Alumni Awards Gala
Since 1960 UC Santa Barbara Alumni has presented awards of achievement and recognition to hundreds of outstanding alumni and friends of UCSB. Our Award categories are Distinguished, Graver Alumni Service, Honorary, Emerging Leader and Lifetime Achievement.
Learn about our 2026 Award Recipients below.
2026 Distinguished Alumni Award
Juan Sánchez Muñoz '90
Awarded in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and contributions to higher education, Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz has distinguished himself as a nationally respected higher education leader and champion for student success. Now serving as Chancellor of the University of California, Merced, and previously as president of the University of Houston-Downtown, Sánchez Muñoz has advanced access, equity and opportunity for thousands of students while strengthening the impact of the institutions he serves.
His commitment to creating inclusive educational environments, championing first-generation students and leading with empathy and integrity exemplifies the values of UC Santa Barbara. His visionary, service-oriented leadership and belief in the transformative power of education have brought distinction to UCSB and inspired tremendous pride throughout the Gaucho community.
.png)
Cori Close '93
Awarded in recognition of extraordinary leadership, excellence and impact, Cori Close has built a distinguished career as one of the most respected leaders in collegiate athletics. From her time as a Gaucho student-athlete to her national prominence as head coach of the UCLA women’s basketball program, Close has exemplified the values of UC Santa Barbara through her commitment to mentorship, integrity and the development of young women both on and off the court.
Her leadership has elevated women’s basketball at the highest level while inspiring generations of student-athletes to lead with resilience, confidence and purpose. Her passion, humility and authenticity have made her a role model across collegiate athletics and a source of immense pride for the Gaucho community.
2026 Graver Service to Alma Mater Award
Britt Ortiz '86
Awarded for exceptional dedication and service to UC Santa Barbara, Britt Ortiz exemplifies the spirit of the Graver Service to Alma Mater Award through his sustained commitment to the university and its students. Through his generosity of time, energy and expertise, Ortiz has strengthened the Gaucho community and demonstrated the very best of alumni engagement and leadership.
His service reflects a deep love for UC Santa Barbara and an unwavering commitment to helping the university and its students thrive. Through mentorship, volunteer leadership, philanthropy and advocacy, he has made a meaningful and lasting impact, demonstrating the power of dedicated alumni to strengthen the university community and its network of Gauchos.
2026 Lifetime Achievement Award
Tom Russell '69
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose lifelong accomplishments, leadership and contributions have made a profound and lasting impact in their field and beyond. Tom Russell’s extraordinary career as a songwriter, musician and storyteller has left an indelible mark on American music and culture.
For decades, Russell’s music and writing have captured the landscapes, histories and complexities of the American experience with authenticity, humanity and poetic depth. His enduring commitment to artistic integrity, craft and meaningful storytelling has created a body of work that resonates across generations and continues to bring distinction and pride to UC Santa Barbara.
How to Nominate
Since 1960, the UCSB Alumni Association has presented awards of achievement and recognition to outstanding alumni and friends of UCSB.
Approximately one year prior to the ceremony, the selection process for nominees begins. Awards are presented at a ceremony in the spring. Letters requesting nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Alumni, and Graver Alumni Service Award are sent to current members of the UC Santa Barbara Alumni BOD, Valhalla, past award recipients, members of The UCSB Foundation, UCSB Deans and Department Heads, and UCSB administrators. The opportunity for all alumni to nominate candidates is available by emailing samantha.putnam@ucsb.edu.
The number of recipients of the various awards varies from year to year depending on the pool of candidates and other circumstances.