The Department of Music congratulates Owen Klein, one of the five finalists for the University Medal this year.The University Medal—Berkeley’s highest undergraduate honor—was established 154 years ago in 1871, three years after the University of California was founded. To qualify, nominees must achieve a GPA of 3.96 or higher while making outstanding extracurricular contributions, engaging in public service and demonstrating innovation and initiative.
Owen certainly fits this bill. In his time here, he has made a meaningful impact on our department, participating in a diverse array of clubs and committees in addition to his academic pursuits. Owen served as vice president and president of the Undergraduate Composers Club, and has served on our Music Undergraduate Committee since 2022. In 2023, Owen received the Musical Theater Prize Award, for which he created a musical interpretation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and oversaw its performance in Hertz Hall.
To read more about Owen’s experience at Berkeley as well as the other nominees, check out this Berkeley News article. Again, our congratulations to Owen and all the finalists for the 2025 University Medal. We know each of you will make a meaningful impact in the world.