Alumni Association Councilors, 2001-02

Alumni scholarship recipient is realizing her dreams

"Overcoming all obstacles, achieving educational dreams."

Those words are printed on an Alumni Association plaque that hangs over Carrie Weech's computer, providing daily inspiration as she handles the conflicting demands of a full course load at UCSC, single parenthood, and advanced carpal tunnel syndrome.

Weech was just one of 15 remarkable undergraduates who received Alumni Association Scholarships last year. They were a diverse group in all ways but one: a determination to succeed at UCSC.

Scholarship winner: Carrie Weech and her daughter Grace, 7. Not shown is her son Kevin, 11. Photo: UCSC Photo Services

Weech began her college career at Cabrillo College, transferred to San Jose State, and ended up dropping out in her junior year to get married and start a family. After several years and a divorce, a mentor suggested that she return to school; she re-enrolled at Cabrillo and subsequently transferred to UCSC as a sociology major.

"When I first got here, I was so scared," Weech said. "I was thinking, who do I think I am? I'm older: Will people laugh at me? How will I manage my finances?" But Weech took the plunge and quit her job so she could focus on studying. Just then, she found out she'd been awarded $2,500 from the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. "The award couldn't have come at a better time. It made me feel like I belong here," said Weech.

She certainly does. Sociology professor Dana Takagi, who supervised Weech's spring-quarter internship in children's mental health, notes her remarkable "zest for learning. In my 14 years here, I've rarely seen her level of motivation."

  Weech is thinking about a career in law or social work, "something that will give me the power to advocate for those who don't have a voice."

Help other students achieve their educational dreams by making a donation to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Call (800) 933-SLUG or donate online at giving.ucsc.edu; click on Give to UCSC Online.

Alumni scholars

UCSC students who received 2000-01 Alumni Association Scholarships were (back row, l-r): Robin Hendershot, Jesus Dimas, Cristina Estrella-Vega, Ryan Bonea, Robert Chang, and Shareena Yee; (middle row): Jessica Roa, Britt Walsh, and Brittany Stabile; (front row): Carrie Weech, Jason Schulz, and Christine Moon. Not pictured are Mark Odegard, Kevin Comden, and Cheyenne Sinkola.

Photo: UCSC Photo Services

Come to the Alumni Vintners Wine Tasting

Feast your senses on fine wines and dining at the 12th annual Alumni Vintners Wine Tasting and Auction on Saturday, July 28, at the Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center courtyard on campus. The 5 p.m. event offers superb wines poured by alumni vintners.

Cheers: Santa Cruz chapter volunteer Owen Lawlor (College Eight '83, environmental studies) and student volunteer Caitlin Taylor-Johnson sample wines offered by Bargetto Winery assistant winemaker Deborah Elissagaray (Cowell '91, psychology) at the summer 2000 UCSC Alumni Vintners Wine Tasting. Photo: Shmuel Thaler

Past participants have included Bargetto Winery, Bonny Doon Vineyard, Domaine Chandon, Flowers Vineyard and Winery, Glen Ellen Winery, Husch Vineyards, Mirrasou Winery, Radcliffe Cellars, Patz and Hall Wine Company, Roudon-Smith Winery, Saintsbury, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, and Zayante Vineyards.

Guests enjoy a panoramic view of Monterey Bay, hors d'oeuvres, live jazz, and the prospect of fantastic bargains at the silent auction, which benefits the UCSC Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Wines, dining, and other sought-after items are offered. This year's highlight is a five-night stay in Paris in a charming flat near Sacre Coeur. Last year's silent auction generated close to $10,000 for the fund.

To R.S.V.P. or for more information, call the Alumni Association at (800) 933-SLUG.

What does your perfect reunion look like?

Alumni volunteers, supported by the Alumni Association staff, have, in recent years, inspired reunions for members of the Pioneer Class, former staff of City on a Hill, African American alumni, Chicano and Latino alumni, and more.

Now you can help the Alumni Association create the reunion you want to attend by becoming a reunion volunteer.

Alumni Association staff can develop mailing lists for your group, produce and mail invitations, take reservations, find a site, provide seed funding, and offer advice about how to maximize reunion participation.

Reunions generally take place during Banana Slug Spring Fair campus open house and reunion weekend, tentatively scheduled for April 20-21, 2002. Alumni from the classes of '97, '92, '87, '82, '77, and '72 will be invited back to campus that weekend to celebrate their 5- through 30-year reunions. Planning for these and other reunions begins now.

To become a reunion volunteer, contact the Alumni Association by phone at (800) 933-SLUG or via e-mail at alumni@cats.ucsc.edu.

All-UC Alumni Career Conference

Keynote speaker; workshops; exhibits; networking opportunities

Cost: $50 for Alumni Association members; $70, all others

Registration deadline (postmark date): August 17. Add $15 for registration postmarked after this date. Register online at www.ucalumni.net, or contact the UCSC Alumni Association toll-free at (800) 933-SLUG. E-mail: alumni@cats.ucsc.edu.

Reunited: Nearly 350 alumni and friends attended the 2001 All-Alumni Reunion Luncheon held during Banana Slug Spring Fair. Pictured at left enjoying conversation over lunch are (l-r) Kresge associate provost Conn Hallinan, literature professor Paul Skenazy, and alumnus Gary Merrill (Kresge '74). Photo: Dan Coyro