2009  Alumni News

Shakespeare Santa Cruz announces 2010 season lineup

The 2010 Shakespeare Santa Cruz season will feature a slate of three plays that explore the theme of "love" in all of its ramifications--from first blush, to wrenching jealousy, to familial dysfunction of the highest order.

UCSC philosophy students win regionals in national Ethics Bowl competition

A team of UCSC philosophy students won first place this past weekend at the California Regional Ethics Bowl Tournament held in Chico, qualifying them to compete in the National Ethics competition on March 4 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Regents committee endorses fee hike in effort to close gap in state funding

Faced with a state funding gap of $1.2 billion next year, a UC Regents' committee voted today (Nov. 18) to increase student fees and adopt a financial plan that asks the state to fully fund the university's needs.

UCSC Library meets goal to receive $700,000 challenge grant from Kresge Foundation

UCSC has met the requirements to receive a $700,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation toward the modernization and expansion of McHenry Library.

Historic district plaque symbolizes 'stories yet untold'

With the unveiling of a permanent bronze plaque from the National Register of Historic Places, the Cowell Lime Works Historic district became not only the gateway to UC Santa Cruz, but also "to stories yet untold."

Archaeology course unlocks "silent history" of the slave trade in West Africa

Anthropologist J. Cameron Monroe led UCSC's first undergraduate archaeological expedition to Benin this past summer.

Founders Day Dinner honors outstanding contributions to society

The gala Founders Day Dinner was a sell-out as nearly 400 guests celebrated the theme of "Fulfilling the Promise" of UCSC's founders more than four decades ago.

Project YouCan: UC Santa Cruz joins other UC campuses by pledging to double fundraising goal for student financial support

University of California President Mark Yudof has announced that the system's ten campuses have embarked on a four-year effort to raise $1 billion for student financial support programs.

Friends group to unveil National Register of Historic Places plaque

A permanent National Register of Historic Places plaque will be placed near the Cook House to recognize the campus's historic lime-producing district.

Alum Sol Lipman popularizes 12-second "video tweets"

Alum Sol Lipman launched the popular 12mail app for iPhone, making it easier than ever to share short video clips on Facebook and Twitter.

UC Santa Cruz to offer new Ph.D program in Film and Digital Media

UCSC announces a new graduate program leading to a Ph.D. in Film and Digital Media.

UC Santa Cruz announces Shakespeare Santa Cruz will continue in 2010 with 29th season

UC Santa Cruz announced today that Shakespeare Santa Cruz (SSC)-the university's nationally renowned theater company in residence at the campus-will continue in 2010 to present its annual season.

Alumni notes

Theater Arts professor Mark Franko to moderate panel on choreographing human rights issues at Lincoln Center

UCSC Theater Arts professor Mark Franko will moderate a roundtable discussion titled "Rights to Move: Choreographing the Human Rights Struggle," at Lincoln Center on October 10

UCSC arts and science faculty collaborate for exhibition at Sesnon Gallery

"Full Disclosure"--an exhibition opening on October 7 at UCSC's Sesnon Gallery-is built upon the idea of "failure" as a path to learning.

'The ground started moving all around me'

When the Loma Prieta Earthquake struck on October 17, 1989, the UCSC campus sustained some damage--but nothing like that of the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere in Santa Cruz County.

Donors rally to support UC Santa Cruz, pushing annual fundraising to $30.5 million

Donors rallied to support UCSC last year, helping boost private fundraising to $30.5 million.

UC Santa Cruz receives $615,000 grant to digitize Grateful Dead Archive

UC Santa Cruz has received a major grant to help digitize the Grateful Dead Archive at the University Library.

UCSC Arboretum: Developing a sustainable operation

In a letter to the UCSC community, Alison Galloway, vice provost and dean of academic affairs, says addressing the Arboretum's financial challenges is a painful but necessary step that must be taken if the garden is to remain open and accessible to the pu

3rd annual UCSC 'Founders Day' gala dinner at Cocoanut Grove to honor five exceptional individuals

UCSC will host its third annual Founders Day gala dinner at the Cocoanut Grove on Friday, October 23.

UC Santa Cruz welcomes 11 Pister Scholarship students to campus as 2009-10 school year begins

Eleven dedicated community college transfer students will attend UC Santa Cruz this fall as recipients of Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Awards.

Move-in weekend: Students excited, parents bittersweet

Students were excited and nervous while parents said bittersweet goodbyes during this year's "move-in" weekend.

Chancellor Blumenthal addresses UC Board of Regents

UC Santa Cruz prepares to open for 45th new class

The University of California, Santa Cruz will welcome its 45th class of new students this week, ushering in the 2009-10 academic year. An estimated 4,150 new undergraduate students are expected, most of whom will move into university housing during the fo

Award-winning novelist coming to UCSC on October 7

The UCSC Center for Labor Studies and the Living Writers Series will join together to present a reading by award-winning novelist Monique Truong, Wednesday, October 7, at 7 p.m. in the Humanities Lecture Hall

Blumenthal takes part in group envisioning UC's future

UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal is co-chair of the Size and Shape of UC committee, one of the working groups established under the UC Commission on the Future.

Lick Observatory celebrates 50th anniversary of Shane Telescope

For 50 years, the 3-meter Shane Telescope has helped keep Lick Observatory at the forefront of modern astronomy.

Parents are nervous, proud, sad, elated all at once at summer orientation

Part balm for nervous souls, part information service, part the first step in letting go, the annual freshman orientation drew 3,000 proud and anxious parents to campus this summer.

Composer donates score of acclaimed Dead-inspired symphony to UCSC Library's Grateful Dead Archive

This summer, renowned conductor Marin Alsop brought orchestral music inspired by the Grateful Dead to the 2009 Cabrillo Music Festival as a tribute to the band's archive being housed at UCSC.

Newsweek's annual colleges issue prominently features UCSC

UC Santa Cruz is one of 25 campuses profiled in the cover story of <i>Newsweek</i> magazine's fall 2009 special issue on colleges. The cover story features UCSC as a campus for "Overachievers Who Need to Stop and Look Around."

UCSC in Sierra magazine's top 10 list of nation's greenest colleges

UC Santa Cruz has placed seventh in Sierra magazine's third annual "honor roll" of the top 10 greenest colleges in the nation.

UC, state make bond deal to help projects move forward

UC Santa Cruz and seven other UC campuses will receive funding to pay for voter-approved construction projects under a new $199.9 million bond deal between UC and state Treasurer Bill Lockyer.

One year later, campus-community relations 'fundamentally changed' by landmark agreement

Every time Santa Cruz City Councilman Ryan Coonerty fields a call from another college town mired in conflict with its local campus, he is reminded of how far Santa Cruz has come in its relations with UC Santa Cruz.

Campus leaders explain furlough/salary reduction plan to staff

Campus leaders on Thursday held a forum at the Media Theater for staff members to hear information and ask questions about the furlough/salary reduction plan.

Budget cuts will make for a different UCSC

UC Santa Cruz, faculty, students, and staff worry about the impact the state's financial meltdown is having on the campus, and will have on the social and economic health of the state.

Shakespeare Santa Cruz summer festival opens July 24

Shakespeare Santa Cruz (SSC) will explore the always relevant and highly entertaining themes of power, politics, and trust in its 28th season, beginning on Friday, July 24.

UCSC scores high in competition for UC multi-campus research funding

Four research programs headquartered at UC Santa Cruz have received awards in the 2009 UC Multi-Campus Research Programs and Initiatives Competition (MRPI).

New historic finds help paint picture of lime workers' lives

While renovating one of the historic workers' cabins on campus, UCSC archeologists and volunteers found artifacts that offer new clues to the lives of the lime workers who lived here long ago.

University Relations moves to 2155 Delaware Ave.

University Relations staff members who had long worked in the Carriage House near the base of campus have moved to 2155 Delaware Ave.

An open letter to UC alumni and friends

In an open letter to alumni and other friends of the university, three members of the Board of Regents and UC President Mark Yudof ask for help in spreading the word that UC excellence must be preserved and nurtured.

Twenty-seven youngsters graduate from Girls in Engineering summer program

Twenty-seven local youngsters recently graduated from the Girls in Engineering summer program, which encourages girls to imagine a future in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Alumna chef Deborah Madison's new book reveals secrets of solo eating

In her latest book, alumna chef Deborah Madison turns her attention to the secret delights of solo diners.

Renowned Indian musician and former UCSC Distinguished Adjunct Professor Ali Akbar Khan dies at 87

Legendary Indian musician and former UC Santa Cruz Distinguished Adjunct Professor Ali Akbar Khan died on June 18 at his home in San Anselmo, CA. He was 87.

A summary of summery things to do at UCSC

With its long, sunny days, the summer season is a good time of year to explore UCSC and its off-campus facilities.

UCSC receives 'intent to register' statements from more than 3,500 students

More than 3,500 prospective freshmen have made formal commitments to attend UC Santa Cruz this fall, based on systemwide data released June 16 by the University of California.

Chancellor honors achievements in diversity

Chancellor George Blumenthal honored and acknowledged the diversity achievements of three academic employees, two staff employees, and one campus unit at the 2009 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity.

Economy's woes create repercussions for students, parents

With the global economy reeling and the state budget in crisis, applications to UCSC's Financial Aid office have been edging upward.

'Iconic' cooperage being reinforced to preserve history

The cooperage, one of the historic buildings in the Cowell Lime Works Historic District, is undergoing temporary reinforcement to keep it standing as time takes its toll on the structure.

Students experience the power of the written word

This spring, students in Sarah Rabkin's <i>Environmental Action Through Writing</i> class tried their hand at producing works powerful enough to change hearts and minds.

Veterans host first ever student-led campus Memorial Day observance

Veterans and the Services for Transfer and Re-entry Students program last week presented the first ever student-led Memorial Day celebration on campus.

Men's tennis team wins 7th national title

For the seventh time in school history, UCSC's men's tennis team has captured an NCAA national championship.

It's all in the family when children of alumni choose UCSC

Last spring, when their daughter was deciding where to go to college, UCSC graduates Moira and Dency Nelson tried to play it cool and hide their Banana Slug pride. They wanted their daughter, Charlie, to make her own decision.

Porter College class features alumni professionals working in TV and film

For 13 years, alum Loren Steck has taught "Working in TV and Film."

UCSC music grad student named winner in 57th Annual BMI Student Composer Awards

UCSC graduate student in music Noah Gideon Meites is one of nine young classical composers who have been named winners in the 57th Annual BMI Student Composer Awards.

Fifth annual Graduate Research Symposium presents impressive student work

In memoriam: Foundation trustees Betsy Woolpert, Paul Irwin, and Bud Kretschmer

With sadness, the UC Santa Cruz Foundation announces the passing of three former Foundation trustees in April.

UCSC well represented at Santa Cruz Film Festival, May 7-15

A robust selection of films by UCSC students and alumni will be showcased at the 2009 Santa Cruz Film Festival, running May 7-15 in downtown Santa Cruz.

Former student remembers author and UCSC lecturer James Houston

Steve Woodhams (Porter College 1974-77) offers a remembrance of author and former UCSC lecturer James D. Houston, who died on April 16 at his home in Santa Cruz.

UCSC among EPA's 'green power' winners; faculty member questions basis for ranking

UC Santa Cruz and Santa Clara University have together purchased more than 68 million kilowatts of green power, earning accolades from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.??

Alumni return to campus for weekend of reunions, other events

Hundreds of alumni enjoyed events across campus during Reunion Weekend 2009.

RFK Jr. discusses 'our environmental destiny' before packed house on Friday; event kicks off Reunion Weekend

In a fact-filled, fast-paced lecture in front of a near-capacity crowd Friday night at Santa Cruz's Cocoanut Grove, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke passionately about the political and economic forces that have made our country dependent on oil and coal.

UC Santa Cruz celebrates Reunion Weekend; alumni gifts reach $745,000

UC Santa Cruz alumni have contributed more than $745,000 to the school's annual Reunion Weekend fundraising drive, far exceeding the campus's goal.

UCSC Jewish Studies Distinguished Lecture and Alumni Conference this weekend--April 24, 26

Write an "Ode to Santa Cruz"--winning poem to be read onstage by Garrison Keillor during May 13 show at Santa Cruz Civic

Submit your best "Ode to Santa Cruz" for a chance to win tickets to attend <i>An Evening with Garrison Keillor</i> at the Santa Cruz Civic. The host of <i>A Prairie Home Companion</i> will read the winning poem onstage at the show.

Racism expert Thomas F. Pettigrew receives top UC honor for emeriti faculty

For some, retirement means slowing down and shifting gears. Not so for Thomas F. Pettigrew.

Richard Harris: One cool reporter

1980 Crown College graduate was drawn to journalism while taking a science writing course from John Wilkes.

Vanessa Cervantes: Becoming a leader

College service earned her an Alumni Association scholarship.

Ezequiel Olvera: Sweet success

Lifetime Alumni Association member sees benefit of large network.

Rep. Sam Farr lauds Peace Corps volunteers at UCSC reception

Former Peace Corps volunteers, current members, and their families joined Rep. Sam Farr and UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal for a spirited reception and film screening last Monday at the University Center Alumni Room.

UCSC grad students to present exhibition of digital art with social impact at Museum of Art and History

Ten graduate students from UCSC's Digital Arts and New Media (DANM) program will present a two-part exhibition at the Museum of Art and History in downtown Santa Cruz, running April 17 to June 24.

Bill Domhoff's new book documents the rise of progressive politics in Santa Cruz

A new book reveals the roots of progressive politics in Santa Cruz.

Student Brittany Guest is a special kind of coach

Brittany Guest, a fifth-year health sciences student, directs the Special Olympics program for the Santa Cruz area.

Career Center ready to help Slugs of any age

Alumni--whether unemployed or just seeking a career change--might not know that the campus Career Center is a resource that's available to them.

UC Santa Cruz's fall 2009 'admit rate' reflects increasing competitiveness for freshman spaces

The percentage of freshman applicants who have been admitted to UC Santa Cruz for this coming fall declined by more than 10 percent in just one year, reflecting the increasingly competitive nature of undergraduate admission to the campus.

Statement from UCSC dean concerning proposed budget cuts

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tops UCSC Alumni Reunion Weekend festivities April 24-26

Environmental leader Robert F. Kennedy Jr. kicks off UCSC's Reunion Weekend 2009 festivities on April 24.

UCSC professor offers 'street smart' guide to making documentary films

Looking for a practical, step-by-step guide to creating a documentary film? You might look no further than a new compact handbook co-authored by UC Santa Cruz associate professor of film and digital media Gustavo Vazquez.

Reunion Weekend features a panel discussion about the environment

UCSC's Reunion Weekend 2009 will feature a panel discussion about the environment.

Dedicated marine mammal volunteers save oiled otter

When a young sea otter was found on the beach covered with tar balls and slick oil, volunteers with the Marine Mammal Physiology Project sprang into action.

The eagle has landed

This golden eagle was captured on film last week making a meal of an unlucky ground squirrel.

UCSC alumna author looks out for kids who can't read

Susan Blackaby has always kept her eye out for the kid who can't read. An educational writer for the past 25 years, the UC Santa Cruz alumna has written more than 120 books for children to inspire them to learn how to read.

Richards, Cabrera, Rickford win Alumni Association top honors

The common thread running through the Alumni Association's top award winners for 2008-09 is their exceptional ability to inspire.

Lamb is a lioness when it comes to soccer

Women's soccer player Annick Lamb has received a 2009 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.

Exhibition by Elliot Anderson at Gallery 16 in San Francisco through March 27

<i>Equivalents</i>, a new body of work by assistant professor of art and electronic media Elliot Anderson, will be on display at Gallery 16 in San Francisco through March 27.

New general education requirements emphasize bold interdisciplinary themes, global engagement

A new forward-looking approach to education will prepare undergraduates for life in the complex, information-rich environment of the 21st century.

New book dedicated to work of international literary scholar/founding UCSC faculty member

<i>A Touch More Rare: Harry Berger, Jr. and the Art of Interpretation</i> (Fordham University Press, 2009) celebrates more than four decades of groundbreaking work by UC Santa Cruz emeritus professor of literature and art history Harry Berger, Jr.

Alum Michael Scherer covers the White House for Time magazine

UCSC grad Michael Scherer is covering the White House for <i>Time</i> magazine.

Earth Summit celebrates progress, cultivates ideas

Thursday's eighth annual Earth Summit advanced a dialogue among students, faculty, staff, administration, and the Santa Cruz community regarding the campus's commitment to sustainability.

Literary Studies book series co-founded at UCSC to benefit from $1.16 million Mellon Foundation grant

A UC Press book series in literary studies--founded by UC Santa Cruz literature professor Richard Terdiman in collaboration with his colleague Susan Gillman and faculty from UC Berkeley and Irvine-will share a $1.16 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon

Haney praises court decision on prison overcrowding

Psychology professor Craig Haney was one of the main expert witnesses who testified in the case before the three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

UCSC alumna Marti Noxon wins Writers Guild TV Award for 'Mad Men'

UCSC alumna Marti Noxon has won a Writers Guild of America award for best dramatic television series of 2008. Noxon received her award as part of the writing team for the hit TV show "Mad Men."

TOPP program gets 'seal' of approval from comedian Stephen Colbert

UCSC elephant seal researchers caught the attention of Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert, making the February 5 episode of his show, the Colbert Report.

I am elephant seals (and so can you!)

Want to know the truthiness about northern elephant seals? Become a Facebook friend of Stelephant Colbert.

Food is the "front line of healing," says author

Anthropologist Nancy Chen has a simple message for Americans who are obsessed with fad diets: Skip the gimmicks and listen to your grandmother.

UCSC alumnus wins 2009 Sundance directing award for first feature film

First-time director and UC Santa Cruz alumnus Cary Joji Fukunaga received the award for "Best Director, U.S. Drama," at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival for his film Sin Nombre.

For second consecutive year, undergraduate applications to UC Santa Cruz exceed 30,000

For the second year in a row, more than 30,000 prospective undergraduates have applied to the University of California, Santa Cruz for admission in the upcoming fall quarter.

UCSC climbs to No. 2 on Peace Corps top colleges ranks

The University of California, Santa Cruz rose to second place on the annual list of Peace Corps Top Colleges (for the medium-size school category), its highest ranking since the Peace Corps began releasing its list in 2003.

Award-winning actress/UCSC alumna to perform "I Am That I Am: Woman, Black"-Jan. 28

Award-winning actress and UCSC alumna Adilah Barnes will perform her one woman show-I Am That I Am: Woman, Black-on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. in the College 9 & 10 Multipurpose Room. Admission is free and open to the public.

UCSC professor provides academic expertise for unusual San Francisco art exhibition

When the directors of San Francisco's Museo ItaloAmericano decided to create an exhibit about Italian Jewish life in the age of the Ghetto (16th-19th centuries), the first thing they did was a Google search on the topic. What they found was UC Santa Cruz

Career fair peaceful; diverse opinions represented

While students expressed a diversity of opinions on the presence of military recruiters at a campus job fair on Tuesday--the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Programs ran a table at the fair--there were no clashes, and the event went peacefully.

UCSC film professor commissioned to create art for 'video walls' at LAX

UC Santa Cruz professor of film and digital media Chip Lord is one of 20 artists who have been commissioned to create video art works for an innovative installation at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).