Alumni

Issue Name

Spring / Summer 2024

George Thurlow '73

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

Two alums, two years, two Pulitzers

A year after Sanaz Toossi ‘13 won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, Nathan Thrall ’00 wins the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction

Putting the plant back in plant-based

Tucker Garrison ’11 and Philip Matthew Richardson ’13, partners in business and in life, are superfood enthusiasts on a mission

The accidental, and optimistic, political strategist

Lawyer turned sought after campaign manager Maya Rupert ’03 brings the hope in her uplifting political podcast, “When We Win”

Sharing her story, and her voice

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

‘Exercise is a gift that we give to our bodies’

Kasey (Wittstrom ’05) Clelland wants you to keep moving

José Hernández ’86

A role model for persistence in the face of adversity

Lariza Johnson ’10

A champion for care, access and straight-up hard work

The Magic of Fried Dough

Modern entrepreneurs Denisse Salinas ’03 and John Burnett uplift the donut

Better Together

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

Water Warrior

Jada Alexander aims to inspire and increase educational opportunities for marine research

Sumo Size Me

Andrew Freund ’90 makes an international career out of an uncommon interest: sumo

Vanessa Valdivia '10

An honor of a lifetime

Luther Richmond '07

Guiding the next generation of Gauchos

Wave Runners

Mechanical engineers Bruce ’81 ’82 and Marie ’80 McFarland use technology to create the perfect surf

A Sports Pro

Team executive Liz Montaño M.A. ’03 offers career advice from the front office

Startup Roundup

Gauchos building businesses of all types and sizes

Zone of Genius

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

Gauchos Making Noise

Alum success in books, media, and law

Championing Filipino Voices

Roland Ros starts online platform for Gen Z and millennial Filipinos

Plastic Pollution Opponent

Jennie Romer is passionate about protecting the environment

The Friendship Paddle

Every year, a giving group paddleboards across the Channel, raising funds and spirits for friends in need

Cause-based Communications

LoaCom - Cause-based communications for people and the planet

First-Gen Mentor

Giovanna Gonzalez helps her peers build wealth

Progress Over Perfection

Celine Mol works to stimulate a circular economy by way of resale

Journeying On

Tech visionary Pamela Lopker keeps her eyes on the horizon

Alumni Awards

Alumni Awards honor remarkable individuals and their achievements

Issue Name

Spring / Summer 2022

The Road to Discovery

Her post-college path unclear, Yvett Merino kept taking her next right step — and ended up with an Academy Award.

Access for All

Undergraduate student Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein champions inclusion and equity with her nonprofit, Pre-Health Shadowing.

Listening to Learn

Four years after graduating, journalist Molly Forster is winning awards — and thanking her alma mater for making it possible.

Presidential Perspectives

Aila Malik, a 2022 Presidential Leadership Scholar, focuses on the nonprofit sector in her drive to create change.

The Circle of Innovation

Fueled by a passion for health and a desire to help others, Bo Hu creates a smart home fitness device.

Black Bow Sweets

Stylish Nuts for Every Occasion Lisa Wojcik mastered her mom’s specialty recipe as a kid; now she’s building a business with it.

Locket Camera

Matt Moss gives the gift of an image to his girlfriend, then to the world, by way of his viral app.

Bianca Valenti

Fighting for equity, representation — and really big waves — is all in a day’s work for this pro surfer and activist.

Sensible Investing

Audrey Weitz matches investors with unique opportunities, and champions finance as a rewarding career for women.

Issue Name

Fall / Winter 2021

Bright Spots

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.

Startup Spotlight

Fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship, the founders of Dart Coffee, Sun & Swell, BranchOut Parks and Watermelon Apparel share their stories.

Gaucho Creators & Authors

From artists to authors and poets to podcasters, the creative spark is alive and thriving in these UC Santa Barbara grads.

Newsmakers and Milestones

Spotlighting alumni achievers in the worlds of eco-chic fashion, national politics, athletics, public service, entertainment, astronauts and more.

Simply Sustainable

Architect Ken Radtkey ’83 shares some ideas for making your home more sustainable and environmentally friendly.