Alumni Profile
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Charting coastal futures
Alumnus William “Monty” Graham, the new director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center—one of the nation’s leading hubs for environmental science—brings deep expertise in coastal ecological oceanography and a foundation shaped by UC Santa Cruz values.
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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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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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Alumna Reyna Grande named to Kirkus Reviews’ list of best books of the 21st century
Grande’s memoir, ‘A Dream Called Home’, chronicles Grande’s journey to UC Santa Cruz and becoming a best-selling author
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Supporting early career alums: Finding hope in challenging times
In a time of uncertainty, where environmental challenges grow more complex and the future feels unpredictable, two UC Santa Cruz alumni share their insights on adapting to professional challenges while staying true to their core values.
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A legacy of hope and healing
Barrios Unidos Founder and UCSC alumnus Daniel “Nane” Alejandrez is a pillar of activism and champion of nonviolence in Santa Cruz County
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Building a better Santa Cruz: UCSC alumna Susan True shapes community philanthropy
As the CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and UCSC Foundation board member, Susan True cultivates transformative change
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Rooted in community
Alumna Dora Maria Beyer (Merrill ’09, Latin American & Latino studies, politics) was recently named one of Silicon Valley Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for her work assisting low-income communities as director of community development with Excite Credit Union.
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Embedding equity in the financial sector
UC Santa Cruz alumna Alina I’vette Fernandez has built a career helping America’s largest banks operationalize their values and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. Her work helps C-suite leaders understand the implications of their decisions for both employees and the communities they serve.
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A legacy of philanthropy and leadership at UC Santa Cruz
Alumnus Steve Bruce (Cowell ’79, economics) reflects on his support for his alma mater.