Sections

Got News?

Related Links

Contact

UC San Diego Alumni Find Career Opportunities at Their Alma Mater

Kristin Luciani | August 25, 2010

The UC San Diego All Staff Picnic, which took place on August 20, recognized the exceptional work of employees across all departments and areas of campus. UC San Diego’s staff employees comprise an outstanding group of talented and dedicated individuals—including many who were once students at the university.  Numbering 2,851 to date, alumni represent about 10 percent of the university’s total staff members. Their positions range from police officer to public outreach manager to assistant dean, reflecting the great diversity in talents and experience of our alumni community. 

From recent graduates to individuals with a lifetime of work experience, alumni at all stages of life are choosing to make UC San Diego part of their career path.  Meet some of our stellar alumni staff members:

Henry DeVries ’79

Henry DeVries graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in communications and is now the assistant dean for external affairs at Extension, the university’s continuing education unit.  After graduating, DeVries went on to earn his MBA and build a successful career in business.  He has served as a corporate vice president and owned his own business, all the while staying very involved with the university. 

“I never really left UC San Diego,” he said.  “I am a past president of the Alumni Association, I met my wife on campus and my daughter graduated from Muir College.  When I was winding down at my business and the opportunity arose, I knew working at UCSD would be the right choice for the next chapter of my career.”

DeVries has been at Extension for three years now, acting as both assistant dean and teaching a marketing and public relations class.  In addition, DeVries is a strong supporter of UC San Diego athletics, a passion that stems from his experience as a student on campus.   During his junior and senior years he worked in the athletics program as the sports information director.  

For DeVries, coming back to campus was an easy decision. “Education changes people’s lives for the better,” said DeVries.  “It’s a noble aspiration to be a part of that.”

Scott Gustafson ’00

Now a sergeant in the UC San Diego police department, Scott Gustafson got his start working as a student Community Service Officer (CSO) on campus.  The political science major recalls this student job as one of the most meaningful aspects of his undergraduate experience. 

“Working for the police department was rewarding work, even as a student,” said Gustafson.  “Our team was a tight group.  Some of my best memories are of time spent with my co-workers.” 

The student job helped Gustafson realize he wanted to pursue a career in police work.  He enrolled in police academy, and after becoming a police officer returned to campus to continue to serve the UCSD police department. 

Gustafson was thrilled to rejoin the campus community in his new role.  “UC San Diego has an incredible staff,” he said.  “As a staff member I now have a greater appreciation for the different departments across campus and the collaboration that takes place.  Our department gets great support from the campus community.”

From student worker to alumni staff member, Gustafson has found a fulfilling career with the UC San Diego police department.

 “I love the job,” he added.  “There’s something different all the time, and every day is rewarding.”

Liora Kian-Gutierrez ’84

Liora Kian-Gutierrez is celebrating her 20th year as assistant dean of student affairs at Revelle College and going on 32 years of service to the UC system—and she is still excited to come to work each day. 

“Every day at work is exciting,” she said.  “In my job I have the opportunity to meet potential students at admit day, work with them during orientation, see them through to graduation and then maintain lifelong connections as fellow alumni.  It’s truly special.” 

Kian-Gutierrez graduated from UC San Diego in 1984 with a degree in sociology.  She remembers studying under some exceptional faculty, including Hugh (Bud) Mehan, who truly cared about their students.  The affinity she had for the university started as a student at UC San Diego and continued to grow when she began working on campus, first in admissions and outreach and then as assistant dean of student affairs.  She also feels that it was her undergraduate education at UCSD that helped her to be successful in graduate school.

In addition to playing a big role in her educational and professional life, UC San Diego is deeply connected in her personal life.  She married a fellow alumnus, Lou Gutierrez ’74, who was a member of the first graduating class of Third (Marshall) College.  Moreover, her sister Lani Kian (Warren ’85), one of her nieces Sarah (Clark) DeHart (Marshall ’00) and her niece’s husband, Jason DeHart (Revelle ’02), are proud UCSD graduates. 

“I think that our blood runs blue and gold in my family!” said Kian-Gutierrez. 
   
As the university begins its 50th Anniversary celebration, Kian-Gutierrez reflects on her time at the university as a student, alumna and staff member.  “I’ve seen so many changes at UC San Diego, so many amazing things,” she said.  “And just like life there have been bumps along the road and challenges, but it’s always for the best.  UCSD is such a special place.”

Steven Lei ’07

As an undergraduate at UC San Diego, Steven Lei majored in political science and sociology.  After earning a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, he has returned to UC San Diego and is using his degrees to advance the university’s mission through his role in public outreach and government relations. 

“UC San Diego is unparalleled in its community impact and broader contributions to society,” he said. “It is enormously rewarding to share the university’s incredible story through my work with my colleagues out in the community, in government and public policy.”

While a student, Lei dedicated his time outside the classroom to cultivating networks of students, faculty, alumni and community members to enhance the student academic experience and promote the campus as a place for public discourse.  He worked with the sociology department to establish the Undergraduate Sociology Association, a group to get students more involved with the department and instill a tradition of giving back.  He served on the national board of Americans for Informed Democracy, a national youth international affairs organization, and was president of the UC San Diego chapter.  The organization served as a vehicle to engage students and members of the public in topics relating to global public policy, by hosting regular town hall meetings, lectures and forums on campus. 

As an employee, Lei is continuing his efforts to build community at the university.  Through outreach to state and local public and elected officials, Lei is building governmental support for public higher education and working to ensure the continued success of his alma mater.

“My undergraduate experience at UC San Diego helped form my interest in higher education policy,” said Lei.  “And moreover, it taught me the critical public service responsibilities of the modern university.”

Sam Soloman ’97

As an undergraduate at UC San Diego, Sam Soloman found a passion for building community and enriching student life on campus.  Now, as the leadership coordinator at the Center for Student Involvement on campus, he is helping current students to do the same. 

Soloman studied biology at UC San Diego, but not long after graduating realized that student affairs was his true passion.  He earned a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs and went on to work at UCLA and UC Berkeley before finding his way back to his alma mater. 

“The students at UC San Diego are some of the most engaging I have worked with,” said Soloman.  “And the administration and staff members are so supportive of the students.  It’s a great place to work.”

Soloman got his first taste for mentoring students while still an undergraduate.  He served as a Resident Advisor, an experience he truly enjoyed and one that became influential in his career path.  Another memorable experience for Soloman was the year he spent studying abroad in Spain, where he challenged himself to learn another language while learning from other students from around the world.    

Soloman returned to the UC San Diego community as a staff member in 2004.  As an alumnus, he has a special connection with the students he serves.

“As an alumni staff member, I feel that I can better serve the students because I’ve literally been there,” added Soloman.  “I’ve walked this campus and know what it’s like to be a student here, and although today’s students will have different experiences, I can see the path they are going down.”

Perks for Alumni Staff
And now, alumni staff can show pride – and distinction – for their alma mater on the Blink directory.  A new opt-in feature enables alumni staff members to display their graduation year and the UCSD Alumni logo next to their name. 

In addition, the UCSD Alumni Association is showing their appreciation for alumni that work at UC San Diego.  Alumni staff can stop by the UCSD Alumni Association in Price Center East for a free gift.  Or, register to attend the faculty and staff alumni tailgate prior to UCSD Day at the Padres on Sunday, September 26.  Additional information is available at www.alumni.ucsd.edu/padres.   

 For more information about alumni involvement at UC San Diego, visit www.alumni.ucsd.edu.