Alumni

Alumni profiles, news bites and insights both from and about the UC Santa Barbara Alumni Association foster a strong sense of connection and Gaucho pride.

Issue Name
Spring / Summer 2024

In a new memoir, the former assistant vice chancellor of alumni affairs revisits his harrowing experience as a young American reporter on assignment in war-ravaged El Salvador
A year after Sanaz Toossi ‘13 won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, Nathan Thrall ’00 wins the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction
Tucker Garrison ’11 and Philip Matthew Richardson ’13, partners in business and in life, are superfood enthusiasts on a mission
Lawyer turned sought after campaign manager Maya Rupert ’03 brings the hope in her uplifting political podcast, “When We Win”
Bridget Kyeremateng ’17 landed on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 Marketing & Advertising list for 2024, and gave her first TedX talk, “How I Found My Voice as An Undocumented Immigrant,” bringing her back, full circle, to her upbringing and to her love and skill for speaking

Issue Name
Fall / Winter 2023

Kasey (Wittstrom ’05) Clelland wants you to keep moving
A role model for persistence in the face of adversity
A champion for care, access and straight-up hard work
Modern entrepreneurs Denisse Salinas ’03 and John Burnett uplift the donut
Sisters Sara Tanza ’06 and Melissa McConville ’07 couldn’t find a fun and inclusive race, so they created one. This year, 9,000 people will run their She.is.Beautiful events

Issue Name
Spring / Summer 2023

Jada Alexander aims to inspire and increase educational opportunities for marine research
Andrew Freund ’90 makes an international career out of an uncommon interest: sumo
An honor of a lifetime
Guiding the next generation of Gauchos
Mechanical engineers Bruce ’81 ’82 and Marie ’80 McFarland use technology to create the perfect surf
Team executive Liz Montaño M.A. ’03 offers career advice from the front office
Gauchos building businesses of all types and sizes
Creative director Jena Dominique Pruitt ’14 makes a case for world travel and self-exploration in her quest for success

Issue Name
Fall / Winter 2022

Alum success in books, media, and law
Roland Ros starts online platform for Gen Z and millennial Filipinos
Jennie Romer is passionate about protecting the environment
Every year, a giving group paddleboards across the Channel, raising funds and spirits for friends in need
LoaCom - Cause-based communications for people and the planet
Giovanna Gonzalez helps her peers build wealth
Celine Mol works to stimulate a circular economy by way of resale
Tech visionary Pamela Lopker keeps her eyes on the horizon
Alumni Awards honor remarkable individuals and their achievements

Issue Name
Spring / Summer 2022

Her post-college path unclear, Yvett Merino kept taking her next right step — and ended up with an Academy Award.
Undergraduate student Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein champions inclusion and equity with her nonprofit, Pre-Health Shadowing.
Four years after graduating, journalist Molly Forster is winning awards — and thanking her alma mater for making it possible.
Aila Malik, a 2022 Presidential Leadership Scholar, focuses on the nonprofit sector in her drive to create change.
Fueled by a passion for health and a desire to help others, Bo Hu creates a smart home fitness device.
Stylish Nuts for Every Occasion Lisa Wojcik mastered her mom’s specialty recipe as a kid; now she’s building a business with it.
Matt Moss gives the gift of an image to his girlfriend, then to the world, by way of his viral app.
Fighting for equity, representation — and really big waves — is all in a day’s work for this pro surfer and activist.
Audrey Weitz matches investors with unique opportunities, and champions finance as a rewarding career for women.

Issue Name
Fall / Winter 2021

From innovations in reusable straws to passing on a love of music to children in underserved communities, these Gauchos are paying it forward in ways that make us proud.
Fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship, the founders of Dart Coffee, Sun & Swell, BranchOut Parks and Watermelon Apparel share their stories.
From artists to authors and poets to podcasters, the creative spark is alive and thriving in these UC Santa Barbara grads.
Spotlighting alumni achievers in the worlds of eco-chic fashion, national politics, athletics, public service, entertainment, astronauts and more.
Architect Ken Radtkey ’83 shares some ideas for making your home more sustainable and environmentally friendly.