NEWS RELEASE, 9/8/97 Chancellor Berdahl to dedicate Haas School sculpture to three Bay Area community leaders

by Ute Frey

Berkeley -- "Folded Circle Trio," a large sculpture by Fletcher C. Benton, will be dedicated by UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Berdahl tomorrow (9/9/97) at 1:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Haas School of Business on the Berkeley campus in memory of three Bay Area business and community leaders. The sculpture commemorates the contributions to the Haas School by Rhoda Haas Goldman, who with her husband established the Goldman Prize for outstanding environmental achievements; Walter A. Haas Jr., former president, CEO, and chairman of Levi Strauss & Co. and former owner of the Oakland A's; and Eugene E. Trefethen Jr., who helped build Kaiser Industries. Haas School Advisory Board members and friends of the school donated the sculpture in recognition of the outstanding contributions of these three individuals to the University of California at Berkeley and the Haas School of Business. All three were known as leading philanthropists in the Bay Area. All three died within a six-month period in 1995 and '96 after the dedication of the new business school. Prominent Oakland attorney and entrepreneur Leo B. Helzel led the effort for the advisory board to commemorate their vision and philanthropic leadership for the school. "Rhoda, Wally and Gene were three of the most exceptional people I have ever met. Because of their untiring efforts, the new Haas School building was built," he said. Said Haas School Dean William A. Hasler: "Through this sculpture we will always remember the extraordinary impact these three individuals have had on the Haas School. As a new dean six years ago, I relied on their advice and it was always candid, direct and valuable. This sculpture will remind future generations of the difference these individuals made to this campus." The plaque with the sculpture reads: "In memory of Rhoda H. Goldman, Walter A. Haas Jr. and Eugene E. Trefethen Jr. Their vision and leadership helped to build this home for the Haas School of Business. A gift of the Haas School Advisory Board and friends, 1997." The newly installed work of art, named Folding Circle Trio, can be seen from almost any vantage point throughout the Haas School complex. The sculptor, Fletcher Benton, has a studio in San Francisco; his work is featured in museums and collections around the world. Members of the Goldman, Haas and Trefethen families will participate in the dedication ceremony.

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