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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.

Honorees are celebrated and presented their awards at UCR Honors: A Gala Celebration on April 5, 2025.

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.

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. 

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.

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

  • Who is eligible for nomination?

    All UCR degreed alumni. Current members of the UCR Alumni Association Board of Directors are not eligible for nomination.

  • Who can submit a nomination?

    Alumni, friends, former award recipients, professional colleagues, and members of the UCR community are encouraged to submit nominations.

    Self-nominations and nominations from family members will not be considered.

  • What is required of nominees?

    The awardees must attend the UCR gala held in April. The awards may not be conferred in absentia; however, they may be granted posthumously.

  • Can an individual be nominated in multiple categories?

    Nominations are accepted in multiple categories; however, the Awards Committee reserves the right to consider nominees for the category it deems most appropriate.

  • When should nominations be submitted?

    Nominations for the Alumni Awards of Distinction are accepted year-round. Nominees not selected for the current year will remain on file for three years for future consideration. The same paperwork may be used for an additional two years before a new nomination is required. However, those who wish to submit new paperwork are welcome to do so.

Past Awardees

  • Distinguished Alumni Award

    2024 Christy Lopez ’90 - History [Watch the Video]

    2022 Jose Medina ’74, M.A. ’84 - Latin American Studies and History [Watch the Video]

    2020 Anthea Hartig, M.A. ’89, Ph.D. ’01 - History [Watch the Video]

    2019 Helen Newman ’79 - Biochemistry [Watch the Video]

    2018 Martin Pasqualetti, Ph.D. ’77 - Geography [Watch the Video]

    2017 John Leonard, Ph.D. ’78 - Biochemistry [Watch the Video]

    2016 Shola Lynch, M.A. ’95 - History [Watch the Video]

    2015 Byron Pollitt ’73 - Economics [Watch the Video]

    2014 Michael Devirian ’66 - Physics [Watch the Video]

    2013 Virginia Phillips ’79 - History

    2012 Marigold Linton ’58 - Psychology

    2011 Susan Elizabeth George ’70 - English, ’73 T.C.

    2010 Robert Del Grande, Ph.D. ’81 - Biochemistry

    2009 Gary McCord ’71 -  Economics

    2008 David H. Song ’92 - Biomedical Sciences

    2007 Ed Blakely ’60 - History

    2006 Richard R. Schrock ’67 - Chemistry

    2005 Derick W. Brinkerhoff ’69 - Anthropology, M.Admin ’75

    2004 Tina S. Nova, Ph.D. ’82 - Biochemistry

    2003 Oliver A. Ryder ’68 - Biology

    2002 Robert B. Horsch ’74, Ph.D. ’79 - Biology, Genetics

    2001 Neil Campbell, Ph.D. ’75 - Biology

    2000 Tim D. White ’72 - Biology, Anthropology

    1999 Michael Martin Nieto ’61 - Physics

    1998 Ronald E. Neumann ’66 - History, M.A. ’67 - Political Science

    1996 Yolanda T. Moses, M.S. ’74, Ph.D. ’76 - Anthropology

    1995 Frank L. Bidart ’62 - English

    1994 Donald R. Huffman, Ph.D. ’66 - Physics

    1993 Thomas C. Patterson ’60 - Anthropology

    1992 Kenneth W. Goddard ’68 - Biochemistry

    1991 Guenter Ahlers ’59 - Physical Sciences

    1990 Charles F. Gay ’68, Ph.D. ’79 - Chemistry

    1989 Judith Walker, M.A. ’70, Ph.D. ’71 - Psychology

    1988 Arthur D. Riggs ’60 - Chemistry

    1987 Henry Ramsey, Jr. ’60 - Philosophy

    1986 Charles E. Young ’55 - Political Science

  • Alumni Service Award

    2024 Manav Sachdeva ’99 - Biology and Liberal Studies  [Watch the Video]

    2022 Paulette Brown-Hinds, M.​A.​ ’92, Ph.​D.​ ’98 - English [Watch the Video]

    2020 Dr. Pedram Salimpour ’90 - Biology [Watch the Video]

    2019 Jerry Swain ’89 - Business Administration [Watch the Video]

    2018 Giles Waines, Ph.D ’69 [Watch the Video]

    2017 Tom Tolbert ’71 - Political Science [Watch the Video]

    2016 Ofelia Valdez-Yeager ’69, T.C. ’71 - Spanish [Watch the Video]

    2015 Mary Figueroa ’79 - Chicano Studies & Political Science [Watch the Video]

    2014 William Kroonen ’60 - Spanish [Watch the Video]

    2013 Ronald Stovitz ’64 - Political Science

    2012 Christine Sato-Yamazaki ’92 - Business Administration

    2011 Vernon Crowder ’73 - Psychology, M.Admin ’75

    2010 Rickerby Hinds ’94 - Humanities & Social Sciences

    2008 James E. Baldwin ’60 - History

    2007 Jean Easum ’75 - Mathematics

    2006 Charles “Chuck” Cole ’70 - Political Science

    2005 David C. Willmon ’85 - History

    2004 Markell W. Kohn ’59 - Zoology

    2003 Lee C. McDougal ’74 - Psychology and Black Studies

    2002 Sylvia Martin-James ’73 - Education

    2001 William R. DeWolfe ’58 - Political Science

    2000 Rod Pacheco ’80 - Sociology, Political Science

    1999 Madonna J. Hoffman ’82 - Liberal Studies

    1998 Craig G. Blunden, M.Admin. ’72

    1996 John. W. “Fred” Bryant ’61 - Zoology

    1995 Judy A. Field-Baker ’58 - Art History

    1994 Albert L. Page ’56 - Chemistry

    1993 Frank M. Usher ’67 - Political Science

    1992 George B. Beattie (posthumously) ’58 - Political Science

    1991 Joel Y. Bryan ’64 - Psychology

    1990 Leon Braddock (posthumously), ’73 - Sociology

    1989 Bart R. Singletary ’86 - Political Science

    1988 Charles D. Field ’58 - Economics

    1987 Donald P. Brithinee ’68, M.A. ’70, Ph.D. ’71 - Mathematics

    1986 S. Sue Johnson ’62 - History
     

  • Outstanding Young Alumni Award

    2024 Jesse Melgar, MPP '17 - Public Policy [Watch the Video]

    2022 Larry Chung ’11 - Political Science [Watch the Video]

    2020 Fatima Farheen Mirza ’13 - Creative Writing [Watch the Video]

    2019 Sabrina Cervantes ’09 - Political Science [Watch the Video]

    2018 Brenda Martinez ’10 [Watch the Video]

    2017 Charles Cai, Ph.D. ’15 - Chemical and Environmental Engineering [Watch the Video]

    2016 David Gutierrez ’04 - Business Administration [Watch the Video]

    2015 Michael Nduati ’01 - Biomedical Sciences [Watch the Video]

    2014 Shah Selbe ’04 - Chemical Engineering [Watch the Video]

    2013 Ernesto (Ernie) Rios, MBA ’07

    2012 Steve (Shaohui) Chen, M.S. ’05 - Computer Science, MBA ’07

    2011 Nakul Dev Mahajan ’02 - Sociology

    2010 Andre Quintero ’96 - Political Science

    2009 Cindy Le ’99 - Biomedical Sciences

    2008 David R. Cocker, III ’96 - Environmental Engineering

    2007 Daniel Goldmark ’94 - Music

    2006 Ravish V. Patwardhan ’93 - Biomedical Sciences

    2005 Lloyd E. Levine ’92 - Studio Art

    2004 Stephen Warren ’91 - Biomedical Sciences

    2003 Rigoberto González ’92 - Humanities and Social Sciences Interdisciplinary (English/Creative Writing)

    2002 Darin P. Anderson ’89 - Business Administration, MBA ’91

    2001 John M. Gibson ’91, M.S. ’93 - Computer Science

    2000 Paul U. Niwa ’92 - Economics

    1999 Stephen Breen ’92 - Political Science

    1998 Ruben Barrales ’84 - Political Science and Administrative Studies

    1996 Darren L. Johnson ’84 - Biomedical Sciences

    1995 Dowain A. Wright ’82 - Biochemistry

    1994 Daniel Jacobo ’86 - Chicano Studies and Art

    1993 Craig V. Smith ’83 - Biomedical Sciences

    1992 Jeffrey G. Scott, Ph.D. ’85 - Entomology

    1991 Sally V. Fox, M.S. ’82 - Pest Management

    1990 Anne B. Myers ’80 - Chemistry

    1989 Hollister Hartman, Ph.D. ’82 - Population Biology

    1989 Ronald D. Hays ’79, M.A. ’81, Ph.D. ’84 - Psychology

    1988 Cynthia Quinn ’75 - Dance

    1987 Roger Luebs ’74 - Economics

    1986 Michael P. Huerta ’78 - Political Science
     

  • Community Service Award

    2008 Katherine A. Wright, M.Admin ’81

    2005 Tracy L. Kahn, Ph.D. ’87 - Botany

    2004 Wylie W. Hoffman (posthumously) ’83 - Political Science

    2003 Benita B. Roberts ’86 - Social Sciences

    2002 Pamela S. Clute ’71 - Mathematics, M.A. ’78, Ph.D. ’82 - Education

    2001 Kathleen Gonzales ’74 - Mexican-American Studies and History

    2000 Frank Heyming ’73 - Political Science, Urban Studies, and Economics

    1999 Inge Pelzer ’75 - Human Development and Liberal Studies, Ph.D. ’78 - Education

    1998 William H. Plummer ’67 - Political Science

    1996 Gabriel A. Mendoza ’88 - Spanish

    1995 Edward B. Cowan, Jr. ’58 - Biology

    1994 Pauline Mazetti McGuigan ’64 - History

    1993 William H. Bonnett III ’69 - Political Science

    1992 Lois J. Carson, M.A. ’75 - Education

    1991 Nicholas H. Goldware ’70 - Economics

    1990 Art Pick ’59 - Social Sciences

    1989 Manuela G. Sosa ’66 - Biology

  • Public Service Award

    2008 Tod Burnett ’85 - Political Science/Administrative Studies

    2005 Stanley L. Sniff, Jr. ’80 - Philosophy

    2004 Barbara E. Kerr ’68 - English

    2003 Christopher E. Angelo ’72 - Social Services

    2002 Christopher Fichtner ’77 - Psychobiology

    2001 Herbert  R. Fischer, M.Admin ’76, Ph.D. ’83 - Education

    2000 Amy S. Harrison ’72 - Psychology

    1999 Rev. William A. Greenlaw ’65 - Social Sciences

    1998 Gale M. Morrison ’74 - Psychology, Ph.D. ’79 - Education

    1996 Carol W. Williams ’64 - Zoology

    1995 Lawrence A. Lacey, M.S. ’75, Ph.D. ’78  - Entomology

    1994 Gerilee Gustason ’60 - English

    1993 Carole Nagengast ’75, M.A. ’78 - Anthropology

    1992 E. Dollie Totaro Wolverton ’57 - History

    1991 Gary J. Clarke ’69 - Political Science and Economics

    1990 Kay Ceniceros ’77 - Urban Studies, M.Admin ’79

    1989 Steven W. Clute ’71- Social Sciences
     

  • Honored Alumni Award
    BCOE

    2007 Brian Hawley ’89, M.S.  ’91 - Computer Science

    2006 Brian K. Bender ’89 - Computer Science

     

    CNAS

    2007 William Fenical, Ph.D. ’68 - Chemistry

    2006 James C. Carrington ’82 - Plant Science

     

    CHASS

    2007 Joel Reynolds ’75 - Political Science

    2006 Ann E. Maxwell ’66 - English & Evan L. Maxwell ’65 - Political Science
     

 

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