some of their organic brews. Oren’s Kitchen provided a fine spread of local, organic food. The consumption function was certified a green, zero-waste event by the Berkeley Office of Sustainability. Who knew being green could be so much fun?

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the evening was the sustainable apparel fashion show. Courageous MBAs took to the catwalk to model WaterLevi’s, responsibly sourced t-shirts from EthiCal, college gear manufactured in South America with fair wages from Alta Gracia, and best of all (from a modeling standpoint, at least) organic underwear from PACT. The pictures may come back to haunt the models, but it was a great way to promote local companies that are doing good for the environment and society while doing good business. We’re very grateful to all of the companies that donated clothing for the show.

And we shouldn’t forget that the Dean of our school, Rich Lyons, stepped into the dunk tank to help us raise money for Challenge for Charity! Where else but Haas would you find that?

- Will Hewes