Robert B. Reich is Professor of Public Policy Emeritus at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. He has served in three national administrations, including as secretary of labor under President Bill Clinton, for which Time Magazine named him one of the 10 most effective cabinet secretaries of the 20th century.
He has written 18 books, including the bestsellers "The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It;" "The Common Good; Saving Capitalism;" "Aftershock;" "Supercapitalism;" and "The Work of Nations," which has been translated into 22 languages. His memoir, "Coming Up Short," will be available in August 2025.
He is co-creator of the 2017 Netflix original documentary "Saving Capitalism" and of the award-winning 2013 film "Inequality for All." He is co-founder of Inequality Media, from which his videos have been viewed more than 1 billion times with average weekly reach of more than 14 million.
In 2003, Reich was awarded the prestigious Vaclav Havel Vision Foundation Prize, by the former Czech president, for his pioneering work in economic and social thought. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
The 131st commencement for graduate students of UC Berkeley's School of Education (BSE) will be held Wednesday, May 21.
"At a time when our public education system faces significant challenges — from widening inequities to ongoing debates about the role of schools in shaping democratic participation — Reich’s voice is both timely and essential," BSE Dean Michelle D. Young said.
"His scholarship and public engagement underscore the importance of preparing educators and leaders who are not only skilled practitioners but also champions of social change. His presence at our commencement will undoubtedly inspire our graduates as they step into roles that shape the future of education and society."
Editor's note: News media inquiries regarding BSE's commencement may be directed to BSE's Director of Communications Michael Broder, mbroder@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail).
Note for graduating students and their families: Information about location, tickets, parking and other details can be found on the webpage for Commencement 2025: Logistics.