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Award winners were honored at Cal Athletics’ annual Thank You Luncheon in April.
Annual Thank You Luncheon Proves To Be A Cal Family Celebration
This feature originally appeared in the 2025 Summer edition of the Cal Sports Quarterly. The Cal Athletics flagship magazine features long-form sports journalism at its finest and provides in-depth coverage of the scholar-athlete experience in Berkeley. Printed copies are mailed four times a year to Bear Backers who give annually at the Bear Club level (currently $600 or more). For more information on how you can receive a printed version of the Cal Sports Quarterly at home, send an email to CalAthleticsFund@berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-2427.
The annual Cal Athletics Thank You Luncheon is a special day dedicated to honoring the remarkable Cal community and all it contributes to the success of the department. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering support, generosity, and dedication shown throughout the past year. What sets this event apart is the diverse and passionate group it brings together, supporters who have given their time, resources, and expertise to create a lasting impact on the lives of Cal student-athletes.
In 2025, the Cal family was the “zest” of Cal Athletics as the department transitioned into a new conference and navigated the ever-changing collegiate landscape. As Cal Athletics reflected on the year and celebrated its awardees, one message stood out: the Cal network is vast, loyal, and deeply connected. For that, Cal Athletics is profoundly grateful.
Members of the Cal community are recognized each year at the Thank You Luncheon for their contributions and support of the department. The Cub of the Year Award was presented to Steve Levy ’07, whose close bond with Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox brought a heartfelt energy to the celebration.
Wilcox shared memorable stories that captured the depth of their long-standing friendship, and the room was filled with enthusiasm as he presented Levy with the award. As a driving force behind the 2004 Cal football reunion this past fall, Levy reflected on how meaningful it was to reconnect with former teammates and relive treasured memories from his time with the program.
In recognition of her commitment to preparing student-athletes for life beyond Cal, longtime supporter and retired campus leader Meg Conkey was honored with the Cal Spirit Recognition Award. This award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated enduring dedication to the university and truly embody the spirit and values of Cal.
As a longtime faculty member, Conkey was a passionate advocate for student-athlete success, both in the classroom and in competition. She played a pivotal role in shaping academic support systems that continue to benefit Cal student-athletes today.
“I continue to work with Cal Athletics because it keeps me connected to the next generation of student-athletes and allows me to remain part of this wonderful community of interesting and dedicated people,” Conkey said.
As the afternoon continued to unfold, a resounding message echoed through the room: “Experiences at Cal are lifelong.” These words were spoken by Bear of the Year award winner Randy Scott, whose legacy has made a lasting impact on Cal Athletics. Scott, a 1979 alum, has supported both football and men’s basketball by ensuring the student-athletes from both programs have access to safe, affordable and convenient housing near campus. His estate gift furthers this effort by ensuring student-athlete housing is available for decades to come.
Shareef ’12 and Dee Dee Abdur-Rahim ’97 were honored as Golden Bears of the Year for their generosity and meaningful involvement with student-athletes through the Cameron Institute. As mentors, they give their time back to Cal to help ensure student-athletes are prepared for whatever life has in store for them.
“It is very rewarding, because I can see myself through many of them and give back — but it has also been inspiring, in the sense that they are so smart,” Shareef said. “I have the opportunity to learn from them, while keeping the door open to help, just as so many people did for me during my time at Cal.”
Dee Dee added: “Receiving this award is humbling. It’s a full-circle moment for us. We understand the student-athlete commitment to success, and we know what resources are needed to truly give back to the University.”
Cal Athletics and the Cameron Institute are deeply grateful for Shareef and Dee Dee’s continued support and hope their example inspires others to engage with and empower the next generation of student-athletes.
Cal Athletics extends its deepest thanks to the Cal Family for its generosity, support, and unwavering spirit throughout 2025 and looks forward to hosting this event once again in 2026.