Meet the Alumni Volunteers Building Community Beyond Campus

Tobin Thomas ’05

After completing an integrated M.D/PA residency in general surgery in New York City, Tobin Thomas ’05 was eager to find connections outside of work.

“I found myself kind of wandering around New York trying to find my community—where’s my group?” he recalled. That search led him to the New York chapter of the UC San Diego Alumni Regional Club, which he now leads as president.

Thomas, who earned his undergraduate degree in general biology at UC San Diego, works as a physician associate at NYU Langone Health. In his spare time, he’s helped transform the regional club in New York into a vibrant space for alumni of all generations.

Since taking leadership of the club, Thomas has worked with his fellow alumni to plan a variety of creative, community-building events, including recent March Madness watch parties celebrating the Triton men’s and women’s basketball teams during their historic NCAA Tournament debut. He’s also organized yoga nights and pasta-making classes—sometimes stepping in as instructor himself. A graduate of culinary school “just for fun,” Thomas enjoys sharing his skills with fellow alumni in a hands-on, welcoming setting.

After networking with the other local UC alumni groups, Thomas launched an inter-UC alumni club committee, leading collaborative events like a Lunar New Year mahjong night that bring together graduates from all of the UC campuses.

“I saw people there who are recent grads and people who graduated in the ‘90s. It was a great turnout,” Thomas said of the Lunar New Year event, adding that he hopes a stronger alumni network will encourage more Tritons to build lives in New York.

His advice to others: “Volunteering should never feel forced. It should be something you’re passionate about doing—not doing it for Instagram or a pat on the back but because you really want to make a difference.”

Derek Lim ’19

As an international student from Singapore, Derek Lim arrived at UC San Diego searching for opportunity—and found a lifelong connection to the Triton community. A 2019 graduate in economics and political science, Lim now lives in the Washington, D.C. area and works in strategic finance at Building Hope, a nonprofit that supports charter schools. He also serves as co-chair of the Pride Alumni Council and on the GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) steering committee.

His own challenges navigating job sponsorship and identity as an international student preparing to graduate inspired him to give back.

“When I was an international student trying to get a sponsorship to work here, it was very confusing. I had to kind of figure things out on my own—so this is me trying to give back to that same community,” he explains. In collaboration with the International Services and Engagement Office, Lim volunteers his time as a mentor to UC San Diego’s international students and moderates panel discussions on topics that are unique to their experience.

Lim describes his time at UC San Diego as a period of self-discovery, where he explored the intersection of his identities and found both clarity and confidence. That journey continues to inform his perspective as a volunteer. With the goal of fostering broader engagement and encouraging ally participation, Lim also played a key role in rebranding and relaunching the university’s LGBTQ+ alumni network as the Pride Alumni Council. One of the group’s first initiatives is an upcoming virtual drag bingo night designed to spark connection and build momentum within the community.

Lim encourages his fellow UC San Diego alumni to volunteer—even in small ways.

“Everyone is really busy chasing their careers, and sometimes we think we don’t have time to volunteer and give back to the community that once provided for us. To be able to give just five to 30 minutes of your time in a week or once every few weeks is enough to get started,” he said.

Ari Tulin ’12 and Aaron Bryer ’09

At Slalom, a business and technology consulting company that works with Global 1000 companies in San Diego,  Ari Tulin ’12 and Aaron Bryer ’09 are not only colleagues—they’re part of a growing network of UC San Diego alumni giving back. Through the Take a Triton to Work program, they’ve welcomed current students into their workplace, offering firsthand insights into careers in consulting.

During her time on campus, Tulin, who majored in sociology, worked as a student employee in UC San Diego Advancement. She says that the role, which allowed her to connect directly with alumni, instilled in her the importance of community and the power of generosity—laying the foundation for how she shows up professionally and personally today.

Bryer, who studied economics, was motivated by his own journey navigating life after college. “If there was a small way I could help others by sharing my experience, then of course I wanted to be a part of that,” he explained. “I hope the cycle continues in that way.”

United by a shared UC San Diego connection, Tulin and Bryer describe a thriving Triton alumni network at Slalom, even though they didn’t know each other as students. They say that their involvement with Take a Triton to Work reflects Slalom’s vibrant culture of authenticity, nurturing talent and community involvement—and offers a meaningful way to stay connected to the university that helped shape their early careers.

“The students we hosted were impressive. You could tell they were applying what they’ve learned in class to real-world questions and conversations,” said Tulin. “It was energizing to be around that kind of curiosity and drive. It also gave me a chance to reflect on my own journey—and reminded me how valuable mentorship can be at every stage. Engaging with these students not only impacts them but also enriches our own experiences."