The Accidental Engineer: How Valedictorian Jack Berkowitz Found His Calling at USD

Valedictorian of the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, Jack Berkowitz ‘25 (EE) embodies a remarkable blend of academic excellence, personal resilience and an unyielding commitment to service. His journey, marked by initial uncertainties, culminated in a 4.0 GPA and the honor of addressing his graduating class on May 26, 2025.

Growing up in the competitive Bay Area, Berkowitz doubted his engineering potential. “I wasn’t in the top of my high school class, I didn’t have the highest scores in math and I wasn’t good at computer science. I would have been a business major if I didn’t go to USD. I didn't think I could be an engineer — I didn’t think it was a possibility.”

At the University of San Diego (USD), incoming students do not initially declare a major. His initial goal was to pursue a business degree followed by an MBA. Berkowitz enrolled in the Knaus School of Business, but explored numerous fields, including neurology, biology and engineering. 

In his first semester, he took Economics 101 and the introductory physics course, Introduction to Mechanics. Berkowitz quickly realized economics didn’t challenge him, while physics proved to be a stimulating intellectual pursuit. This shift in perspective, coupled with the discovery that STEM majors often had higher MBA admission rates, sparked his interest in engineering. Coincidentally, he was housed with all engineering roommates. 

Driven by a desire for intellectual challenge and an attraction to the "coolness" of technology, he considered switching majors. His advisor, a physics professor, cautioned him about the difficulty of completing the nine-semester dual BS/BA engineering degree in four years. 

Ultimately, Berkowitz chose electrical engineering (EE), believing it offered the greatest impact. "I picked EE because it was the hardest one. I wanted the whole challenge, and this degree might be more impactful... If I didn't have that physics class and those roommates, I wouldn't have landed here," says Berkowitz, acknowledging the serendipitous turns that shaped his path.

The EE curriculum lived up to its challenging reputation, yet Berkowitz maintained a 4.0 GPA, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He thrived in the structured environment of math and STEM courses, often exceeding 100% on upper-division assignments. 

EE Class of 2025: Dr. Mikaya Lumori left front, Dr. Vahraz Honary second from left, Jack Berkwitz front, third from right and Dr. Kathleen Kramer front right

When asked about his motivation for excelling in the challenging curriculum, Berkowitz emphasized the crucial role of the electrical engineering faculty. “The best thing about USD are the professors,” he beamed. “I don’t know how they find all of these great professors...They push me to be a better student and person."

He expressed immense gratitude for Mikaya Lumori, PhD, his "most impactful professor," whose demanding classes were “balanced by his kind soul and genuine care for his students.” He also praised Ernie Kim, PhD, and Kathleen Kramer, PhD, and referred to Venkat Shastri, PhD, as a “valuable mentor during my senior year” offering guidance on job searches and graduate school applications.

Berkowitz maximized USD’s resources, studying abroad in Italy, participating in intramural soccer, serving on the boards of Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu and working two summer internships at Northrop Grumman. These rich experiences, coupled with his academic accomplishments, set him on an impressive career trajectory. Remarkably, he accomplished all of this and still graduated in four years.

A deeply impactful aspect of Berkowitz’s USD experience was his involvement with Canine Angels Service Dogs, an Oregon-based non-profit. This organization partners with volunteers to raise and socialize puppies from eight weeks to one year in age, preparing them to assist individuals, particularly children with autism.

His journey with Canine Angels began in high school, raising a Goldendoodle. In college, he trained Yukon his second year, his dog he fondly recalls as “an angel,” who was later placed with an elderly woman.

In his senior year he took on the significant responsibility of training Cal, a spirited black Lab who became a beloved companion in his engineering classes. Balancing Cal’s boundless energy with a demanding EE curriculum and grad school applications presented distinct challenges. Berkowitz was at a crossroads: give up Cal or jeopardize his flawless GPA. In the end, he chose to selflessly prioritize helping someone in need over his own academic standing. Despite the inherent risks, Berkkowitz successfully maintained his impeccable GPA, and Cal is slated to be placed with a family in 2026.

Looking ahead, Berkowitz plans to pursue a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in Computer Architecture, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. “If I connect with a professor at Michigan who inspires me, I am open to pursuing my PhD.”

In his valedictoriy address, Berkowitz emphasized mutual support, stating that an engineering degree is a “collective experience. It's about helping each other.” He attributes his success at USD to "the perfect storm" of factors. “I would never have become an engineer if I didn’t come to USD."

Jack Berkowitz's journey at USD is more than just a tale of academic triumph; it's a testament to the power of embracing unexpected paths, unwavering commitment and community impact. From initially doubting his engineering capabilities to becoming the valedictorian, Berkowitz leaves behind a profound reminder that with resilience, grit and a willingness to help others, anything is possible.

— By Michelle Sztupkay