Congratulations Class of 2020

Congrats to the class of 2020! My deepest sympathies go out to all of you for not being able to walk across that stage at commencement, but know that all of your hard work was still worth it! It’s a crazy world right now, but we’re strong enough to get through it together.

Jessica Zuniga '14

Your future is bright! Us old Gauchos are counting on you to build a glorious tomorrow for our country and our world. No pressure! Congratulations on your graduation. Go Gauchos!

Liza (Gomez '93) Vasquez

Congratulations Class of 2020! I know you may feel you're facing uncertain times, but things will be okay and you all have a great future ahead of you. Us older generations are watching out for you and will help however we can. You got this!!!

Laura Pedersen '00

We are so proud of you Tasha! What a quick four years it's been. Seems like yesterday that we were moving you into Trop. Now we're moving you off of DP. We'll be having our own ceremony as you know because a milestone event like this cannot go uncelebrated! Viva La Gauchos!

Natasha Wood '20, Alpha Phi

Congratulations Class of 2020. You will forever go down on history.

Erick M. Obregon '07

I'm not going to lie - this sucks! You have worked so hard and you deserve the graduation celebration. But I hope you know that your hard work is what will help our community and economy move forward and thrive once again. Gauchos make a difference in this world!!

Pam (King '90) Crone

Congrats class of 2020! You deserve to celebrate after 4 years of hard work and studying. Best wishes for the future!

Nicole Chattin '04

Congratulations to the class of 2020! Being a graduate of UCSB is one of my proudest accomplishments, as I am sure it will be to you, too! Your bright future will be filled with friends, family, and colleagues who will be both impressed and jealous you are a Gaucho! Carry that pride with you everywhere you go. Each and every one of you is a rockstar-congratulations to all!

Emily (Brent '09) Belote

Congratulations! Wow you have all been through a lot and persevered. Wishing you a bright and happy future!!

Leane (Poltorak '85) Kahrs

Stay in School!!!!! LOL Real world is not as kind as school. Find your path and keep your eyes open for those moments in time, where you can go left, when you should go right. Left may lead to a enthusiastic and rewarding adventure. Not always, but alas, perhaps. Don't worry BE HAPPY !!!!

Roy Tucker '76

One of the things that kept me going when college life got tough was the dream of one day walking across that stage with my cap and gown and looking back at how far I'd come. Commencement meant so much in my life in proving to myself that I could overcome huge obstacles and achieve anything if I was passionate about it. It breaks my heart that the Class of 2020 has had to postpone commencement, and if you've been looking forward to this day like I was a few years ago, I feel your pain and I am so sorry. I hope that despite the sadness and frustration you might be feeling you get to stand firm in the knowledge that YOU DID IT! You've accomplished this! YOU ARE A COLLEGE GRADUATE! I hope you feel celebrated and proud of how far you've come (because you have!!). The Class of 2020 is being held deeply in the hearts of many people around the world. We are with you in celebration, wishing you peace and courage as you walk into this unknown and weird world we're all living in.
Cheers and a huge CONGRATULATIONS to all of you!

Raquel Stewart '13

Congrats Grads! Don't let our current circumstances take any joy away from this monumental accomplishment. Hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance are what has led you to this point and part of what makes you a Gaucho. Appreciate the highs and lows that make up your college experience and set your sights on the future, the world is yours!

Steven Huizar '13

Big Congrats on your graduation!!! You will always remember how crazy this time was along with your great achievement!! Be well and know the world needs you!!

Marlene Zoellner '73

Know that although you won’t have a graduation ceremony, you still have the memories of your favorite professors & you have the friendships you formed at your years at UCSB. As a graduate of UCSB 40 long years ago know that “this too shall pass “. Although it doesn’t seem like it now, you all will get jobs & you will get on with your lives.
If there is one piece advice I would give is treasure the friendships you made at UCSB and make an effort to keep in touch.
Once you graduate, you will all be busy with work and family. Don’t let those friendships go. The years go too fast . 40 years from now you will be glad you made the effort to keep in touch! Good luck & Godspeed!

Cathy Rosenthal '80

Congratulations Class of 2020!! Cherish all those wonderful days on campus and in I.V.....and welcome to the world of Gaucho Alumni! You'll always be part of the family. #WeGauchoBack

Valarie Yoshimura '90

Congratulations on reaching this awesome milestone! While graduating and starting your career in these challenging times - There are unprecedented opportunities created as well. While you may not realize it, through your UCSB journey you have developed the skills to discover and exploit these opportunities, and ultimately rise to higher heights!

Joel Rosenberg '80

Dear 2020 Graduates--Congratulations on finishing college! While you have dealt with adversity--including fires and now the pandemic--always remember how fortunate you were to have been educated at UCSB and to have lived in SB. It is a great springboard into whatever life's challenges bring your way. The stakes get higher and higher as you go, but with hard work and gratitude (and hopefully some good luck), you should be well positioned by UCSB to continue celebrating achievement after achievement. But until then, enjoy this one...YOU EARNED IT!

Christopher Sheron '86, Law & Society
Gabriela Qintana-Garcia '17

Congratulations on becoming a college graduate! Even though you won't be able to attend the ceremony, you should be very proud of what you've accomplished to become a graduate. As you enter the "real world", all of the experiences you've had in college - friendships, clubs, sports, internships, jobs, etc. - are all a part of your story now. A story that you can share in every job interview. A story that will help you land a job. It took me several jobs after college to find one that 'fit'. My advice for you is to use each opportunity you have as an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay positive and follow your passion. As a UCSB graduate, you have an amazing story to tell. And I can't wait to hear how it turns out. Best of luck to you!

Jeanette (Braaten '82) Gibson

Congratulations and remember that you have control of your attitude. As disappointing as it is to end your college life with sip. You have a wonderful future. Carpe Diem.

Cheryl King '83

Go Gaucho Grads! Congratulations on finishing your degree! Remember this is just the beginning and us gauchos know how to celebrate under any circumstances. Cheers!!

Susan Price '00

It was such a memorable moment walking across our Gaucho stage w/ friends and family all watching. Sorry, for this experience not being something you gets get to enjoy but it’s better to be cautious. We’re sending tons of a gaucho luv to ya.

Sophia Means '04

Best wishes to the this special class of 2020. May all of you be safe and well through this covid challenge and make our world a better place as Gauchos strive to do!

Robert Margolis '87

Congratulations on surviving UCSB. The biggest shock to me when entering the work force was “where did all the young people go?” Stay in touch with your friends and be open to new adventures. Don’t expect the world to greet you with open arms. Take the job, even if is not even remotely what you thought you would be doing. You can always job hunt while working. It took me four years of working at two different OK for now jobs before getting hired by Disney, my dream place. However, I was not hired into my dream job and I worked another few years to get there. Keep at it, work hard and don’t burn bridges! Again, congratulations!!

Lisa (Mingus '89) Urwick

Congratulations, Gauchos!! I was so scared about post-college life when I graduated. Trust me—although these were an incredible 4 years, you have so much more to learn and look forward to!

Trevor Mauk '15

Congrats to all the 2020 grads! While you won't get to make your way across the stage this year, you will have your college education and experiences to help you navigate your next adventure... Best wishes!! And much love : )

Gina Gonzales '00

Dear Jordyn:
It is no surprise to “Uncle Paw-Paw” and I that you would be the latest to continue the Windom family tradition that began with the class of 1972. You have exemplified what it means to be a Windom-Gaucho which soars above all others as a family legacy from UCSB. We are so proud of you and look forward to witnessing the next chapter in your life. Congratulations...you’re next to make a difference. Go get ‘em’
Love you much!

Jerry Windom '72, and Gayle Windom '73

Michelle Ratcliff - Congratulations on completing your BS in Ecological, Evolutionary and Marine Biology! These past four years have been an exciting and interesting journey for you with wonderful experiences and educational challenges that helped you bloom into the person you are today; and we love who you are!! We are so proud of you and wish you happiness, health and success in the next part of your journey!! And congratulations and best wishes to all the wonderful friends you made at UCSB! Thank you for contributing to a wonderful university experience for Michelle.
Love, Mom, Dad, Matthew and Bear
Caryn Ratcliff '86

First congratulations on your choice of the UC system and the Santa Barbara campus. Thank you and your classmates for moving UCSB way up on the Best Universities list every year. My degree and my daughter’s look better than ever! Your accomplishment and dedication to your future is an even more positive force during this unimaginable trying time. Don’t lose heart, look for every opportunity, know that every former, current and future Gaucho is with you. Party hard when you can, 2020!!!

Linda Jean (Sobetzer '69) Hauser

Class of 2020! Congratulations! You have accomplished an incredible feat. I hope and pray you can enjoy this moment with your family. May you stay healthy and safe. May you find a job that challenges you and brings you great joy. Many blessings.

Coleen (Smith '91) Severson

You got this. Create the life you want, starting now. Looking back remember UCSB personal development lessons learned. You won’t need the book work that was just to show you and others how smart you are.

Kevin Young '80

Some of the greatest innovations - advances in science, medicine, the arts, transportation, technology, and so much more - have been born during times of hardship. Ironically, when humanity is at its most vulnerable is often when we find the greatest strength, agility, and creativity to build a better world. While I don't know you personally, I know you are a class of pioneers, of change-makers, and you will find a way to not only reach the other side of this, but make your lives and the communities around you stronger in the process.

Walking across the commencement stage is a symbol of a journey that is so much bigger than that moment. While not getting to do it may hurt, it does not take away the years of hard work, commitment, and resolve needed to reach that milestone moment. Know that your class will be forever known as the ones that conquered that hurt and were more resilient because of it. You have an army of alumni, friends, and family cheering you on and you've already made us so proud - now just go out there and keep it going!

Alexandra Platt '12

2020 Grads,

Congratulations on your momentous achievement. As you approach this turning point and prepare to embark on your next journey, whether that be professional or academic, we alumni wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors and hope that you find happiness and success along the way. As you may recognize in the days and weeks leading up to graduation, the end is generally bittersweet, but it is the journey, the memories, the friends, and the stories you'll tell for years and decades to come, that makes your time at UCSB time well spent.

Justin Hannah '11

Congratulations on your success in a world that changed overnight. Keep pursuing your goals & your dreams. Your education was the first step, you're well equipped for the next.

Denise (Mattson '97) Boshers

Congratulations Class of 2020! It will take all of your creativity, hard work, intelligence and spirit, but I am thankful and confident that you will persevere and continue to make this world a better place. Go Gauchos 2020!

Ellen Savage Cafferata '71

Congratulations UCSB class of 2020 on your remarkable achievement! You have learned so much during your UCSB student days that will prepare you for a successful life. You are well prepared for whatever life throws at you. You proudly have learned that what doesn't break you makes you stronger. Some day it will be clear why your graduation day was delayed. And the celebration will be sweeter and more meaningful.
In the meantime, we can choose HOPE or FEAR. Always choose HOPE.
Olé

Leslie (Solomon '80) Klonoff, UCSB Alumni Board of Directors

Julian (Bebes) -
Congratulations on staying the course and completing this milestone!
We are so proud and know you are destined for greatness in the future. Take strong hold in faith and know you are so loved!

Tricia Ruiz

Congratulations! For such a time as this, bring all you’ve learned and all your passion to the adventure ahead.

Carol (Pfiffner '79) Bridgeman, Communication Alumni Council

Even 27 years later, I remember sitting in the sun by the lagoon with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. UCSB was one of the best choices of my life. I'm sad that your senior Spring was not what you anticipated; but the entirety of your Gaucho experience will be a positive that will stick with you through the whole of your life. Congratulations Graduates! The world is ready for the great vibes you'll bring into it!

Leigh (Balsamo '93) Elkins

Congratulation Class 2020, Life has some challenges and all of you are prepare to face any difficulties in moments like this. You all deserve to celebrate all your hard work and dedication, long hours, tea, and coffee time, missing some special moments with the family, few hours of sleep, broken phones, You all are been true to very difficult times, but at the end of the tunnel you all can see the bright light that will guide to a great future. Nothing will stop You, now is the time for You to go out, and make a better world. Congratulation once again. Peace and Love for all of You.

Onesimo Pacheco '20

Dear 2020 Gauchos,
Congratulations to you! You made it. I hope you can always look back to your time at UCSB with fond and happy memories.
You are at the beginning of your next great adventure. You are the future. Do great things, share your love with the world, and be happy.

Tammy Johnson '93

Congratulations! Make your mark on the world however you dream to ~ Always remember your roots, they will help support your resolve to achieve further dreams.

William Chung '95, LEED AP

Congratulations, graduates! I am hopeful that you will remember the hard work and sacrifice you endured to get here. That grit and determination will help as you transition to meet the challenges on your new journey. Remember the good experiences and friendships you had at UCSB. If you are lucky (like me), your freshman roommate becomes a life long friend, and you end up marrying your junior year roommate and creating a second generation Gaucho.

You have been transformed-now go change the world!

Mark Garcia '88

We love you Corey. You will be a fantastic teacher. Go CalTeach

Carol (Graham '82) Parker

To the class of 2020,
You are graduating in unprecedented and challenging times--during a pandemic that has claimed over 100,000 individuals and continually puts healthcare and essential workers at risk, compounded by our current state of affairs--violent acts of murder against our Black community members, rooted in this country's pervasive legacy of systematic racism. I feel for you. I see you. I hear you. Unlike many of our graduating classes, you graduate not only for yourselves, but your community. You come from different majors, but will face the same problems impacting our climate and our society. As I congratulate you and your families on this academic journey, I want to thank you in advance for being another Gaucho that will work to make change. Congratulations, and cheers to you and the important work you will be doing for all of us.

Patricia Nguyen '04

You are stronger than anything! You are going to change the world, and nothing is going to stop you. Be kind, help others, and fight for what's right! Olé Gauchos!

Lauren Mosley '12

Congrats to the class of 2020. UCSB is a very special place with some amazing graduates, including you! Go out and represent as a Proud Gaucho. Special congrats to Emma Furr on graduating!

Hilary (Rawson '92) Morgenstem

I'm sure this is not the way you visualized graduating from UCSB and can only imagine the kaleidoscope of feelings swirling through your heart and mind. Despite current circumstances...your accomplishment is AMAZING and something to recognize and celebrate. From those of us who came before you, welcome to the Gaucho Alumni Community. Congratulations! I hope you can take time to reflect on this huge life milestone and imagine all that is possible in the future you build for yourself going forward. Over 220,000 of us are here to support you along your way as well as continue to support UCSB, an institution that has instrumentally shaped and inspired transformational change around the world through her Gaucho alumni network. Best of luck in all your pursuits and remember, GO GAUCHOS!

Julie (Clement '81) Capritto

Congratulations on graduating from an amazing school. And be prepared for people to always be envious when they learn that you were wise enough to choose a university which provided a tremendous education in a fabulous location.

Mary (Coppinger '82) Cutler

Damn y’all really did that

Anthony Bolden '19

Congratulations! This probably isn’t exactly how you pictured your graduation, but I hope each of you are finding your own way to celebrate- you deserve it! As you start your next chapter, remember that we are all here to help you when you need us.

Tom Knight '15

Congratulations on your graduation! Throughout your time at UCSB you have learned to master the arts and sciences. Now, you have the opportunity to show the world what it means to be a Gaucho! Even though the classes are over, the learning never stops. You have the tools you need to accomplish anything.

Dana Tellefsen '13

Grads of 2020! Walking across a stage and hearing your name isn’t as special as you might think. At the time, yes. The day to me was actually a blur. The 2020 class will always be remembered as the class that had to do it a different way. Go out into the world and do it DIFFERENT!

Jeff Lynn '96

Congrats newest Gaucho Alumni! It's been a challenging year but your future looks bright. Cheers to class of 2020!

Christopher Rankin '05

Congrats on graduating from one of the best universities in the world!! Your Gaucho network is here to help you as you navigate life post-graduation and finding a job! Never be afraid to reach out to a fellow Gaucho for help in your career. Congrats 2020!

Amanda Stansell '15

To the class of 2020: I wanted to take this moment to congratulate you on your graduation and send you my admiration for graduating in a crisis. That is not for the faint of heart. Your strength in these times has been incredible! And I am so excited to see what you’ll do next and how you will change our workplaces for the better. Good luck!

Jennifer Ortiz '15

Congrats Class of 2020! You did it! Keep moving forward and enjoy this moment. Strive to make a difference in this lifetime! Cheers to you all!

Carmen Araujo '13

Your real education starts now. The next 5-9 years will be the key to a happy professional life. Stay focused, maybe shift your focus if you need to see the future more clearly.

Peter Campos '71

Life seldom turns out exactly the way we planned. That's a lesson it keeps on teaching us with each new day... You are living it now and I'm certain it will shape the amazing people you are meant to become in the world -- resilient, hopeful, adaptable, kind, no-holds-barred warriors committed to making the world a better place! Go get'em, 2020 Gauchos!

Sandy Sorzano '91

Congratulations on the tremendous accomplishment, class of 2020! Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and current political turmoil in the U.S., I could only imagine the pressure you face venturing into professional/graduate lives in a world increasingly unrecognizable and full of uncertainties. As a recent alumnus just beginning to get my own footing in my career, I want to assure you, however lost and anxious you are now, you will eventually find your passion and place, but only through constant exploration and a firm belief in your own capacity and agency. Again, congratulations, and welcome to the alumni family!
All my best,
Zehou Zhang '18

2020 Gauchos - Congratulations! What a bummer for all of you to miss out on graduation and Spring quarter. It was one of the better times of college (for me at least). While this is disappointing, I can assure you the best is yet to come! Keep your head up, work hard, and enjoy what's next!

Catherine (Dreiling '13) Kane

As a recent graduate myself, I can say that the new world post college - pandemic and unrest stricken or not - is scary, and unsettling. It is also filled with wonder, more to learn, and adventure. I truly believe you will go on to continue to do great things, despite this exceptional moment in history. Remember, the universe provides the most difficult challenges to those it knows can handle them. This is not a time to feel down - this is your moment! Attack the world head on, and go after shy wild goal you may have. Do not opt for the easy way - do what feels truly right and fulfilling to you, no matter what amount of work or dedication it takes to achieve those goals. The world is beckoning you to take a leap of faith into an unfathomable void. Do not be fearful - jump! Your fellow Gauchos will be here to catch you, wherever you may land.
Good luck, stay strong, and stay positive!

Tori Yanco '19

Congrats 2020 Grads!!! Some of my best memories were spent at UCSB—I hope you will hold these memories near and dear for many years to come. While you didn’t get the traditional graduation celebration, it doesn’t take away from your hard work and dedication. Best of luck in your future endeavors!!! GO GAUCHOS!!

Diana (Croce '08) Shenkel

Congratulations class of 2020! You have made it now it's your time to make your mark on the world. Even though these are uncertain times your family, friends and the entire Gaucho community are behind you. You got this!

Kathleen Giles '86

Congrats!! Being resilient, empathetic, and cool headed in the face of change and unrest are qualities that will bring a great future for you!! Keep your sense of humor, and enjoy life!

Robin Connell '96

A HUGE congratulations to the class of 2020 - especially anyone graduating in Bus Econ (yay for the Accounting Association which I understand is still going strong)! Your UCSB memories will last a lifetime; cherish them! The best piece of advice I have for the job seekers is to connect on LinkedIn & get connected to your local alumni group. Go forth and live your dreams, even in these crazy times, it can be done! Job well done Gaucho!

Jodi (Berger '87) Barthold

Congratulations Class of 2020! You are a very special class. You will be remembered forever as the class that finished college during the Covid-19 Pandemic. I am sorry your traditional graduation is being postponed. When I graduated (a really long time ago), our graduation was held by the lagoon. To this day, even though it has been 33 years, goodness, I can still remember that day, gathering with my fellow classmates with family present to share in the festivities. It was so fun and just beautiful. I hope that you will be able to return to campus for your postponed graduation, and I hope the memory lasts you forever. My wish for you is to find work that you truly love, when you can, because if you love what you are doing, it won't feel like work! I also wish you good health and happiness. Both will give you the strength to change our world, and we need you to do that! No pressure! Congratulations. Go celebrate! Go Gauchos!

Gail (Glaser '87) Schwartz, Speech and Hearing Sciences

Congrats to the class of 2020! Pressure makes diamonds so don't feel discouraged. Take this opportunity to keep working hard and pursue your dreams. Anything is possible if you work for it and never give up! You got this. Go Gauchos!

Omar Hernandez ‘17

Congrats class of 2020! The next 5-10 years will define the rest of your life. Don’t feel like you’re wasting your youth if you have to work long hours on your first job, while so many people on instagram seem to be having the time of their life. Work-life balance does not exist. There will always be sacrifices. You have to set a goal and do everything that’s in your power to achieve it. Trust me, if you do that while you’re young, you’ll thank yourself later. Hard work and dedication pays off. Take risks, move to a different city, experience something new. I believe in you! You can do whatever you set your mind to.

Anastasia Ciudinovschih '12

You will look back on your time at UCSB as some of the most glorious day, moments, years in your life. You chose and were chosen to spend these important years of growth, curiosity and finding your authentic self in a place of beauty and vibrancy that cannot be replicated. Perhaps this was not the ending you envisioned. And that is sad and to be grieved, but this will not be the first or last “disappointment”. Always find the silver linings and let the sunshine, the waves, the bike rides, the beers and the friends carry you to your next chapter. Peace and love.

Congratulations Class of 2020

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