Photo by Kevin Walsh.

Annual Service Awards Honor Staff Commitment and Dedication

There are more than 16,000 staff members who serve UC San Diego each day, offering invaluable resources and technical expertise to students and faculty and ensuring smooth operations across campus. More than 500 of those staff members were recognized at the 47^th Annual Service Awards held Oct. 29 in the Price Center West Ballroom. Acknowledgement and awards were given to those who had reached 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40-year milestones in their careers.

During the celebration, Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla expressed his deep gratitude for the commitment and loyalty of all UC San Diego staff members. “The university has been immeasurably enriched over the years by your dedication and commitment,” he said. “In an age of multiple careers, it is because of your longevity that we are great. Thank you for your service.”

Three staff members were honored for their 40-year commitment to UC San Diego, including

Carlos Estrada, library assistant at the Geisel Library; Lea Mizumoto, assistant dean of academic advising at Warren College; and Karen Peters, catalogue data coordinator at the Geisel Library.

Photo by Kevin Walsh.

Entering as a freshman at UC San Diego in the fall of 1969, Lea Mizumoto began her career on campus at the library. In subsequent undergraduate years, she was a part of Talent Search, a Student Affairs program that encourages students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply to college and provides academic, career and financial counseling. This gave her a great foundation when she entered her first professional staff position at then Third College (now Marshall College) as a receptionist in the Academic Advising Office.

“In all of my positions at UC San Diego, there has always been a great camaraderie in the units,” said Mizumoto. “This provided me with a wonderful workplace with an internal support group which I valued greatly.”

Now assistant dean of academic advising, Mizumoto works with students to make their UC San Diego experience a more rewarding and fruitful one. “I get an incredible sense of accomplishment when I see a student leave our advising session with new or continued enthusiasm and direction towards their goals,” said Mizumoto.

Karen Peters joined the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library in 1978 as a library assistant where she managed the journal binding process. After a brief leave in 1983, she returned as an administrative assistant for the Revelle College Dean’s Office. She soon transitioned into the role of student activities coordinator, working with students throughout their careers, from orientation to graduation. “I worked with students for six years, and it was rewarding, giving me the opportunity to create an atmosphere for students that was like home,” said Peters. “We impacted each other’s lives.”

In 1990, Peters joined the Geisel Library team in the Database Maintenance Unit. She later became the head of that unit and transitioned into the role of catalogue data coordinator, drawn to the slower environment and flexible schedule. “I love the campus; the educational and research environment is the best in which to work,” said Peters. “The library has supported me, given me opportunities to grow and allowed me the flexibility to work a schedule that worked for my family. I have given them the best that I have in return. I work with the absolutely best people or I wouldn’t still be here.”