Mosher Alumni House: A Hub for UCSB's Gaucho Community
Mosher Alumni House stands as a central landmark for the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) alumni community. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, this establishment offers a multitude of benefits and opportunities for alumni to connect, stay informed, and contribute to their alma mater.
A Place to Connect and Engage
The Mosher Alumni House serves as a hub for alumni engagement, offering opportunities to participate in mentorship programs, recruitment activities, and advocacy for the UC system. Alumni can continue their story at UC Santa Barbara Alumni Network and connect with fellow Gauchos.
Events and Programs
The house hosts a variety of events and programs, with the All Gaucho Reunion Getaway package being a popular option. This package includes a two-night stay, airport shuttle service, event tickets, and a Gaucho welcome gift.
Staying Informed
The Mosher Alumni House keeps alumni informed through publications like UC Santa Barbara Magazine and Alumni Spotlights, which showcase the achievements and impact of UC Santa Barbara graduates.
History of Alumni Engagement at UCSB
The concept of an alumni association at UCSB dates back several decades.
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Early Years of the Alumni Association
Initially, an informal Alumni Association operated with volunteers organizing reunions. These gatherings often revolved around athletic events and homecoming parades. While the university did not provide direct financial support, faculty members and college deans contributed to programming, and various dues programs were implemented.
"An informal Alumni Association existed for the next several decades with volunteers organizing reunions around athletic events and homecoming parades. Although the university gave no financial support to the organization, there were various dues programs, and faculty members and college deans worked on programming".
The Santa Barbara State College alumni publication, "Hoy Dia," was published in different formats from 1931 to 1947, eventually changing its name to "Santa Barbara Alumnus."
Emergence of University Support
In 1962, the University began allocating funds to support the Alumni Relations Program, marking a turning point in the organization's development.
"In 1962, for the first time, the University allocated funds in support of the Alumni Relations Program. These funds provided the salary for a part-time secretary to the faculty alumni director and for record-keeping."
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These funds facilitated the hiring of a part-time secretary to assist the faculty alumni director with record-keeping. Chancellor Vernon I. Cheadle further increased support, leading to the hiring of a full-time professional alumni director. In September 1965, the UCSB Alumni Association was incorporated as a non-profit, charitable organization under California law and became the publisher of the alumni publication, then known as "UCSB Alumnus."
Growth and Development in the Late 20th Century
Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, an executive director and a secretary guided the Association's growth. A part-time "Alumnus" editor and office assistant provided program and membership support. Early fundraising efforts centered around selling pumpkins to provide scholarships for local high school students. The Alumni Association also sponsored well-attended New Year's Eve and Fiesta parties, reflecting increasing alumni interest in UCSB. Additionally, the Association designed and implemented the University's first Annual Fund Campaign, utilizing alumni volunteers to solicit support from other alumni in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
"Through the rest of the 60s and early 70s an executive director and a secretary guided the growth of the Association. A part-time Alumnus editor and office assistant provided program and membership support. Early fund raising efforts to provide scholarships for local high school students centered around selling pumpkins out of a pumpkin patch in Carpinteria. New Year's Eve and Fiesta parties were sponsored by the Alumni Association and were well attended as alumni interest in UCSB increased. The Association also designed and implemented the University's first Annual Fund Campaign using alumni volunteers to call other alumni and Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego to support the University."
In 1969, the Association established the Alumni Vacation Center at Francisco Torres residence hall in Isla Vista. After three years, the program moved to campus and is now known as the Family Vacation Center, serving approximately 2,700 UC alumni and friends each summer.
"In 1969, the Association opened the Alumni Vacation Center at Francisco Torres residence hall in Isla Vista. After three years, the program moved to campus and is now known as the Family Vacation Center, serving some 2,700 UC alumni and friends each summer."
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In the mid-1970s, the Association expanded its staff by hiring a full-time associate director and a membership/travel director. Committees were appointed to focus on investments, financial self-sufficiency, and Regent selection. The Association also launched the successful UCSB Alumni Association Theater Program (since closed) and temporarily managed the University's Athletic Hall of Fame. It also opened, and subsequently closed after three years, another vacation center in San Diego.
"In the mid-70s, the Association hired a full-time associate director and a membership/travel director, and appointed committees on investments, financial self-sufficiency and Regent selection. The Association also launched the successful UCSB Alumni Association Theater Program (since closed) and assumed temporary responsibility for the University's Athletic Hall of Fame. It also opened, and subsequently closed after three years, another vacation center in San Diego."
Alumni Regents
An Alumni Regent has always served on the Board of Regents of the University of California. In the 1970s, this was expanded to two Alumni Regents. The combined Alumni Associations of the University of California (AAUC) are responsible for providing these two ex-officio alumni members of the Board of Regents. Every four years, one of the voting Regents is a past or present member of the UCSB Alumni Association Board of Directors.
"An Alumni Regent has always served on the Board of Regents of the University of California. In the 1970's this was expanded to two Alumni Regents. It has been the responsibility of the combined Alumni Associations of the University of California (AAUC) to provide these two ex-officio alumni members of the Board of Regents. Every four years, one of the voting Regents is a past or present member of the UCSB Alumni Association Board of Directors."
In 1980, "The Alumnus," then a tabloid, adopted a magazine format. The magazine began to print in color and partially subsidized its expenses by accepting advertising. In 1981, the name of the magazine was changed to "Coastlines."
"In 1980, The Alumnus, then a tabloid, adopted a magazine format. The magazine began to print in color, partially subsidizing its expense by accepting advertising. In 1981, the name of the magazine was changed to Coastlines."
Growth in Membership
Since 1982, membership in the Association has nearly tripled, growing from 6,000 members to over 20,000 members. Membership benefits include career services, group health and life insurance, loan programs, UC library privileges, special on-campus privileges, and an array of financial services and discounts.
"Since 1982 membership in the Association nearly tripled from 6,000 members to over 20,000 members. Membership benefits include: career services, group health and life insurance, loan programs, UC library privileges, special on-campus privileges and an array of financial services and discounts."
Today, there are regional UCSB alumni clubs all over the United States, as well as several constituent groups.
Mosher Alumni House Construction
The Alumni Association completed construction of the Mosher Alumni House in early 2008. It has several meeting and event rooms for general use.
"The Alumni Association completed construction of the Mosher Alumni House in early 2008. It has several meeting and event rooms for general use."
Mosher Alumni House as an Event Venue
The Mosher Alumni House (MAH) is a premier event venue at UC Santa Barbara. The staff is committed to making every event a memorable experience. Rates are subject to change and are for the time designated. Events that exceed the rental time agreement or are outside of normal business hours may incur additional costs.
Policies and Agreements
At the time of reservation, the user agrees to sign an acknowledgement of MAH policies. A credit card must be provided in case of damages caused by renters to the facility.
Catering and Alcohol Service
Mosher Alumni House does not provide food and beverage services. UCSB Campus Catering has exclusive responsibility for providing all catering at UCSB. Groups planning events that will require catered food service must first contact Campus Catering, who has the first right of refusal to provide service.
The serving of alcohol at the MAH must comply with UCSB alcohol service regulations as well as regulations provided by the state Alcohol Beverage Control department. Food service is required for all events where alcohol is served. Any event involving students where alcohol is served requires conformance to ABC rules. At the discretion of MAH staff, alcohol service may be suspended at any time at MAH. All guests are required to have valid I.D. at events where alcohol is served. Unused supplies of alcohol must be removed from the MAH at the conclusion of any event, and opened bottles of alcohol must be discarded at the end of the event. Alcohol may only be served from cans and bottles.
Music and Equipment
All music groups performing at the MAH must be approved by the MAH event manager prior to being booked. DJs and music groups are required to set up and take down all their equipment. The MAH will provide tables, chairs, and other service equipment for an event. MAH provides limited set up and clean up. MAH will provide the set up or clean up of decorations brought in to an event for an additional fee. Renters are required to clean up decorations brought in at the end of the event.
Decorations and Restrictions
No posters, charts, signs, decorations, electronic devices or any other item may be attached to walls, doors, pillars, stairways or hung from ceiling or light fixtures. No glitter, table sprinkles, cascarones, or confetti is allowed inside MAH. The throwing of rice, birdseed, silly string, soap bubbles or confetti is not allowed. All candles must be enclosed by glass and no open flames are allowed inside or outside MAH.
General Rules
The MAH is a non-smoking facility, and smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building. The MAH does not accept responsibility for damage to, or loss of, any merchandise, audio visual equipment, computers, personal belongings or other items that are left in the MAH or in the parking areas surrounding MAH following an event. The MAH will not take responsibility for the storage of valuable items before, during or after an event. Liability insurance may be required for specific types of events at MAH. Please be sure to review the damages/loss section of the MAH venue contract.
Supervision of Children
The MAH assumes no responsibility for the supervision of children at any time while the facility is in use. Any non-University persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while inside the MAH.
Electrical Equipment and Animals
All renterâs electrical equipment hookups will be made with the prior approval of MAH staff. All renterâs electrical equipment should be properly wired and shall comply with all university and state regulations. Animals are not permitted in MAH unless they are working guide or service animals.
Bicycles and Parking
Bicycles should not be brought into the MAH. Designated bicycle racks are available outside Campbell Hall. Guest parking can be obtained on the UC Santa Barbara campus. Arrangements can be made for prepaid or VIP parking by contacting the Parking Services office.
Executive Director Authority
The Executive Director of UCSB Alumni has the right to suspend any rental that is deemed to be a threat to the health and safety of campus members, conflicts with the mission of the campus or is disruptive to the operation of the MAH.
Other Notable Houses and Centers at PLNU
While not directly related to the Mosher Alumni House, other universities also recognize the importance of alumni engagement and have established similar facilities. Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), for example, has several notable houses and centers dedicated to various aspects of university life, including alumni relations, academics, and athletics. These facilities often honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the university.
Bresee Alumni House
Built around 1902, the Bresee Alumni House at PLNU originally served as the residence of Katherine Tingley, leader of the Point Loma Theosophical Society. Later known as the North House, it was used as the college presidentâs home before being dedicated in 1987 as the Bresee Alumni House.
The building honors Phineas F. Bresee (1838â1915), founding president of what is now Point Loma Nazarene University and a primary founder of the Church of the Nazarene. Architecturally, the house features Romanesque interior arches, carved wooden portals, and a decorative staircase. Today, the Alumni Association maintains the property, offering four bedrooms for visiting alumni, guest speakers, and family of current students.
Bond Academic Center
The Bond Academic Center at PLNU honors Dr. Jim L. Bond, president of Point Loma Nazarene University from 1983 to 1997. Originally constructed in 1962 as a dining hall, the building was renovated and repurposed in 1999. It now houses the Department of Literature, Journalism, Writing & Languages.
Brown Chapel
Completed in 1985, Brown Chapel serves as a shared worship space for Point Loma Nazarene University and San Diego First Church of the Nazarene. The chapel was named in 1987 for Dr. W. Shelburne Brown (1918â1978), ninth president of Pasadena/Point Loma College and the visionary leader behind the universityâs relocation from Pasadena to the Point Loma campus in 1973.
Cabrillo Hall
One of the most historically significant buildings on campus, Cabrillo Hall dates back to 1909 when it served as the international headquarters of the Universal Brotherhood and Theosophical Society. Renamed Cabrillo Hall in 1951 to honor explorer Juan RodrÃguez Cabrillo, the building now houses classrooms and offices for Communication Studies.
Carroll B. Land Baseball Field
Tucked into a coastal canyon behind the historic Greek Amphitheatre, Carroll B. Land Baseball Field is widely considered one of the most beautiful ballparks in America. The stadium was officially named in 1998 for Dr. Carroll B. Land, who coached the baseball team for nearly 40 years and served as athletic director from 1967 until his retirement.
Colt Hall
Colt Hall is home to Point Loma Nazarene Universityâs Department of History and Political Science. Completed in 1998 and formally named in 1999, the building was made possible through a generous $2 million gift from Clara Elizabeth Colt (1906â2005).
Cooper Music Center
Completed in 1995, the Cooper Music Center is a landmark facility at Point Loma Nazarene University, designed by Mosher, Drew, Watson and Ferguson to serve as the home for the universityâs music program. The building honors Frank and Gladys Cooper, Nazarene song evangelists, ranchers, and faithful supporters of the university since its Pasadena days.
Culbertson Hall
Culbertson Hall, one of the oldest buildings on the Point Loma campus, is home to PLNUâs Psychology and Sociology departments and stands as a tribute to one of the universityâs most beloved academic leaders, Dr. Paul T. Culbertson (1905â1993).
Draper Hall
Dedicated in 2004, Draper Hall honors the legacy of Dr. Bill Draper, president from 1978 to 1983, and his wife, Frances.
Evans Hall
Constructed in 1960 as a companion to Taylor Hall, Evans Hall was originally part of California Western University. Today, Evans Hall is home to faculty and staff from Point Loma Nazarene Universityâs School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the School of Education.
Fermanian Business Center and School of Business
The Fermanian Business Center was established in 1990 by George Fermanian, a former PLNU business professor and successful Southern California developer, in honor of his parents, Haig and Marion Fermanian. Dedicated in 2005, the 15,000-square-foot Fermanian School of Business is located adjacent to the original business center.
Finch Hall
Finch Hall honors Donna Carothers Finch (1898â1964), a beloved figure in the Pasadena College community and wife of university president Dr. Oscar J. Finch. Built in 1965 as Alpha Hall during the California Western University era, the three-story residence hall was renamed Finch Hall in 1973.
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