Change Begins with You
The UCR Alumni Association volunteer program offers a unique platform for cultivating a meaningful student experience. By simply donating your time, you’re creating lasting change and leading by example.
Join us as an Alumni Association volunteer to help raise support for UCR’s dynamic initiatives, expose current students to successful leaders and mentors, and build a stronger Highlander community.
Alumni Association Volunteer Opportunities
Board of Directors
The UCR Alumni Association Board of Directors is a dedicated group of volunteers who aid in establishing Association policy, reviewing programs, and providing counsel to the UCR administration. Find out who your alumni leaders are and apply to serve as a board member!
Alumni Networks
Find fellow Highlanders in your area, with a shared identity, or by staying connected to your college or school to share resources, ideas, and experiences.
Committees
UCR Alumni Association members are invited to join committees that help shape the footprint and initiatives of the Alumni Association. For more information about committee opportunities, please fill out the UCRAA Committee Application.
UCR Alumni Association Committees 2022-2023
The following committees are open to all board members and alumni.
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ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
Chair: Geoffrey Pack
Staff: Kristin SeilerPurpose: To advance the university’s legislative interests in local, state, and federal governments and maintain a network of alumni advocates.
- Annual Advocacy Day in Sacramento: organize UCRAA participation, plan activities, and recruit advocates.
- Encourage greater alumni participation in university-coordinated advocacy through personal involvement and meeting participation.
- Establish, train, and maintain a network of alumni, through active communications, who are willing to assist in governmental relations efforts for the campus and the university.
- Explore with other campus entities how to better create interaction between elected officials and policymakers, alumni, and campus administration.
- Support alumni advocacy events and activities.
- Plan and execute at least one quarterly advocacy related activity in support of the university, e.g. advocacy committee meetings.
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AWARDS COMMITTEE
Chair: Ofelia Valdez-Yeager
Staff: Brock CavettPurpose: Review and coordinate the selection process for all alumni awards given on behalf of the Association. The committee will also review and make recommendations, as needed, to the UCRAA Board regarding the presentation of the awards. The alumni awards of distinction are presented at the annual Chancellor's Dinner, which is held in the Fall. Association awards:
- Distinguished Alumnus Award
- Alumni Service Award
- Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
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ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Chair: Karen Kyhn
Staff: Brock CavettPurpose: Serve as a liaison between the board of directors, formal and informal constituency groups of the association, and the community at large.
- Coordinate contacts for establishing and maintaining alumni constituency support groups: departmental, professional, and other affinity / identity groups.
- Assist in the organization of homecoming and reunions.
- Continue to enhance the association’s online and electronic communication presence.
- Coordinate contacts for establishing and maintaining both in-state and out-of-state regional networks, chapters and clubs.
- Encourage and expand pride in UCR.
- Explore areas of collaboration with community, civic, and business organizations that support the goals and mission of the association.
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YOUNG ALUMNI AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Chair: Dr. Aaron Jones
Staff: Brock CavettPurpose: Serve as a liaison between students as future alumni and young alumni population.
- Provide opportunities to engage alumni with current students.
- Support the UCR Career Network and mentorship programs.
- Assist in student recruitment efforts.
- Continue to enhance the association’s online and electronic communication presence.
- Explore areas of collaboration with community, civic, and business organizations that support the goals and mission of the association.
- Engage with and determine appropriate programming for young alumni identified as 40 years of age or younger
- Support efforts to maintain relevance to alumni through alumni career programming.
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PHILANTHROPY COMMITTEE
Chair: Josefina Canchola
Staff: Kristin SeilerPurpose: To support the university through the promotion and encouragement of alumni philanthropy. Members of the executive committee serve on the committee, in addition to former board members interested in philanthropy to encourage greater alumni participation in giving to the university.
- Assist in setting meaningful philanthropic goals.
- Provide feedback on campaign initiatives and events.
- Help to identify and cultivate potential donors.
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SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Chair: Valentin Gribkoff
Staff: Christine ChaPurpose: To enhance the university’s student recruitment and retention goals by supporting and coordinating all alumni scholarship programs.
- Recommend to board of directors the number and amount of alumni scholarships to be awarded.
- Explore the feasibility of establishing new and/or expanding scholarship awards.
- Implement the selection and awarding of scholarships.
Student Engagement
Get involved by helping current and prospective UCR students excel through the following programs:
Career Conferences
Inspire students by visiting campus to speak about your industry and career path. If interested in serving as a panelist, fill out this form!
Quarterly
Student Alumni Mentorship (SAM): Minute Mentors
Make a massive impact with a minimal time commitment! Register for SAMto mentor a student who aspires to enter your industry.
Year-Round
Dinner with Alumni
Meet with a motivated group of 30-40 students who are eager to learn about your profession and learn how you got to where you are today. Join us!
Quarterly
Student Recruitment Events
Become an Alumni Ambassador and meet with prospective UCR students to encourage the next generation of Highlanders to apply to UCR! To volunteer in your area, visit the Alumni Ambassador webpage.
Year-Round
Scholarship Selection Committee
Every year, alumni from all over California meet to evaluate incoming high school applicants through scholarship application reading and through an in-depth interview process. The UCRAA scholarship fund also offers transfer students an opportunity to apply for alumni scholarships. Join a selection committee to change the lives of incoming Highlanders!
January-June (Annually)