Bright Spots

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Summer 2026

Kicking it ‘old school’

Fred Steck ’67 champions human connection as the key to success

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Fall / Winter 2025

Gut Feelings

Alum Dayna Quanbeck leans into her instincts, and comes out on top

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Spring / Summer 2025

We love you, Lake Tahoe

Meet five Gauchos who are leveraging their expertise — and their UCSB education — to protect one of the nation’s most iconic alpine lakes

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Fall / Winter 2024

The affable, indefatigable, endlessly curious Tom Scrivener ’93

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Spring / Summer 2024

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”

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Fall / Winter 2023

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

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Spring / Summer 2023

Zone of Genius

Creative director Jena Dominique Pruitt ’14 makes a case for world travel and self-exploration in her quest for success

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Fall / Winter 2022

The Friendship Paddle

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

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Spring / Summer 2022

Bianca Valenti

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

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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.