University of Redlands: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
The University of Redlands, a private institution founded in 1907, has cultivated a rich tradition of academic excellence and community engagement. Its alumni have made significant contributions across diverse fields, leaving an indelible mark on society. This article explores the lives and achievements of some of the university's most distinguished graduates, showcasing the breadth and depth of their impact.
A Foundation of Education and Growth
Chartered on November 25, 1907, the University of Redlands welcomed its first 59 students in September 1909. From its humble beginnings, the university has grown into a thriving institution, guided by dedicated presidents who have shaped its trajectory. The university's early history is intertwined with the vision of Jasper Newton Field, its first president, who laid the foundation for its academic and spiritual values.
Presidential Leadership Through the Years
The University of Redlands has benefited from the leadership of several presidents who have overseen its growth and development.
- Jasper Newton Field (1909-1914): As the founding president, Field established the university's initial direction and values.
- Victor LeRoy Duke: Following Field's resignation in 1914, Dean and mathematics professor Duke stepped in as the next president.
- Clarence Howe Thurber (1933- ): Thurber brought a new philosophy and teaching methods to the school.
- George Henry Armacost (1945- ): Armacost's tenure saw substantial growth in the student body and campus facilities.
- Eugene E. Dawson (1970- ): Dawson presided over the founding of Whitehead College, expanding educational opportunities for non-traditional students.
- Douglas R. Moore: Moore's time at Redlands proved to be pivotal for the University.
- James R. Appleton (1987-2005, 2010-2012): Appleton oversaw significant enhancements in campus facilities, technology, and fundraising.
- Stuart Dorsey (2005-2010): Dorsey led the university during the opening of the Center for the Arts and the renovation of the Armacost Library.
- Ralph W. Kuncl (2012-2021): Kuncl added the Marin campus, created the Graduate School of Theology, and launched the Forever Yours campaign.
- Krista L. Newkirk (2021-Present): The current president, Newkirk, continues to build on the university's legacy of excellence.
These leaders have navigated periods of growth, financial challenges, and societal changes, ensuring the University of Redlands remains a vibrant center of learning.
Notable Alumni: A Legacy of Achievement
The University of Redlands boasts a diverse and accomplished alumni network that spans various fields. The following list highlights some of the most recognizable and influential graduates who have made significant contributions to their respective professions. The list is loosely ordered by relevance, placing the most recognizable figures at the forefront. It is important to note that this directory includes both graduates and former students, as some individuals may not have earned a degree from the University of Redlands.
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Politics and Diplomacy
- Warren Christopher: (1925-2011) An American attorney, diplomat, and statesman, Christopher served as the 63rd United States Secretary of State from 1993 to 1997. His career was marked by a commitment to public service and international diplomacy.
- Pete Aguilar: Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 2001, Aguilar has been a U.S. Representative for California since 2015 and chair of the House Democratic Caucus since 2023. He previously served as mayor of Redlands, California, from 2010 to 2014.
- Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud: A member of the House of Saud, he served as deputy minister of interior from 1975 to 2012 and briefly as minister of interior in 2012.
- Sam Brown: A former political activist, Brown served as the head of ACTION under President Jimmy Carter and as ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
- Juanita Millender-McDonald: Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1981, Millender-McDonald served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1996 until her death in 2007, representing California's 37th congressional district.
- Connie Leyva: Leyva is a former American politician and union organizer, who previously served as a member of the California State Senate.
- Joseph Ace Durano: A Filipino lawyer and politician, Durano served as Secretary of Tourism under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
- Gaddi Vasquez: Vasquez served as the 8th United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture.
- George Runner: Runner served on the California State Board of Equalization.
- Richard Polanco: A former California State Senate Majority leader and member of the California State Assembly.
- Pat Morris: Morris was the Mayor of San Bernardino, California from 2006 to 2014.
- Clinton D. McKinnon: Graduating in 1930 with a Bachelor of Arts McKinnon served two terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1949 to 1953.
- Peter Groff: Groff is a former member of the Obama administration and a former Colorado legislator and President of the Colorado Senate.
Arts and Entertainment
- John Raitt: An American actor and singer best known for his performances in musical theatre, Raitt's most notable roles were Billy Bigelow in the original Broadway cast of Carousel and Curly in the original Chicago production of Oklahoma!.
- Angel Blue: An American soprano, Blue won the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording for the Metropolitan Opera production of Porgy and Bess.
- Christopher Coppola: An American film director and producer.
- Eric Pierpoint: An American actor and author, Pierpoint is best known for his role as George Francisco on Fox Network's Alien Nation.
- Gerald Albright: An American jazz saxophonist, Albright earned Grammys for the albums 24/7 in 2012 and Slam Dunk in 2014.
- John Jorgenson: An American musician proficient on the guitar, mandolin, mandocello, Dobro, pedal steel guitar, piano, upright bass, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone.
- Jack Spicer: Studied in 1943-1945, was an American poet often identified with the San Francisco Renaissance.
- David Eick: An American writer and producer, best known as the executive producer of Battlestar Galactica.
- Craig Santos Perez: A poet, essayist, former university professor, and publisher from the Chamorro people.
Sports
- Jerry Tarkanian: An American basketball coach who coached college basketball for 31 seasons, leading the UNLV Runnin' Rebels to win the national championship in 1990. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
- Harvey Hyde: An American sports journalist and former football coach.
- Bill Kernen: An American baseball coach and playwright.
- John Wesley Houser, Jr: A former American football offensive lineman who played in the National Football League.
Other Fields
- David Boies: An American lawyer and chairman of the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner LLP.
- W. Richard West, Jr: The president and CEO of the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles and the founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
- Robert Hertzberg: An American politician who previously served in the California State Senate.
- Beth Simmons: An American academic and international relations scholar.
- Willard R. Espy: An American editor, philologist, writer, poet, and local historian.
- Art Stephenson: Was the ninth Director of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
- Hasan Habib: A Pakistani American professional poker player.
- Robert Don Hughes: An American educator, writer, and pastor.
- David Byerman: An American government official who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Chester County, Pennsylvania.
- John Scott: An American law enforcement official who served as the interim Sheriff of Los Angeles County, California.
This diverse array of alumni demonstrates the University of Redlands' commitment to fostering talent and preparing students for success in a wide range of fields.
The University Today
The University of Redlands continues to uphold its mission of providing a transformative educational experience.
- Academics: The university offers more than 50 major areas of study, with a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. Eighty-five percent of full-time faculty have a Ph.D. or terminal degree.
- Campus Life: The university's main campus is situated on 160 acres near downtown Redlands. Undergraduate students are guaranteed housing for four years and are generally required to live on campus.
- Athletics: Redlands competes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and offers 21 sports teams.
- Community Engagement: The university's Community Service Learning program provides students with opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom.
With a strong emphasis on academic rigor, experiential learning, and community engagement, the University of Redlands remains a vital institution for higher education.
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