The UCSC Alumni Association recognizes and honors alumni who demonstrate outstanding professional achievements, make distinct contributions to society, provide impactful contributions to UC Santa Cruz, and embody the university's values and spirit.

This year's honorees include:
Mark Phillips (Ph.D. ’77, astronomy)
bell hooks (Ph.D. ’83, literature) presented posthumously to her family
Abel Pineda (Oakes ’14, sociology)
Bettina Aptheker (Ph.D. ’83, History of Consciousness)
Jim Lapsley (Crown ’71, History)
Lisa Rose (Crown ’72, Russian literature)
Su Nerton (Crown ’71, Psychology; Computer and Information Science ’87)