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Berkeley High has produced a number of outstanding individuals over the years and Joel Kaji is no exception. After graduating from BHS in 1981 Joel attended Haverford College in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1985 with a degree in political science. 

Joel then attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he received his MA and Ph.D. also in political science. 

While at Michigan, Joel met his future wife Marjorie and they have been married for 13 years. In 1993 Joel and Marjorie moved from Michigan to Long Island, N.Y.,where Joel taught political science and statistics at State University of New York, Stony Brook until 1997. 

In 1998, Sports Illustrated hired Joel as a market research manager in the New York City office. There he took part in the development of editorial, marketing programs and advertising sales. 

Currently Joel is director of market research for Time magazine in New York. Joel, his wife and 5-year-old son Jeffrey live in Manhattan.  

Joel was active on the debate team at Berkeley High School. Though he didn’t play any organized sports he was then and still is a huge sports buff. This writer and Joel used to play softball and basketball together at Le Conte Elementary School in Berkeley. 

“Berkeley High was a launching pad for me,” Joel said. “Berkeley High was also the place where I excelled academically and socially. I will always view Berkeley High as a place where I came into my own.”p