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Alumni

Bold Hearts. Brilliant Minds.

Alumni Awards

Alumni Awards of Distinction

 

Since 1986, the UCR Alumni Association has honored graduates who personify the university’s tradition of excellence and service. Through their personal and professional achievements, these individuals bring distinction to UCR, contribute to the betterment of society, and enhance their communities.

Nominate an alum to be considered for the 2026 Alumni Awards of Distinction.

 

2025 Alumni Award Honorees

V. John White

 Distinguished Alumni Award

V. John White '73

B.S. Political Science

V. John White has been a writer, consultant, lecturer, advocate, and leader of the green energy movement in California for over 35 years. He is the Executive Director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT) in Sacramento, Legislative Director for Clean Power Campaign (CPC), and principal of the environmental and energy lobbying practice, V. John White Associates, representing public interest environmental and local government organizations, and new energy technology companies. 

Between CEERT, CPC, and V. John White Associates, he works closely with the legislature and state regulatory agencies, primarily the Public Utilities Commission, the Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Independent System Operator.  White regularly develops policy in coordination with the agencies’ Commissioners and Board Members in order to ensure that important legislation will not conflict with agency goals and objectives.  

White's career has been devoted to air quality improvement and clean energy development. As chief consultant to the California Assembly Subcommittee on Air Quality, he became the leading legislative expert on air quality technology and regulation, helping to draft the California Clean Air Act and subsequent clean air and energy statutes. White also served on the board of Governors of the California Independent System Operator from 1998 to 2001.

In 1990 he co-founded CEERT, which has become the premier energy advocacy voice for key environmental public interest groups and clean energy technology companies.  He played a central role in the passage of the Pavley Clean Car bill, AB 32, and many of California’s renewable energy incentive and regulatory programs. 

He serves on a number of nonprofit boards and organizations.

View Video About V. John White

Keona Henderson

 Alumni Service Award

Keona Henderson '08

B.A. English

Keona Henderson is a Realtor, women empowerment advocate, and community change agent. After serving her community as a sworn Senior Probation Officer with Riverside County Probation, for nearly 10 years, Keona Henderson transitioned into a full-time entrepreneur in 2019, which has allowed her to fully walk in her purpose and amplify her passion.

Her passion is anchored in pouring positivity into women and youth while empowering them to amplify their passion. Utilizing her experience in project development and public speaking, she founded Positive Women Meet Up, LLC (PWM), a for-profit, personal and professional development company focused on the empowerment of women and youth and DEI. In 2021, PWM launched The 25x25 Project, a girl’s empowerment and college readiness outreach program developed specifically for Black girls. To date, three program participants are now students at UCR, and more plan to follow. PWM has hosted two cohorts and is now planning for a third.

Keona proudly served two terms (2019-2023) as the President for the UC Riverside Black Alumni Chapter. In the chapter’s 30+ year history, she is the first and only President to establish a Black Alumni Chapter Scholarship and a chapter endowment fund on campus into perpetuity - the Black Alumni Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund. The endowment fund was a long-time goal of Keona’s before her Presidency. The board was given a 5-year timeline to raise $25,000 to open the endowment fund. With the help of alumni and community members, Keona and the brilliant Black Alumni Chapter board members were able to activate creative projects and partnerships which raised $50,000+ in two years. This is an accomplishment Keona holds dear to her heart.

She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Eta Nu Omega Chapter,a founding member of the National Council of Negro Women Riverside Section and continues to serve on several UC Riverside and community committees. 

View Video About Keona Henderson

Gabriel Maldonado

 Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Gabriel Maldonado '11

B.S. Political Science/International Affairs

Gabriel Maldonado is an activist, long-time community organizer, founder, and Chief Executive Officer of TruEvolution. Founded in 2007, TruEvolution is a health and justice organization serving LGBTQ+, youth, seniors, and people living with HIV in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Formerly a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS under President Barack Obama, Gabriel has worked in public, private, and industry spaces having served on the national advisory board for ViiV Healthcare, and advisory groups for Merck & Co and Gilead Sciences. Gabriel was the Co-Chair of the National Health Disparities Prevention Conference in 2019 and has served previously on the board of directors for regional and global organizations. Currently, Gabriel serves on the Board of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, the 2nd largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the U.S, and in 2023 was appointed as an inaugural Commissioner by CA Governor Gavin Newsom to the Racial Equity Commission.

Gabriel earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Global Affairs from the University of California Riverside and his MBA in Global Business from the University of Redlands. Inspired by the Civil Rights and community organizing movements in Compton, where he was raised, Gabriel has made a 15+ year career and impacted his community through public health prevention, mental health, housing services and most recently as housing developers building transitional housing facilities in Riverside County.

View Video About Gabriel Maldonado

Inquiries: specialevents@ucr.edu. For sponsorship information, please contact Brock Cavett at brock.cavett@ucr.edu.
Proceeds benefit student support initiatives at UCR. Additional information will be available closer to the event.

Award Categories

  

Distinguished Alumni Award

The most prestigious honor bestowed by the UCR Alumni Association, the Distinguished Alumni Award is based on national and international distinction in one’s field and significant contribution to humankind.

  

Alumni Service Award

This award honors superior service in the public sector or a sustained pattern of volunteer service in the community, arts, or for the benefit of UCR that has positively represented the university and fellow citizens.

  

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

This award recognizes alumni aged 40 or younger with a significant record of career and/or civic achievement and promise in their profession.
 
 

Do you know a fellow Highlander that has made an impact, demonstrated exemplary service, or exemplifies extraordinary academic achievement? You can get involved by making a nomination. Nominations are accepted year-round. All nominations are considered and reviewed in August.

Submit a Nomination

Nomination Process

Past Awardees