Spotlight – Profiles in Giving

There are many ways alumni give back to UC San Diego. Whether alumni give time or give money, every act has a tremendous impact. Thanks to the contributions of many dedicated alumni, UC San Diego’s Division of Social Sciences can continue to pioneer the research, teaching and service that impact all segments of society. We would like to highlight a few of our extraordinary alumni contributors here:

Ankur Jalota ’04
Major:  Cognitive Science

Ankur Jalota turned his degree in Cognitive Science into a career in Interaction Design, a process involved in product development. “The purpose is to create products that are intuitive, even delightful to the end user,” explains Jalota. “The knowledge I gained at UCSD helped me get into this new and exciting field.” Jalota remains connected to UC San Diego, even while working at McAfee and living in San Francisco.

How do you give back to UC San Diego?
When I lived in San Diego, I would speak to students about my professional experience and the practical applications of cognitive science. I also support the cognitive science department through gifts.

Why is it important for you to give back to UC San Diego?
I appreciate how much I grew at UCSD, and by giving back, I help extend this opportunity to future UCSD students. I contribute to the cognitive science department because it’s the major I fell in love with. I’m lucky that I went to a university that pioneered this new field, and since it’s a young field, I feel the need to nurture it, whether it’s through giving money or sharing my experiences in the corporate world with students.

What would you say to encourage other alumni to give back to UC San Diego?
The university will continue to innovate and attract great minds. Alumni can help by donating time or money so that UCSD retains its position as a top university. If you appreciate UCSD for who it made you today, and want this public institution to continue to change the lives of future grads, then give back in some way.
 
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Nadine Padilla ’85
Major:  Political Science with minors in Economics and Literature

Nadine Padilla has never been far from UC San Diego. Even after graduating and launching a career in finance and marketing, she continued to participate in recreational programs and attended symposia, classes and meetings at the university. “My education has never stopped,” she says. “Education is something that should be built upon because the value increases as you add knowledge and insight.” Now running LawPadilla, a marketing and public relations firm she co-founded, Padilla remains as connected as ever to her alma mater.

How do you give back to UC San Diego?
I participate on the Economics Leadership Council, which is a group that supports the economics department’s efforts to advance its curriculum and opportunities for students in the business arena.  I also support various areas of campus including the division of Social Sciences and the Health System.

Why is it important for you to give back to UC San Diego?
During my time at UCSD, I developed important capabilities and was challenged to think analytically and critically. This education was key to being able to take a liberal arts degree and turn it into a successful financial and marketing career. UCSD has also been a tremendous resource for me throughout my career. I firmly believe in giving back to people, institutions and programs that have helped me advance personally and professionally.

What would you say to encourage other alumni to give back to UC San Diego?
A university is organic. It’s only as strong as the sum of its parts, and alumni are a large, important part. I hope alumni will support students in ensuring dollars are directed toward the programs that will help students succeed and help UCSD thrive. But, there are other ways of giving back—such as volunteering time or talent—so each individual can find the method that fits best.


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Ryan Sullivan ’92, MA ’95, PhD ’98
Major: Economics

Ryan Sullivan didn’t just earn one degree from UC San Diego. He earned three, all of which are in economics. “In order to be successful in economic consulting, it’s necessary to remain on the forefront of a changing business landscape,” he says. “My education gave me the skills necessary to adapt to change and seek relentless improvement.” Sullivan serves as CEO and chief economist at Quant Economics and recently became involved in UC San Diego’s Economics Leadership Council.

How do you give back to UC San Diego?
I enjoy serving on the Economics Leadership Council because I see a great value in partnerships between the university and the private sector. It’s a great way for me to provide direct guidance and mentorship to current students, as well as help raise the profile of the economics department, which is one of the best in the nation.

Why is it important for you to give back to UC San Diego?
UC San Diego is internationally known for the strength of its academic programs and research, but the university has faced financial challenges in the past few years. Providing resources to the economics department gives talented students opportunities that may not have been available to them otherwise. It is my firm belief that the experiences of alumni, when shared with students and faculty, are a valuable feedback mechanism that fosters quality education. I have also enjoyed professional success that is built directly upon the sophisticated training that was provided by the economics department and its talented faculty.

What would you say to encourage other alumni to give back to UC San Diego?
There are many ways you can help your alma mater, whether it is a financial gift or a gift of time. It’s very rewarding to think that a service you provide or a donation you make has a significant impact on the life of a student. For quite some time, I was “too busy” to contribute, yet now I’m busier than ever and the time I spend with UC San Diego flows easily. Perhaps it just takes that first step to get rolling.