Neither the passage of time nor a life that has included combat and living in places from Afghanistan to Algeria has removed my enjoyment of my UCR period or the sense that it gave me a solid intellectual beginning. So, I like to find out how the campus is changing and how the school is developing just as one would keep up with any other old friend. And that is why I am an Alumni Association member.
Ronald E. Neumann '66, '67 M.A., U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan
Soon after my UCR graduation, the value of my academic training and the richness of my educational experiences became clear. These realizations have only grown with time. It is with pride and gratitude–and recognizing a very good deal–that I became a lifetime member of the UCR Alumni Association.
Oliver Ryder '68, Kleberg Associate Director/Genetics at the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego
As a first-generation college graduate, I feel very fortunate to have the education and opportunities that UCR afforded me. I’m proud to participate in the annual UC Day and in the UCRAA Scholarship application readings in Sacramento. Being part of the selection process allows me to have input in how our association fees help students in financial need.
Marisol Avina '01, Consultant on the Education Committee of the California State Assembly
Staying in touch with my alma mater has been rewarding to me. In addition to being a lifetime member of the Alumni Association, I am pleased to serve on the board of advisors of the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and count it as important as my service with several national and international professional organizations.
Leslie A. Hickle '74, '81 Ph.D., 20-year veteran of California biotech startups, including key partnerships in animal health, plant agriculture and industrial sciences. Currently, she is vice president of business development for BioAtla LLC
My most important personal and professional growth started at UCR. I am constantly amazed at how UCR reconnects me with my friends through the newsletters and email. I am also touched by the way the Alumni Association keeps up with my family and me and thereby incorporates my entire family into the UCR experience.
Edward Blakely '60, Honorary Professor in Urban Policy & disaster recovery expert at the University of Sydney
My fondest UCR memory was meeting my wife. We’ve been attending Highlander games as the most tangible way to support UCR, sharing in the pride. I became a life member of the Alumni Association because it was the most immediate and easiest way to start my lifelong involvement with UCR. You can, too.
Matthew W. Nelson '95, lawyer with Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden, San Bernardino
When my parents gave me a UCRAA life membership card for graduation, I was baffled. How could this help me? Since then, I have learned the benefits firsthand. Having the right contacts often makes all the difference. A UCR professor and a fellow UCR alumna both helped me launch my career.
Jason Fasteau '91, B.A., Political Science, T.C.
Joining the UCR Alumni Association is not only a way to give back to the campus, nor is it just joining an association. It is a great way to stay connected and to create a helpful career network.
Esther Oh '06, B.S., Biomedical Sciences
Being a life time member of the Alumni Association enables me to stay connected to UCR, and that’s a good feeling. I encourage you to join me in strengthening our UCR community and help create a lifetime of memories for future students.
Israel Gonzales '04, '07, Owner of Digidat Solutions