UCSD Alumni Announces 2014 Alumni Honorees

Recipients to be honored during Alumni Weekend, June 5 - 8

From left, Nick Woodman, Larry Goldstein, Paloma Young, Julia Brown and Steve Schreiner.

Five distinguished members of the Triton family will be recognized during UC San Diego’s annual Alumni Weekend, beginning June 5.

This year’s scroll of honorees range from a successful entrepreneur and the new director of the Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, to an award-winning costume designer, a life sciences industry executive, and a passionate university advocate.

The 2014 Alumni Celebration will mark the 36^th year UCSD Alumni has honored outstanding alumni and supporters who have exemplified the commitment to leadership, advocacy, philanthropy and service to UC San Diego. The awardees are selected by a committee made up of elected and former members of the Alumni Association’s governing board.

The following individuals will be recognized during the 2014 Alumni Celebration:

Outstanding Alumnus: Nick Woodman, Muir ’97 Visual Arts

Nick Woodman is the founder and CEO of GoPro, one of the world’s fastest growing camera companies, now worth an estimated $2.25 billion. This thrill-seeking surf enthusiast entered UC San Diego to be close to the ocean and study visual arts. While shredding waves in Indonesia and Australia, he began tinkering with the idea of creating a wrist strap for his camera—something that could capture the thrill of surfing. While he perfected the design and employed friends as sales people, GoPro received traction around the world, capturing the attention of buyers and investors alike. Spotlighted by Forbes and often called “the mad billionaire” for his eccentric and energetic ways, Woodman shows how far passion, limitless persistence and a little madness can go a long way.

Distinguished Leadership: Larry Goldstein, Revelle ’76 Biology

Larry Goldstein is a distinguished professor of cellular and molecular medicine, director of the new Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center at UC San Diego, and investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Goldstein’s research focuses specifically on Lou Gehrig’s, Alzheimer’s and other debilitating diseases. His lab has successfully recreated neurons from stem cells that show the effect of AD. A strong leader in the UC San Diego School of Medicine, Goldstein has testified before both houses of the U.S. Congress regarding stem cell research and at the National Institutes of Health.

Emerging Leader: Paloma Young, M.F.A. ’06 Theatre

Paloma Young is a costume designer who was recognized for her work in Peter and the Starcatcher at the 66^th annual Tony Awards (2012) for Best Costume Design of a Play. She studied costume design at UC San Diego’s renowned graduate theatre and dance program under her mentor, Judith Dolan, professor and head of design. Young’s costume design has been featured in Broadway and off-Broadway productions, as well as regionally at the Old Globe theater, La Jolla Playhouse, and many other regional theaters.

Honorary Alumna: Julia Brown

As a successful executive in the field of life sciences, Julia Brown is a passionate advocate for UC San Diego. She believes in the importance of the university’s research and innovation, its economic impact and its importance as an engine of social mobility. A parent of a UC San Diego graduate, Brown served on the UC San Diego Foundation board as chair, vice chair and as inaugural chair of the board’s stewardship committee. She currently serves as a member on the UC San Diego Undergraduate Scholarship Council, where she helped establish an endowment fund that supports seven undergraduate students each year. She has also funded graduate scholarships and established fellowships for faculty in the biology department.

In addition, the second annual True Triton Award will be presented during the True Triton Brunch on Sunday, June 8, at the conclusion of Alumni Weekend. The award recognizes a UC San Diego graduate who embodies the spirit of the university through their tireless dedication, passion and commitment to their alma mater through active service, leadership and advocacy.

The following alumnus will be recognized at the brunch:

True Triton Award: Steve Schreiner, Muir ’80 Philosophy

Named one of “Southern California’s Top-Rated Lawyers” by American Lawyer Media and the Los Angeles Times, Steve Schreiner played a pivotal role in increasing the influence of alumni, both locally and at the state level. He served as president of the Alumni Association from 1995-1997 and chair of Chancellor’s Associates from 2004-2005. Following his appointment as the UC San Diego representative on the UC Committee on Regental Rotation, Schreiner was chosen as UC San Diego’s third Alumni Regent (2006-2007), the alumni voice, on the Board of Regents for the University of California. He helped develop the Regent’s first written report on alumni contributions to the university, as well as successfully lobbying the UC Office of the President to increase administrative funds for campus development and alumni relations operations. He currently serves on the UC San Diego Foundation board as nominating committee chair.

The annual Alumni Celebration will be hosted on Saturday, June 7, during the sixth annual Alumni Weekend, June 5-8. The celebration is open to the public, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships at UC San Diego. The True Triton Brunch will be hosted on Sunday, June 8, and is also open to the public. For award recipient and event details, please visit alumni.ucsd.edu/celebration or call (858) 534-3900. Information about Alumni Weekend can be accessed at alumni.ucsd.edu/alumniweekend.