UCSD Veteran of the Year

By Karen Roberts Gardner I November 8, 2004

Mark Elder, a producer-director with Media Services, has been selected as UCSD's Veteran of the Year. Elder is a Vietnam veteran with over 26 years of combined service in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves. He represented UCSD at the 2004 Veteran of the Year Luncheon Nov. 5 sponsored by the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center.

Elder was assigned to Heavy Photo Recon Squadron 61 (VAP-61) in Da Nang in 1969 and 1970. On his second tour of duty in 1971, he served as a combat motion picture photographer with the Pacific Fleet Combat Camera Group in Saigon. Elder's assignments included producing 16mm film and still photo documentaries of the Navy's missions in and around the Mekong Delta. He also flew as an aerial photographer in helicopters and fixed wing aircraft as support of the Brown Water Navy's operational area.

"Mark Elder is known for always going the extra mile," wrote Media Services colleague Karen Roberts Gardner in her nomination of Elder as UCSD Veteran of the Year. "He willingly works overtime to cover for colleagues and comes in on weekends for high-profile events that need to be webcasted (his specialty)," In addition to working as an electronics technician for the Media Teaching Lab, elder often mentors the students enrolled in video and film production classes, using the knowledge he has acquired with years of trade experience.

"Mark Elder is one of the most industrious people with whom I've ever worked," said Jonathan Reinstein, Computer Resource Specialist and colleague. He cannot be idle. To sit on his hands and do nothing would drive him crazy. His exemplary work ethic and positive attitude gives the rest of us something to shoot for. He's the kind of guy that spoils you working with him - such that you say to him, 'Mark, don't ever leave.'"

Elder's can-do attitude and superb customer service skills have earned the Media Services department many accolades. Faculty members and conference coordinators say they trust Elder to produce a flawless presentation of their classes or events.

"Mark is someone you can count on," Reinstein said. "He is resourceful and prepared. He has skills and experience to find creative solutions to tasks many of us would probably not even realize were an option. When faced with a challenge, he will work hard for the best solution. If his skills are inadequate, he is eager to learn."