Alumni
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Changing the story: Acclaimed author William Finnegan on his long journey to The New Yorker
Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Finnegan (Cowell, ‘74, Literature), this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Humanities Undergraduate Alumni Award, spoke of the need for self-reinvention, crooked paths, career switches, and “changing your story” during his acceptance speech at this week’s Celebrating the Humanities event.
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Experimental economist explores overlooked aspects of human behavior
Alumna Alessandra Cassar, now a professor at the University of San Francisco, found her path by working with UC Santa Cruz’s Learning and Experimental Economics Projects (LEEPS) laboratory as a graduate student.
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Applying the science of social impact
UC Santa Cruz alumna Jennifer Rigney uses her Ph.D. in Psychology to support mission-based organizations in making effective, data-based decisions about their programs. She has helped advance the ocean conservation goals of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and now supports early childhood development as the director of evaluation and learning for First Five Monterey County.
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Highlights from Alumni Reunion Weekend 2025
Alumni Reunion Weekend 2025 brought nearly 400 UC Santa Cruz alumni, faculty, staff, and friends back to campus for a joyful celebration filled with meaningful conversations, milestone reunions, and lasting memories.
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Celebrating impact: The Sabatte Family Scholarship
The inaugural cohort of Sabatte Family Scholars is wrapping up their first year at UC Santa Cruz. Several scholars recently gathered with members of the donor’s family to celebrate the generous vision of the late Richard Sabatte.
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UCSC alumnus named director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
William “Monty” Graham (M.S. ’89, marine sciences; Ph.D. ’94, biology) will lead the nation’s premier coastal ecosystem research facility and its mission to understand the vital connections between land and water.
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UCSC alumnus wins Pulitzer
Jason Roberts was awarded the 2025 prize for his biography “Every Living Thing”
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Recounting the history of UCSC and Oakes College: Wisdom Cole and J. Herman Blake in conversation
UCSC alumni gathered virtually as Wisdom Cole and J. Herman Blake reflected on the university’s founding values, the legacy of Oakes College, and the power of community and inclusion
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UCSC Genome Browser alumni profile: Melissa Cline
Melissa Cline is a prominent figure in the field of cancer genomics and currently manages the BRCA Exchange, the largest public resource for knowledge on genetic variations that influence heritable breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
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The Science Division announces recipients of Distinguished Alumni Awards
Gabriel Filippelli, Aradhna Tripati, and Seath Brook Ahrens are this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients for the Science Division
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Exploring the edges of science
Alumnus Jonathan Trent is a marine biologist and former NASA scientist whose groundbreaking work spans ocean research, space science, and sustainable technology.
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A portrait of gratitude: Alumna Cheryl Doering honors former Cowell provost and founding faculty member through art
Portrait of John Dizikes unveiled at Alumni Reunion Weekend