Katie Johnson, Marshall ’00, wanted to become a member of the UCSD Alumni Association for years. “It’s important to me to keep my connection with the one place that gave me a true firm footing on who I am and wanted to be,” she says. Johnson had been an involved student during her time at UC San Diego, working as a resident advisor at Marshall, and after graduation missed participating in activities with others like herself.

Working as a schoolteacher, however, left her short on extra cash. But when she received a $600 check from President George W. Bush she immediately knew what to do with it.

“It occurred to me, why not spend part of my $600 economic stimulus check to join the UCSD Alumni Association?”

So that’s what she did. She is also becoming involved in the Silicon Valley chapter and taking on a leadership role, planning and coordinating events.

“ UCSD truly allowed me to grow and develop in ways I don’t think I could have anywhere else,” she says.

The best part is that Johnson’s mother ended up paying the money back, to support her ­decision to reconnect to her alma mater. “I got my economic stimulus twice!” she says.
It’s the thought that counts. And if you are interesting in being counted, you can join Katie and thousands of others for as little as $45 per annum. For more information go to: alumni.ucsd.edu/membership.

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