SANDRA TIMMONS ’ 81
Revelle College , Psychology | Incoming UC Alumni Regent
01 . WHAT DO YOU DO ? I ’ ve been in educational media , philanthropy and volunteerism , but I ’ m most excited for what I will do as the alumni regent for the University of California , having a role in the governance of the UC system . The Regents mainly debate and decide the policies by which the UCs operate — the budget , staff compensation and regional advocacy — but the alumni regent particularly advocates for alumni issues and serves as president for the system-wide Alumni Association , all things I greatly look forward to .
02 . WHY DO YOU DO IT ? The UCs are such incredible engines for their communities — in business and research and cultural contributions too . But above all , they increase each individual ’ s ability to contribute to their community . And for that reason , it ’ s important for our UC system to be accessible . I was a first-generation college student , so I know from experience how much it can lift you up and how that can lift up entire communities . It ’ s important to me that our university system benefits everyone as broadly as it can .
03 . WHAT HAVE YOU DONE ? My life has been shaped by a deep love for public policy , especially in education . I worked for KPBS after graduation and then , as an independent producer , was greatly impacted by a series I did with the National Science Foundation focused on increasing women and minorities in the sciences . This was in the ’ 90s , mind you , and that work continues even now , especially in higher education . That ’ s a big reason why I became involved as a volunteer and philanthropist , and now in governance .
04 . WHAT DID YOU LEARN HERE ? When I attended UC San Diego , you had to figure so much out by yourself . Being first-gen , I felt like an imposter , and I could really have used help with that . So one thing I learned is that students need support . If you really apply yourself , you can get through , but fear and self-doubt can be incredibly intimidating . That ’ s why I am so determined to create systems of student support and encourage our alumni to get involved as mentors , speakers or benefactors .
05 . WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE ? That it ’ s a different world . My tuition was , what , $ 200 a quarter ? Now it ’ s upwards of $ 10,000 a year . I was very fortunate to benefit from an affordable and incredibly high-quality education , so I feel a responsibility to assist the next generations . And some things haven ’ t changed — that fear of failure can affect anyone at any time . But it ’ s important to support college students at this formative point in their lives , because that confidence will last a lifetime and have a profound effect on all of us at community , national and global scales .
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