Notable Alumni of the University of La Verne: A Legacy of Knowledge, Service, and Vision

Introduction

The University of La Verne (ULV), a private institution in La Verne, California, has a rich history dating back to 1891. Originally founded as Lordsburg College, it has evolved into a comprehensive university comprising various colleges and schools, offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. With over 90,000 alumni worldwide, the University of La Verne has produced numerous individuals who have made significant contributions in diverse fields. This article highlights some of the most notable alumni, showcasing the University's commitment to fostering knowledge, service, and vision. La Verne alumni can be found in every state of the union, in 66 countries across the globe, and have distinguished themselves in nearly every field.

Prominent Alumni in Public Service and Politics

Alex Villanueva: Former Sheriff of Los Angeles County

Alejandro "Alex" Villanueva is an American law enforcement officer who served as the 33rd sheriff of Los Angeles County, California, from 2018 to 2022. He made history by unseating incumbent sheriff Jim McDonnell in the 2018 L.A. County Sheriff's race, marking the first time an incumbent had been unseated in over a century. Prior to becoming Sheriff, he was a lieutenant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Nancy Dahlstrom: Lieutenant Governor of Alaska

Nancy Dahlstrom is an American politician currently serving as the 15th lieutenant governor of Alaska since December 2022. She previously served as a Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives, representing the 18th and 13th districts. She was appointed to the House at the beginning of the legislative session in 2003 when the representative-elect, Lisa Murkowski, was appointed to the United States Senate.

Mike Morrell: Former California State Senator

Mike Morrell is an American politician who served in the California State Senate from 2014 to 2020. He was elected as a Republican to the California State Assembly in 2010 and won a special election to the State Senate in March 2014. Before his career in the state legislature, he worked as a real estate broker.

Roger Hernández: Former California State Assemblymember

Roger Hernández is an American former politician who served in the California State Assembly, representing the 48th district.

Robert T. Yamate: Diplomat

Robert T. Yamate is an American diplomat of Japanese descent and a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. He previously served as the United States Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros.

Art Acevedo: Police Officer

Hubert Arturo Acevedo is an American police officer who was previously the interim chief of police of the Aurora Police Department, the chief of police of the Austin Police Department, Houston Police Department, and Miami Police Department. Before becoming a police chief, he was a member of the California Highway Patrol.

Notable Figures in Arts, Entertainment, and Media

Ross Mathews: Television Personality

Ross Mathews is an American television host and personality. He gained fame as an intern and correspondent for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, where he was known as "Ross the Intern."

Anthony E. Zuiker: Television Writer and Producer

Anthony E. Zuiker is an American television writer, television producer, and author. He is best known as the creator of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. He produced all five editions of the CSI franchise: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, CSI: Cyber, and CSI: Vegas. His production company is Dare to Pass.

Darren Kavinoky: Criminal Lawyer and Television Journalist

Darren Kavinoky is an American criminal lawyer and television journalist who created the television show Deadly Sins on Investigation Discovery. He is also the featured Criminal Interventionist on the Investigation Discovery TV series Breaking Point. Kavinoky is an on-air legal analyst and special correspondent for The Insider, reporting on legal, political, and pop-culture issues. He has also appeared on Entertainment Tonight, NBC’s Today Show, Dr. Phil, CNN Headline News, and various other television and radio programs. Kavinoky also frequently contributes a video blog to The Insider.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Jessica Dominguez: Immigration Lawyer and Media Personality

Jessica Dominguez is an immigration lawyer based in Studio City, California, and is also a radio and television presenter. From 2012 to 2013, she hosted the radio program Pregúntale a la Abogada on Univision Radio. She currently hosts the weekly television immigration segment "Ángel de la Justicia" on Univision's ¡Despierta América! and appears on Primer Impacto's immigration segments. She is an advocate for immigration reform and has provided commentary for media outlets including The Los Angeles Times.

Accomplished Athletes

Dan Quisenberry: Major League Baseball Pitcher

Daniel Raymond Quisenberry, nicknamed "Quiz", was an American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, primarily for the Kansas City Royals. Known for his submarine-style pitching delivery and humorous quotes, he led the American League in saves a record five times (1980, 1982-85). Quisenberry retired in 1990 with 244 saves, then the fifth-highest total in major league history.

Dan Graham: Major League Baseball Player

Daniel Jay Graham is an American former professional baseball player who appeared in 143 games in the Major Leagues - largely as a catcher - for the Minnesota Twins (1979) and Baltimore Orioles (1980-1981).

Willie Norwood: Major League Baseball Outfielder

Willie Norwood is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Minnesota Twins from 1977 to 1980.

Jim Lentine: Major League Baseball Outfielder

James Matthew Lentine is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder. He played all or part of three seasons in the major leagues, from 1978 to 1980, for the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers. He is based in San Clemente, California, and working as an area scout for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Other Notable Alumni

John Long: Rock Climber and Author

John Long is an American rock climber and author whose stories have been translated into many languages.

David Hollinger: Historian and University Teacher

David Albert Hollinger is the Preston Hotchkis Professor of History, emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley. His specialties are American intellectual history and American ethnoracial history.

Tom Jackson, Jr.: Academic

Tom Jackson Jr. is an American academic who served as president of California Polytechnic University Humboldt from fall 2019 to August 2024. He is best known for overseeing the university's transition to a polytechnic.

University of La Verne: A Hub for Diverse Fields

The University of La Verne's alumni have made their mark across various fields, reflecting the institution's commitment to providing a well-rounded education. Thirty-four judges hold a J.D. from the College of Law and Public Service. Many are business owners, CEOs, or presidents serving national and international corporations. City managers, police chiefs, city and county department heads, and several public management and law enforcement officials throughout the state hold public administration degrees from La Verne. Reflecting the high value the University places on service, many alumni are teachers, ministers, psychologists, or counselors. There are distinguished alumni in the performing arts, many who have made significant contributions to the arts both in the classroom and in professional performance. Many alumni involved in communications fields hold positions in broadcast and print media in the competitive Los Angeles/Southern California market and include television and radio personalities.

Connecting with the Alumni Community

The University of La Verne Alumni Association invites all members of the University of La Verne family-alumni, current students, parents, and friends-to connect with the university’s alumni community. This robust network of leaders spans the globe and includes virtually every profession. Here, on your alumni site, you will find events, ideas, and resources that matter to you.

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