HOLIDAY
ST RIES
Gather ’round! Meet each member of the UCI Alumni Association staff through stories told by their colleagues in holiday-story fashion to celebrate the close of 2009. Turn the page to enjoy!
e n o t S e k Bla greets you out front with a hi and a smile, S he And is always so quick to go that extra mile. She’s a whiz with data and knows her way ‘round excel, She’s an artist and thinker and can help you to spell. She’s great for a chat or good exotic tale, Her great misadventures in comparison pale. Her institutional knowledge is a coup and a plus, she expertly handles every problem and fuss. And the thing I like best when something big is at stake, We know we can count on our Anteater Blake. -- As told by Allison Dolan
a z e R l e a h Mic is the guy who’s always bearing alumni gifts… T his customer service is what top’s Michael Reza’s list! Even when the economy is tough, he makes sure members are taken care of with lots of fun stuff. From discounts on UCI sporting events to free giveaways for being a valued member, he always makes sure our alumni have a positive experience to always remember. Because of this, he’s grown to 5,500 UCIAA’s life membership base, Working diligently at a superstar’s pace! His wit and ingenuity are appreciated in every way Especially from his colleagues and, of course, the alumni who he serves every day! -- As told by Jeff Minhas
e l t t i L n Hele Set to: Frosty the Snowman
director extraordinaire is a jolly happy soul, H elen our financial With a recent Quickbooks upgrade She keeps our spending from going out of control. She’s the real deal, they say, Armed with trends, accounts and checkbooks, too Our fiscal health she’d not barter away. There must be some magic in her twinkle Cause she juggles finances and house repairs with no wrinkle O, Helen our finance director Is as accurate as she can be, The staff says her reconciliation often saves us from public humiliation Clickety clack clack Clickety clack clack Helen adds it up and stays on track Clickety clack clack Clickety clack clack She’s keeping our budgets in the black -- As told by Michelle Williams
a n o c n A Jorge Set to: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
down in ’Eaterville liked Irvine a lot E very Anteater but Jorge, at UCIAA, gave it all he got. Jorge loved Irvine, the whole ’Eater Nation. Now, please ask why, because there is no hesitation. It is, because, UCI is great. Or it could be that UCIAA won five CASE awards since 2008. But I think that the most likely reason of all is that the heart of an Anteater is never too small. As Jorge received the awards, he started to shout, “Thank you to the alumni who we can not do without!” He turned and saw Peter, Peter the Anteater, who’s no more than forty-five. And Peter glanced at Jorge to say, “Under your leadership, we did arrive.” -- As told by Michael Reza
e e K e i t s i Kr Set to: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
night before homecoming and Kristie Kee couldn’t sleep ‘T was theThoughts of hundreds of alumni filling the street In its fifth year this campus-wide festival Ends the day with exciting men’s basketball Participation has grown from the work of the association and special events To include three sub-committees and UCI-school sponsored tents Games for all ages, giveaways and a Greek village for socializing and beer And even a children’s clinic where they were taught a cheer I must have been dreaming, because now I’m awake The event already happened for goodness sake It was a great event that exceeded all expectations Winning two CASE awards was not my imagination -- As told by Helen Little
s a h n i M f Jef H e’s great in the office, and a star on the court
Regardless of your height , you can’t help but to feel short From supporting the Board to all that is Cap & Gown Just give Jeff a task and he goes to town! No matter the question or type of request He does what he can and gives it his best A graduate of Irvine, a proud one at that He is truly an asset and we’re grateful for that Another great year is now in the books Four CASE awards, deserves serious looks Thank you to Jeff , and the rest of the team Working with you all is such a dream -- As told by Jorge Ancona
s m a l l i W Michelle Set to: Santa’s Coming to Town
Y ou better watch out, you better not cry
You better not improperly use exclamation points and I’m telling you why The Communications Guru is coming to town! She’s reviewing all of your documents and checking them twice She’s gonna find out if your grammar isn’t right or if a comma you spliced The Communications Guru is coming to town! She hears you when you’re speaking poorly She knows when you’ve made a mistake She knows if your vocab is bad or good So make it good for goodness sake! Oh you better watch out, you better not cry Michelle’s our ally and now you know why The Communications Guru is coming to town! -- As told by Kristie Kee
n a l o D n o s i All Set to: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
‘T was the night of the scholarship meeting, and all through the house, Every staff member was stirring, including the mouse.
The applications were read by the committee with cheer, In hopes of choosing a Distinguished Anteater. Allison Dolan donned her glasses to meet the readers so tired, Hoping, in her mind, we found the qualified students UCIAA desired. When out in the conference room there rose a great chatter, Allison rushed to the room, her feet a pitter patter. “Hurray!” yelled the group, “You did it, again, you see!” “CASE awards came out, DAA won bronze yippee!” Under Allison’s leadership, and with excited haste The group discussed applications, not a minute to waste. At last they found what they all had been looking for, Seven new scholars were discovered that the group adored. “Happy days!” Allison exclaimed, as she took in the sight, “Great work to all, and to all a good night!” -- As told by Blake Stone
Happy Holidays from all of us at the UCI Alumni Association
UCI Alumni Association, University of California, Irvine 949-824-2586 | www.alumni.uci.edu | alumni@uci.edu Design and graphics by Jennifer Tan, UCIAA design intern